Can You Get Life Insurance with a High BMI in Canada?

Last updated Feb 2, 2026

Written by

Ben Nguyen

Content Director

Canadian insurers use body mass index (BMI), based on height and weight, to assess overall health risks. Thus, getting life insurance with a high body mass index (BMI) can be discouraging. The higher your BMI, the more it impacts your eligibility for coverage and the premiums you will pay.

However, it’s good to know that securing affordable, high-quality life insurance in Canada is entirely possible, even if your BMI is in the overweight, obese or even morbidly obese ranges.

This guide will walk you through how Canadian insurers assess BMI, the realistic impact on your costs, and proven strategies to find the best coverage for your situation.

How Canadian Insurers Use BMI in Underwriting

Life insurance companies in Canada use your BMI and other health and lifestyle factors to determine your risk class for underwriting. A higher BMI is statistically linked to an increased risk of developing health conditions like:

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure (Hypertension)
• High cholesterol
• Sleep apnea

Because these conditions can shorten life expectancy, they affect the policy types you qualify for and the premiums you will pay. It is important to remember that BMI is just one factor among many, including your age, gender, smoking status, family medical history, and any existing health conditions.

Rating Up for Higher BMIs

Health Canada uses the following classifications for adults, which insurers also use as a baseline:

• Underweight: Below 18.5
• Normal Weight: 18.5 to 24.9
• Overweight: 25 to 29.9
• Obese: 30 or greater

Insurers apply additional premium loadings called “ratings” based on how much your BMI exceeds their normal weight range for your height.

The table below demonstrates an example of the relationship between BMIs and premium ratings in Canada:

BMI Range	Rating	Sample Premium Increase
18.5 – 24.9	Standard	standard premium
25 – 27.4	Table A	+25%
27.5 – 29.9	Table B	+50%
30 – 34.9	Table C	+75%
35 – 39.9	Table D	+100%
40+	Table E	+150%+

For example, a BMI of 28 (5’10”, 195 Ib) falls in the overweight range, but is not yet obese. Being overweight typically results in a rating class of Table A or B with Canadian insurers. So, for a BMI of 28, an applicant would likely receive a rating in Table A or Table B range, assuming no other major health issues are present. This equates to paying approximately 25% to 50% more in premiums compared to an individual with a BMI in the standard range.

Obese applicants in the higher BMI ranges may see high ratings of +75% up to +150% above standard premium rates before hitting the decline limit.

Can You Get Coverage with Obesity and Morbid Obesity?

For applicants with more severe obesity and extremely high BMIs in the morbidly obese ranges, securing life insurance in Canada may be more difficult, but is still very possible:

• Approval remains common up to BMI 45-50, but ratings like Table D/E (+100 to 150% extra) are expected.
• Over a BMI of 50, outright declines start becoming more likely, especially if other health issues are present.
• At BMIs approaching 60+, most regular life insurance applicants get declined. Guaranteed issues or final expense policies become the better route.
• Insurers usually set a cutoff BMI of between 60 to 70 for declining any applicants. Anyone over must pursue a guaranteed acceptance plan.

If you’ve had bariatric surgery for obesity, like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, you can apply for life insurance 6 to 12 months afterwards once your weight stabilizes.

Securing Affordable Life Insurance with a High BMI in Canada

Just because you have a few extra pounds doesn’t mean you can’t get quality, affordable life insurance in Canada. Follow these tips to find policies with premiums you can live with:

Work with an Independent Insurance Broker

This is the single most effective strategy. An experienced independent broker who specializes in high-risk cases is your greatest asset. They are not tied to one company and understand the nuances of each insurer’s underwriting guidelines. They can identify which company is most lenient for your specific height, weight, and health profile, saving you from applying to insurers likely to decline you or offer very high rates.

What to ask a broker: “What is your experience placing policies for clients with a BMI similar to mine?” and “Which insurers do you find are most competitive for this risk profile?”

Consider Simplified and Guaranteed Issue Policies

If you’re concerned about a medical exam or have been declined for traditional coverage, these policies are excellent alternatives.

• Simplified Issue Life Insurance: This requires answering a short set of health questions but does not require a medical exam. The BMI limits are often more generous than fully underwritten policies. Coverage amounts are substantial, often up to $500,000 or more.
• Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance: This requires no medical exam and no health questions. Acceptance is guaranteed for Canadians within a specific age range (e.g., 40-75). The trade-offs are higher costs, lower coverage amounts (typically $25,000-$50,000), and usually a two-year waiting period, where the death benefit is only paid in full for accidental death. It’s a valuable safety net if all other options fail.

