Life Insurance in Canada, No Matter Your BMI
Many Canadians worry they won’t qualify for life insurance due to their height and weight. The truth is, you can still get affordable coverage, whether you’re underweight, overweight, or have a high BMI.
📖 12 Minute Read
📅 Originally Published: July 21, 2021
🔄 Updated: July 3, 2025

Life Insurance in Canada, No Matter Your BMI
Many Canadians worry they won’t qualify for life insurance due to their height and weight. The truth is, you can still get affordable coverage, whether you’re underweight, overweight, or have a high BMI.
📖 12 Minute Read
📅 Originally Published: July 21, 2021
🔄 Updated: July 3, 2025

If you’re looking for life insurance in Canada for any BMI, you’re not alone. Many Canadians worry that their weight might affect eligibility or premiums.
The good news is, you can qualify for affordable coverage – even if you’re underweight, overweight, or recently had bariatric surgery. This guide breaks down how insurers assess your build and what you can do to get approved.
✅ Yes, you can get life insurance – no matter your BMI
Even if you’ve been told otherwise, there are flexible options available in Canada. From fully underwritten to no-medical plans, there’s a policy to match almost every body type.
📘 Read more below to understand how insurers treat BMI and how to get the best rate possible.
In this article:
- What is BMI?
- Free BMI Calculator for Canadian Life Insurance
- How Do Insurers Use BMI for Life Insurance in Canada?
- How Do I Qualify for Life Insurance if I’m Overweight?
- What is Bariatric Surgery?
- Can You Get Life Insurance if You’re Underweight?
- Canadian Insurer Build Charts: BMI Ranges, Ratings & Declines
- Real Canadian Case Studies: BMI Success Stories
- Ready to Apply? Let’s Get You a Quote
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About BMI and Life Insurance
What is BMI?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that uses your height and weight to estimate body fat and health risk. It’s calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared (BMI = kg/m²).
A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is generally considered healthy. A BMI above 25 is categorized as overweight. Below 18.5 is underweight and may signal underlying health risks that could impact insurance eligibility.
How Do Insurers Use BMI for Life Insurance in Canada?
When applying for life insurance in Canada, your BMI, height, and weight are used together to assess your build. Insurers use these details to assign your underwriting class, which affects your monthly premiums. The healthier your BMI, the better the chance of qualifying for preferred rates.
Each insurance company has a unique build chart. For example, Ivari and Canada Life both define standard and preferred ranges differently for the same height. Humania offers more flexibility in simplified policies, while Manulife, Desjardins, and Beneva use structured unisex tables. Empire Life may assign ratings if your BMI is just slightly outside their preferred zone, while Assumption Life can decline outright if maximum thresholds are exceeded.
Applicants with a BMI outside of standard ranges may see premiums increase by 125 percent or more. If you exceed the maximum allowed weight for your height, some insurers will postpone or decline your application. Others, like Industrial Alliance, use a more tiered approach that includes possible table ratings before issuing a decline.
To help you navigate these differences, we’ve included a side-by-side comparison of real build charts from five Canadian insurers below:
💡 Did you know? Some Canadian insurers will still approve life insurance applications even if your BMI is outside the “standard” range, especially with simplified or no-medical policies.
If you’ve been declined before or told you’re “uninsurable,” it may just be a matter of choosing the right provider and policy type.
