How Does Health Insurance for Obese People Work?

According to the world health organization (WHO) statistics, one in every six individuals is obese. More specifically, more than 40% of Americans are considered overweight. 

While the cost of health insurance is affected by factors like age and gender, insurance companies can charge more for life insurance for overweight applicants. And in some cases, when an obese is diagnosed with a serious ailment, the cover could be denied. 

The rationale is that overweight people have more medical problems, which translates to higher medical bills. Obese individuals are likely to suffer from conditions like hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. 

If you’re overweight, you may be prompted to pay higher premiums by the insurance company. If you’re obese or overweight, you can still get a reasonably priced insurance plan. But since every insurer is unique, what is considered overweight may still be within the normal range. 

Let’s look at how health insurance for obese people works. 

How Can Obesity Increase Insurance Premiums?

If the insurance company considers you overweight, this could make a huge difference in your health insurance plan. Most insurance companies view a healthy individual as having a lesser chance of getting sick than an obese individual. When the BMI is above 30, the insurance company will increase the premium amount. 

Can You Be Denied Insurance for Being Obese? 

If you’re extremely obese, you could be denied coverage. However, in most cases, you can pay unreasonably higher premiums. If you’re struggling to find an affordable insurance cover, don’t fret. The market has an array of choices, so you may want to shop around to see what works for you. 

What Should You Do to Prevent Higher Premiums?

Insurance and obesity don’t seem to go together well. The only solution is to cut down your body weight. But does significant weight loss affect your application? The reality is that weight loss is not the same as weight gain in the eyes of an insurer. 

What About Life Insurance for Obese People?

Every insurance company has a different definition of overweight. We’ve heard cases where an insurance company refused life insurance for an MBI. 

To be on the safe side, you may want to look closely at what each company offers. If your weight is affecting the coverage, ask your employer if they offer group life insurance policies. Nevertheless, you should take the necessary steps to live a healthier life. You may also want to talk to your doctor about the strategies you can use to shed the extra pounds.

What if you gain weight after you’ve already taken a life insurance cover? You shouldn’t worry about this. The insurance company generally can’t increase the premiums once the policy is issued. 

If you’re obese, you will not only pay higher health insurance premiums, but you could also get several exclusions from your health insurance plan. While your weight can affect the cost of premiums, you may want to shop around for more affordable options.

At InsureOne we want to make sure you get the quality coverage you need. Our specialized team can help you navigate the health insurance maze, get a free health insurance quote online, over the phone, or at one of our convenient locations near you.