Improve Your BMI

Obtaining life insurance approval with a high BMI is possible. But even shedding 10 or 15 pounds can lower your BMI enough to qualify you for a better premium rate class.

If you’ve lost weight recently, let your insurer know. Maintaining a lower weight for 6-12 months often allows them to re-rate you at a lower BMI.

Available Policy Types for Applicants With High BMI

A high BMI does NOT lock you out of standard policy types. The main difference will be the premium cost.

• Term Life Insurance: Provides coverage for a specific period (10, 20, 30 years). It’s the most affordable option and ideal for covering temporary needs like a mortgage or raising children.
• Permanent Life Insurance: (Whole Life, Universal Life) Provides lifelong coverage and includes a cash value savings component. Premiums are significantly higher but remain level for life.
• Group Life Insurance: Often available through your employer with limited or no medical underwriting. It’s a great, low-cost starting point, but coverage is often limited and may not be portable if you leave your job.

Cost of Life Insurance with a High BMI in Canada

Life insurance costs more for higher BMI applicants because the increased mortality risk means shorter expected lifespans. Exact costs depend on:

• Your specific BMI and rating category
• Your age and gender
• Type of insurance (term, whole life, etc)
• Policy amount needed
• Any other health conditions you have

To illustrate the potential impact of BMI on life insurance costs in Canada, here are sample monthly premiums for a $500,000 20-year term policy for a 40-year-old male:

• Standard BMI: $50
• Overweight BMI: $65
• Obese BMI: $90
• Morbidly Obese BMI: $250

Permanent life insurance policies like whole life or universal life would cost significantly more, likely 4 to 10 times the equivalent term insurance rates.

Overall, expect to pay anywhere from 25% up to 500%+ or more compared to Canadians with BMIs in the standard ranges.

How to Compare Life Insurance with a High BMI in Canada

If your BMI falls outside normal ranges, compare quotes from at least 5 top Canadian life insurance companies to find your best option:

• Policy Type: Compare term vs. permanent and fully underwritten vs. simplified issue vs. guaranteed issue policies.
• Rating Factors: Insurers’ BMI charts, categories, limits and premium loadings vary. A high rating with one company could be standard with another.
• Approval Odds: Each insurer’s risk appetite for high BMI applicants differs. Apply broadly to find one that approves you.
• Exclusions: Make sure to review what conditions, like diabetes, may exclude you from certain life insurance policies.
• Premiums: Weigh the increased cost due to BMI versus your desired amount of coverage. Get quotes for multiple policy amounts.

An experienced broker simplifies comparing life insurance with a high BMI by providing multiple quotes tailored to your situation.

Where to Buy Life Insurance with a High BMI in Canada

These top life insurance companies offer some of the best options for purchasing policies with higher-than-average BMIs:

• Banner Life – May offer more lenient underwriting for applicants with higher BMIs compared to some other insurers
• AIG – Known for insuring BMIs up to 50. Specializes in high-risk life insurance.
• Assumption Life – Flexible with simplified issue policies.
• Canada Protection Plan – Leading provider of guaranteed issue policies for declined applicants.
• Foresters Financial – may offer life insurance to higher-risk applicants, including those with potentially higher BMIs
• RBC Insurance – May offer traditional life insurance policies to applicants with higher BMIs.

Aside from High BMI, various pre-existing disorders impacting life insurance are Depression, Lupus, HIV/AIDS, Autoimmune Diseases, High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, Drug Use, etc. See these helpful guides on how to apply for life insurance with pre-existing conditions:

• Life Insurance with Depression
• Life Insurance with Lupus
• Life Insurance with High Blood Pressure
• Life Insurance with High Cholesterol
• Life Insurance with High Blood Pressure

The Bottom Line: Don’t Let BMI Be a Barrier

A high BMI adds a layer of complexity to buying life insurance, but it should not stop you from protecting your loved ones. Be prepared to pay higher premiums due to your BMI-related risk, and don’t hesitate to consider guaranteed issue insurance if you’re declined by traditionally underwritten options. By understanding the process, setting realistic cost expectations, and partnering with an expert broker, you can successfully secure the coverage that meets your needs.

FAQs on Life Insurance with a High BMI

Article Sources:

1. Government of Canada, Body Mass Index (BMI)