Obesity is a sensitive topic, especially if you struggle with your weight. It bleeds into every aspect of your life, from your health and mobility to the resources you can access. Obesity life insurance rates typically trend higher than premiums for people with lower weights. Medical Profiles, Inc. demystifies how obesity affects your coverage and what you can do about it below.
Why Are Obesity Life Insurance Rates More Expensive?
Obesity means you have a high BMI (Body Mass Index) compared to your height, age, and other factors. Your premium increases with your BMI because obesity puts you at risk for numerous health conditions, such as:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Kidney and liver diseases
- Strokes
High BMIs limit mobility, which might force policyholders into a sedentary lifestyle. The underwriting process accounts for each factor when deciding an applicant’s acceptance and premiums. Your life insurance expenses can reach more than half a grand more per year than another person with a lower BMI.
Empowering Yourself to Lose Weight, Save Money, and Receive Generous Coverage
Don’t worry: there’s some good news, too. You can change coverage eligibility and premium rates through consistent, lasting lifestyle changes.
Like many health concerns, obesity can have permanent consequences on your health. But hard work and commitment to a healthier lifestyle will pay off in the long run. You’ll find some recommendations for achieving lower obesity life insurance rates and better benefits below.
Apply for Guaranteed Coverage
Most providers require that applicants undergo thorough paramedical exams to qualify for their less expensive policies with higher coverage value. This health risk assessment can negatively impact your eligibility.
If you need immediate coverage, try for a guaranteed or no-exam policy. These options don’t require applicants to undergo exams and provide coverage regardless of their health status.
Make a Plan With Your Doctor
Communicate to your doctor that you want to avoid obesity life insurance rates. Your medical care provider can help you create and follow a sustainable plan that takes your current capabilities into account. Adjust the strategy as needed to accommodate changing needs and abilities.
Change Your Habits
You’ve likely heard it all before. A commitment to a healthy lifestyle requires commitment and motivation. However, big shifts can start with small changes. You might be surprised at how easily you’ll drop a few pounds by:
- Eliminating liquid calories. You might not realize how many calories you consume through beverages. Stick to water, coffee, and tea with calorie-free sweeteners as much as possible.
- Walking a predetermined distance every day. You don’t have to hit the gym hard every day to drop weight. Take small steps by walking half a mile or a mile daily.
- Stretching twice a day. When you wake up and before you hit the hay, do some easy yoga or stretches recommended by your doctor. These sets will burn a few calories and increase your range of motion.
- Experimenting with alternative foods. For example, you might currently purchase white bread at 70 calories per slice when you could choose whole-grain bread at 30 calories.
Reapply for New Coverage After Losing Weight
After achieving a healthier BMI, you can undergo a medical exam and apply for a new policy. Your previous policy ownership alongside health improvements will increase your coverage options and significantly lower your rates.
Medical Profiles Inc. Comes to You for Paramedical Exams
Obesity life insurance rates don’t have to be long-term expenses that impact you forever. If you work with your doctor to improve your physical health, you can qualify for lower rates and better coverage. When you reach a healthy BMI, you can rely on Medical Profile, Inc. to confirm the improvements with paramedical exams that come to you. Call 832-251-3926 for an appointment.