👉 Compare no-medical life insurance quotes now or book a free call with an advisor
Fully Underwritten Life Insurance Build Chart
Preferred / Standard / Decline weight limits by height across 5 major Canadian life insurance providers
Height | Manulife | Canada Life | Ivari | Empire Life | Desjardins |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
5’2” | 123 / 143 / 185 | 125 / 145 / 185 | 130 / 155 / 200 | 122 / 148 / 190 | 128 / 150 / 192 |
5’4” | 130 / 150 / 193 | 132 / 152 / 192 | 138 / 163 / 210 | 129 / 155 / 198 | 135 / 157 / 200 |
5’6” | 137 / 158 / 200 | 139 / 159 / 202 | 145 / 170 / 218 | 136 / 162 / 205 | 142 / 164 / 208 |
5’8” | 145 / 166 / 210 | 147 / 168 / 212 | 153 / 178 / 228 | 144 / 170 / 215 | 150 / 172 / 218 |
5’10” | 153 / 175 / 218 | 155 / 176 / 220 | 161 / 186 / 235 | 152 / 178 / 223 | 158 / 180 / 226 |
6’0” | 161 / 183 / 225 | 163 / 184 / 230 | 170 / 195 / 243 | 160 / 186 / 230 | 166 / 188 / 234 |
6’2” | 170 / 192 / 235 | 172 / 194 / 240 | 178 / 204 / 252 | 168 / 195 / 240 | 174 / 197 / 244 |
6’4” | 179 / 200 / 245 | 180 / 202 / 250 | 187 / 212 / 260 | 176 / 202 / 248 | 182 / 204 / 252 |
*Weights in lb: Preferred / Standard / Decline thresholds
BMI Calculator
Use our calculator below to check your Body Mass Index and understand how your height and weight may impact life insurance rates.
Free BMI Calculator for Canadians
Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) using metric or imperial units. This calculator works for adults aged 18–65.
BMI Calculator (Metric & Imperial)
How Do Insurers Use BMI for Life Insurance in Canada?
Most Canadian life insurance companies use your Body Mass Index (BMI) as a baseline metric to assess your build and overall risk. BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in metres. This number helps underwriters decide whether you’re likely to qualify for standard or preferred rates, or if you’ll be rated or declined.
While each insurer uses their own proprietary build chart, most follow the same structure: they divide applicants into rating classes such as Preferred, Standard, and Decline. These are based on whether your BMI falls within healthy ranges (generally between 18.5 and 29.9) and whether you have any other related health conditions.
For example, an applicant with a BMI of 32 might still qualify for standard rates if they have no other health issues, while a BMI of 38 to 40 could trigger a rating or deferral depending on the insurer.
How is BMI Treated for Simplified Issue Policies?
Simplified issue life insurance policies are generally more lenient on build, since they don’t require a medical exam. Instead, they rely on a short health questionnaire. Some insurers offering simplified policies like Assumption Life, Humania, or Specialty Life do not automatically decline based on BMI unless it’s extremely high or associated with other risk factors.
However, because simplified policies have limited underwriting, they often come with higher premiums and lower coverage limits. These options are best suited for applicants who may not qualify for traditional coverage due to weight, age, or medical history.
Simplified Issue policies are more lenient with their build charts for BMI. This means that if you want a standard rating but are over the maximum weight for fully underwritten policies, you may still qualify with simplified issue.
Below is a comparison of simplified issue build chart limits for adults between 5’5” and 5’8” from Canada Protection Plan (CPP), Assumption Life, Industrial Alliance (IA), and Beneva.
Unisex Simplified Issue Build Chart
Maximum allowable weight by height (4’10” to 6’4”) for simplified issue applications across Canadian insurers
Height | SSQ | CPP | IA | Assumption | Guaranteed Issue |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
4’10” | 199 lb | 185 lb | 190 lb | 192 lb | no maximum |
5’0” | 213 lb | 199 lb | 200 lb | 205 lb | no maximum |
5’2” | 228 lb | 215 lb | 220 lb | 219 lb | no maximum |
5’4” | 243 lb | 220 lb | 220 lb | 233 lb | no maximum |
5’6” | 258 lb | 235 lb | 240 lb | 247 lb | no maximum |
5’8” | 274 lb | 260 lb | 260 lb | 262 lb | no maximum |
5’10” | 290 lb | 260 lb | 260 lb | 278 lb | no maximum |
6’0” | 307 lb | 282 lb | 280 lb | 294 lb | no maximum |
6’2” | 325 lb | 305 lb | 300 lb | 310 lb | no maximum |
6’4” | 342 lb | 305 lb | 300 lb | 326 lb | no maximum |
How do I secure life insurance if I’m overweight?
