Ensuring the protection of their investments, life insurers profile potential clients and distribute them into various risk classifications based on health, habits, and height-to-weight proportions. Usually, each division is linked to a particular height range with its corresponding weight limits.
By assigning risk to a category, businesses can calculate the price of the products fairly.
People engaging in activities with nearly the same risk potential pay the same premiums; for example, if you do not smoke, you might pay a lower premium. But then again, if you have any chronic health condition, you will probably pay a higher premium “Contributions towards the service provided are generally based on risk classification.
Below is a set of norms for the expected height-weight classifications for each risk class:
Risk Classifications and Typical Weight Ranges
1. Preferred Plus (Super Preferred)
- Explanation: This classification fits persons in good health with perfect body weight.
- Common BMI ranges: Roughly from 18 to 29.
- Weight Categories:
- For example, a person of height 5’8” may weigh between 122 to 185 lbs.
2. Preferred
- Examinee Health Status: In general, applicants are in good health although some minor health problems may exist.
- Typical BMI Range: Probably between 30 and 31.
- Weight Ranges:
- Generally speaking, for a 5’8″ person, weight can start at 186 pounds and max out to 198 pounds.
3. Standard Plus
- Description: This category encompasses people of average health; well-controlled diseases can also be present.
- Typical BMI Range: In the range of thirty-two to thirty-three.
- Weight Ranges:
- For a height of 5’8”, the tolerant weight falls in the region of almost 199~213 pounds.
4. Standard
- Explanatory Note: The classification is meant for individuals suffering from moderate health problems or with a relatively higher weight.
- Typical BMI Range: Approximately 34 to 38.
- Weight Ranges:
- For instance, a person whose height is 5 8 can weigh 214 but not more than 249 pounds.
5. Substandard (Table Ratings)
- Description: Those classified within this class are at a considerably increased health risk due to their higher weight, and hence, higher premiums may be charged.
- Typical BMI Range: Usually more than 38, and often further subdivided into table ratings (for example, Table A, Table B, etc.)
- Weight Ranges: A person who is 5’8” in height, he or she may weigh exceeding 250 pounds, and are usually categorized to certain tables (i.e. table A will most likely accept a weight of about 270 pounds, while table J will allow close to 300 pounds).
Summary of Height and Weight Guidelines
The following table summarizes the weight limits based on height for each risk class:
| Height (Feet-Inches) | Preferred Plus | Preferred | Standard Plus | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5’3″ | Up to 158 lbs | Up to 170 lbs | Up to 183 lbs | Up to 214 lbs |
| 5’8″ | Up to 185 lbs | Up to 198 lbs | Up to 213 lbs | Up to 249 lbs |
| 6’0″ | Up to 207 lbs | Up to 222 lbs | Up to 239 lbs | Up to 279 lbs |
These ranges might vary quite a bit from one insurance company to another, which is why the applicants should look into the particular insurer’s policy.
These categories can be useful for individuals who wish to determine their chances of acquiring life insurance and the likely rates of premiums they will pay depending on their health.
FAQs
Weight factors are used to classify insurable risks as they relate to health risks that may be present. Above- or below-average weight can attract higher charges under a different class because those extremes are associated with illnesses such as heart attack or diabetes.
Weight ranges for these classes differ from one insurer to another but in most cases, the ‘Preferred’ is for individuals with serious BMI, ‘Standard’ consists of slightly overweight individuals and the ‘Substandard’ has individuals with weight categories attributed to health risks.
Yes, you may still qualify for a preferred rate if you are slightly overweight or ideal body weight, especially with no other health insurance risks present. Some insurance companies are flexible depending on the total weight factors and lifestyle.
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