How Life Insurance Height & Weight Build Charts Work
last updated on November 10, 2025Life insurance companies use what’s called a “build chart” to measure potential life insurance applicants body composition.
It compares your height and weight to determine whether you fall within what they consider a healthy range.
Your build gives the insurer a quick snapshot of long-term health risk.
A person who’s 6’1” tall and 190 pounds is viewed differently than someone who’s the same height but 280 pounds. That weight difference will often mean a change in price, coverage type, or possibly even lead to an approval denial.
Term life, whole life, and final expense plans almost always have build guidelines built into their underwriting process. The difference is how strict those limits are.
Fully underwritten term policies usually have the tightest limits. Simplified issue whole life, like most final expense plans, have wider ranges because the applicant pool is older and the coverage amount smaller.
Most companies group builds into three general risk classes:
- Preferred
- Standard
- Substandard.
The lower the risk, the lower the premium.
People who fall outside the acceptable weight for their height may still qualify, but they might pay more or get moved to a modified or graded policy.
Insurance companies also know BMI alone doesn’t tell the full story.
A healthy person with more muscle may technically fall into a higher BMI category, yet have no added health risk. As a result, some insurers quietly permit “discretionary” build adjustments when medical records or lifestyle factors support them.
These charts aren’t about punishing you for your weight. They’re about measuring risk.
(If you’d like to get answers before reading, call the Final Expense Guy directly at 888-862-9456)
WHY EVERY COMPANY’S BUILD CHART IS DIFFERENT
No two insurers use the same build chart.
Each company designs its own based on decades of internal mortality data. That’s why your weight might be acceptable for one company but over the limit for another.
Some carriers, such as Aetna and Guarantee Trust, tend to be more lenient, especially for seniors or individuals over the age of 60. Others, such as Mutual of Omaha or Americo, may have more restrictive height and weight charts.
Older applicants are often allowed higher weight ranges since risk from build naturally levels off after age 65. Younger applicants applying for longer-term policies may be scrutinized more closely.
What most people don’t realize is that online quote engines rarely consider these important details.
Most online quotes, or commission-hungry life insurance agents, will quote you as a “Preferred” build. They then say, “There’s been a problem with your application,” and try to upsell you into a more expensive policy.
That’s why it pays to work with an independent agent like the Final Expense Guy who understands insurance build charts across multiple carriers.
A quality broker can identify which companies will approve your exact height and weight for first-day coverage with or without a medical exam.
HOW HEIGHT & WEIGHT AFFECT YOUR PREMIUM CLASS
Every insurer categorizes you based on your “build”. These categories, known as risk classes, help determine the amount you’ll pay for the same coverage.
Different companies may use slightly different terminology, but they all basically mean the same thing.
At the top are “Preferred” classes, which are reserved for people within a narrow weight range for their height.
The next level down is “Standard,” where most healthy adults qualify.
Below that are “Substandard” or “Modified” classes, which typically include applicants whose weight or health conditions fall outside standard limits.
A 5’8″ applicant who weighs 165 pounds might qualify for Preferred rates.
The same person at 215 pounds may still get approved but at Standard rates with slightly higher premiums due to a higher “table rating”.
Beyond that range, the policy might still be available through a graded or guaranteed issue plan.
Because build often interacts with other health factors like blood pressure or diabetes, one small change in weight can shift an application into a higher-risk category.
That’s why an experienced agent reviews both build and health history before matching a client to a company.
The lower the risk class, the lower the rate, but weight alone rarely tells the full story.
Insurers use these tables and ratings as a guideline, not a punishment.
The key is to let the Final Expense Guy match your current build to a company whose chart fits your frame rather than trying to fit yourself into one company’s chart.
TYPICAL LIFE INSURANCE HEIGHT & WEIGHT CHART EXAMPLE
Here’s a simplified sample of how an insurance build chart might look.
This example uses general industry averages and does not represent any single insurer. Actual numbers vary by company, age, and policy type.
Put your HTML text here| Height | Preferred (lbs) | Standard (lbs) | Modified / Graded (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5’2″ | 110–155 | 156–190 | 191–225 |
| 5’6″ | 120–170 | 171–205 | 206–245 |
| 5’10” | 135–190 | 191–230 | 231–270 |
| 6’0″ | 145–200 | 201–245 | 246–290 |
| 6’2″ | 155–215 | 216–260 | 261–305 |
These ranges demonstrate why working with the right company is crucial. If you’re slightly outside one carrier’s “Standard” column, another may still classify you as “Preferred.”
Mutual of Omaha, for example, often allows broader weight tolerance for seniors.
Prosperity Life tends to be more forgiving for men with higher BMI, while Aetna’s build table leans tighter.
The takeaway is simple: don’t assume one rejection means you’re uninsurable. It just means you’re talking to the wrong company.
UNDERSTANDING LIFE INSURANCE TABLE RATINGS
When an insurance company assigns you a “table rating,” it means you were approved for coverage, but the insurer considers you a higher-than-average risk.
It’s not a denial. You’re approved, but your premium increases according to how far you fall outside the company’s Standard range.
Most companies use a 16-table system, marked as Table 1 through Table 16 or Table A through Table P.
Each step equals a 25% increase over the Standard premium.
A Table 2 rating means you’ll pay roughly 50% more, Table 4 doubles the price, and so on up to Table 16, which is about 400% above Standard.
The reason for a table rating can vary, such as weight above the approved chart, blood pressure, diabetes, a history of heart disease, or other manageable health issues. The company accepts the risk but charges more to offset the expected impact on life expectancy.