Being overweight typically means you may pay more for the same coverage compared to someone in a healthier weight range. However, unless you have other serious health concerns, your BMI alone won’t prevent you from getting life insurance. Here are four proven strategies to secure coverage if your BMI is above average:
✅ Work with an experienced life insurance advisor
You may still qualify based on your build, even with slightly higher premiums. A licensed life insurance advisor can match you with an insurer that’s more lenient with your height and weight.
Some insurers use unisex build charts, while others have separate ranges for males and females. If you’re female, a unisex chart might be more forgiving. Learn more about BMI classifications from Health Canada.
✅ Reapply after weight loss or lifestyle changes
If you were declined or offered a higher rate, reapplying after losing weight may improve your outcome. Insurers also assess body composition and lifestyle. For example, someone who weighs 155 lb at 5’5″ but is active and muscular may be rated more favourably than someone sedentary at the same weight.
✅ Consider no medical life insurance
If traditional coverage is out of reach due to BMI and other health factors, explore no medical life insurance options. These plans typically skip exams and don’t ask for height or weight, making them an accessible backup.
✅ Don’t assume you’ll be declined
Unless you’re in a BMI range that exceeds most insurers’ decline thresholds, there’s still a strong chance of qualifying. Even overweight applicants often receive standard or slightly rated premiums if other health markers are stable.

What is bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a medical procedure used for weight management in people with obesity. These surgeries either reduce how much food you can comfortably eat or how many calories your body absorbs or both.
Individuals with clinically severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m², or ≥ 35 kg/m² with serious health issues) may qualify when diet and exercise have not been effective. Bariatric surgery is an umbrella term, and you typically won’t choose the procedure type—your care team will determine the best approach.
The four most common types include:
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, adjustable gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy, and biliopancreatic diversion. Gastric bypass is the most frequently performed procedure in Canada.
How do different types of bariatric surgery affect your life insurance?
If you’re applying for life insurance after bariatric surgery, underwriting rules vary depending on the type of surgery. Most insurers will require a waiting period before accepting your application:
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: Wait at least 6 months before applying
- Gastric banding: Some insurers consider applicants after just 3 months
- Sleeve gastrectomy: Wait 6–12 months post-op, depending on the insurer
- Biliopancreatic diversion: Most insurers require 6–12 months before application
Can You Get Life Insurance if You’re Underweight?
Yes, you can get life insurance if you’re underweight, but it may be more complicated depending on how low your BMI is and whether there are any related health conditions. Most Canadian life insurance companies use Body Mass Index (BMI) ranges to assess risk. A BMI under 18.5 is typically considered underweight, and many insurers flag a BMI of 17 or below as a concern.
Why Insurers Flag Low BMI
Insurance underwriters see a very low BMI as a potential indicator of:
- Underlying medical conditions (e.g., thyroid disorders, gastrointestinal issues)
- Mental health issues such as eating disorders or chronic depression
- Nutritional deficiencies due to poor absorption or restricted diets
According to WomensHealth.gov, being underweight can increase the risk of:
- Osteoporosis and brittle bones
- Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies
- Depression and fatigue
- Weakened immune system
- Fertility issues and menstrual irregularities
These risks matter to life insurers because they can affect your life expectancy and overall health trajectory.
What Happens During Underwriting?
If your BMI is significantly below average, insurers may take one or more of the following actions:
- Request additional medical reports or bloodwork
- Ask for details about your diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits
- Delay a decision pending weight stabilization
- Offer a rated policy (i.e., higher premiums)
- Decline fully underwritten coverage and suggest a simplified issue or guaranteed issue policy instead
What Are Your Options?
If you’re underweight but otherwise healthy, you still have several options:
- Apply with multiple insurers: Underwriting guidelines vary in Canada. Some are more lenient than others.
- Work with a broker: They can guide you to companies with more flexible BMI ranges.
- Consider no-medical life insurance: This avoids BMI checks but comes at a higher cost and lower coverage.
