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.

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

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 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

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.

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.

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.