Canadian Insurer Build Charts: BMI Ranges, Ratings & Declines
To help you understand how build is treated during full underwriting, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the minimum and maximum allowable weights by height across five major Canadian life insurers. These charts reflect fully underwritten policies for non-smokers applying for standard or better rates.
Fully Underwritten Build Chart Comparison
Minimum and Maximum Weights (in lbs) for Adults Applying for Standard Rates
Height | Minimum Weight | Maximum Weight |
---|---|---|
5’2” | 95 lb | 198 lb |
5’4” | 105 lb | 212 lb |
5’6” | 112 lb | 225 lb |
5’8” | 120 lb | 240 lb |
5’10” | 127 lb | 255 lb |
6’0” | 135 lb | 270 lb |
6’2” | 143 lb | 285 lb |
Real Canadian Case Studies: BMI Success Stories
Understanding how BMI affects life insurance is easier when you see real scenarios. These examples highlight how Canadians in different provinces and weight ranges successfully secured coverage, some even at preferred rates.
👩 Emily, 41 – Calgary, AB
Emily had a BMI of 33 and was previously rated 150% by another insurer. After working with our advisors, she applied through Empire Life and received a standard non-smoker rate with no exclusions. Her build was considered in context of healthy labs and no comorbidities.
🧔 Daniel, 52 – Mississauga, ON
After a gastric sleeve surgery, Daniel’s BMI dropped from 42 to 29. He waited 12 months post-op and applied to Manulife. He was approved for preferred rates based on weight stabilization and consistent follow-ups from his bariatric clinic.
🧑🎓 Ryan, 28 – Vancouver, BC
At 5’8” and 258 lb, Ryan was initially declined by one carrier. Our team recommended a simplified issue policy with Humania. He was approved for $250,000 in no-medical life insurance coverage within 72 hours.
👵 Linda, 65 – Winnipeg, MB
Despite a BMI of 34 and mild hypertension, Linda qualified for standard rates with Canada Life by opting for a term-10 policy under $500K. Her approval was supported by a stable medical history and no hospitalizations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Height and Weight & Life Insurance
Life insurance chart of maximum height and weight (BMI) for a standard life insurance policy
Build tables differ significantly by insurer. Our comparison chart above shows actual thresholds used by 5 top providers for preferred, standard, and decline limits.
How does weight affect life insurance rates?
Weight impacts your risk class. If you exceed a provider’s preferred range, you may pay 25–200% more depending on build, comorbidities, and age.
How to get life insurance with a high BMI?
Apply through a broker who understands insurer build charts. Some companies allow higher weights or use sex-specific criteria, improving your rating chances.
Can an obese person get life insurance?
Yes. Coverage is available through standard or rated policies. Even with a high BMI, approval is likely if there are no major underlying health issues.
Will I need to undergo a medical exam if I’m obese?
Possibly. Fully underwritten plans may require a paramedical exam if your weight is flagged. No medical policies avoid this but offer lower coverage.
Are there specific life insurance policies for obese individuals?
Yes. Many insurers offer simplified issue or no medical plans targeted at applicants with build concerns. Some even have BMI-friendly products.
Can I get life insurance if I’ve had weight loss surgery?
You’ll need to wait 3–12 months post-surgery depending on type. Insurers want to see weight stabilization, follow-ups, and absence of complications.
Should I disclose if I’ve lost weight after applying for life insurance?
Yes. If your application is still in process, changes must be disclosed. Significant weight changes post-approval don’t affect in-force policies.
Ready to Apply? Let’s Get You a Quote
Whether you’re overweight, underweight, or fall anywhere on the BMI chart, Protect Your Wealth can help you secure the right coverage. We specialize in no medical life insurance, term life insurance, and permanent life insurance for Canadians of all body types.
Our advisors compare options from the top life insurance providers in Canada to help you find your best fit – no judgment, no pressure.
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Talk to an Advisor Today
Call us at 1-877-654-6119 or contact us online. We’re based in Hamilton and serve all of Ontario, BC, Alberta, and Manitoba including everywhere from Guelph, Medicine Hat to Burnaby, and Portage la Prairie.
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