Here’s a simple reference table showing how those ratings translate into real-world premium adjustments.
| Table Rating | Increase Over Standard | General Health Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Base Rate (0%) | Meets company build and health criteria |
| Table 1 (A) | +25% | Slightly outside build chart or mild health concern |
| Table 2 (B) | +50% | Minor condition such as controlled hypertension |
| Table 4 (D) | +100% | Noticeable risk such as higher BMI or stable diabetes |
| Table 6 (F) | +150% | Multiple moderate risk factors, still insurable |
| Table 8 (H) | +200% | Serious but controlled conditions, higher build |
| Table 10 (J) | +250% | Ongoing health management needed, still acceptable risk |
| Table 12 (L) | +300% | Chronic conditions with stability over several years |
| Table 14 (N) | +350% | High-risk build or multiple controlled conditions |
| Table 16 (P) | +400% | Very high risk, but still approved under full underwriting |
Not all companies use every table. Some cap at Table 8, while others extend to 16 for complex cases. The higher the table, the higher the cost, but it’s still far better than being declined entirely.
Final expense policies usually skip table ratings. They use fixed categories instead, such as Preferred, Standard, and Modified, which makes them more straightforward for seniors or applicants with moderate health issues.
If you’re assigned a table rating, a good broker can often find a company that would approve you at a lower table or even Standard, just by comparing underwriting tolerance across carriers.
Build, age, and history all weigh differently depending on the insurer.
That’s the advantage of working with an independent broker like the Final Expense Guy instead of a call center quoting one company’s strict chart. You don’t have to fit their table. You just need the right table for you.
WHEN YOUR WEIGHT PUTS YOU IN A DIFFERENT PLAN TYPE
If your weight falls outside the company’s approved range, it doesn’t always mean a decline. It just means you’ll be placed in a different plan type that matches your level of risk. This is your table rating.
For whole life insurance for seniors, there are three common categories for people who don’t meet the Preferred or Standard insurance build charts.
Level or First-Day Coverage Plans:
These plans pay 100% of the benefit starting from the exact moment you make your first premium payment.
This is the best coverage available, and it does get you the lowest rates.
Graded or Modified Benefit Plans:
Graded plans pay a percentage of the death benefit during the first two years. If death occurs in year one, the beneficiary may receive only 30 to40% of the benefit. In the second year they may pay out 50 to 70% of the benefit. After the second year passes, the policy pays in full.
These refund all premiums plus interest if death occurs within the first two years. The full death benefit becomes available afterward.
Guaranteed Issue Plans:
These plans have no medical questions at all, and anyone can qualify regardless of build, but they always include a two-year waiting period and higher premiums.
Most people don’t realize how many options exist between “approved” and “declined.”
Independent brokers specialize in finding carriers that stretch their insurance build charts far enough to qualify someone for first-day coverage. It’s common for one company to decline an applicant while another approves them instantly.
Build is only one factor.
Other issues, such as diabetes, blood pressure, and mobility, are reviewed alongside it.
Someone moderately overweight but otherwise healthy can usually still get first-day coverage through a simplified issue plan.
The key is never to accept a graded or guaranteed issue policy until a broker checks every carrier’s chart. 97% of the people who apply at the Final Expense Guy qualify for 1st-day coverage and the lowest rates.
WHEN YOUR WEIGHT PUTS YOU IN A DIFFERENT PLAN TYPE (TERM LIFE INSURANCE)
In term life insurance, your weight doesn’t move you between plan types the way it does with final expense coverage.
Instead, it moves you between risk classes, and those classes directly control what you pay. This is how table ratings work for term policies.
When you apply for term coverage, the insurer looks at your height, weight, and overall health to decide which class you fit into.
Every step away from the Standard chart increases your cost. The difference between classes isn’t about coverage approval, but about the price you’ll pay for the same death benefit.
Here’s what that usually looks like:
- Preferred Plus or Preferred: This is the top tier. It’s for people who meet tight height and weight limits and have no health issues. Very few applicants qualify here. These policies have the lowest possible rates.
- Standard or Regular: This is where most healthy adults qualify. You might be slightly over the “ideal” build but still within the insurer’s range for normal risk.
- Substandard or Table-Rated Classes: This is where build becomes a pricing factor. Instead of denying you, the insurer approves your policy but applies a table rating.
Each table level adds about 25% to your premium.
A Table 2 rating is roughly 50% higher than Standard, and a Table 8 rating is about double. Table ratings can go as high as 16, depending on the company’s underwriting guidelines. - Decline: If your build falls completely outside the insurer’s tolerance, or if your weight combines with serious health issues, the application can be declined. That doesn’t mean you’re out of options. It just means you need a company with broader charts or a simplified issue policy designed for seniors or higher-risk applicants.
Even slight differences in weight can result in hundreds of dollars of additional cost over the policy’s life. That’s why it’s critical to compare multiple companies instead of relying on a single quote engine that only assumes a Preferred rate.
Independent brokers such as the Final Expense guy know which insurers allow wider build ranges and which ones tighten their charts for larger coverage amounts.
They can often move someone from a Table 4 rating to a Standard rating just by choosing the right company.
If your weight, or BMI, has been steady and your health otherwise good, you can usually qualify for affordable term coverage without being penalized. The key is applying with the insurer whose chart matches you, not trying to squeeze into one that doesn’t.
WHY “BMI” DOESN’T TELL THE WHOLE STORY
BMI, or body mass index, is a simple ratio calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared.
It was created as a population statistic, not a medical diagnostic tool. Insurance companies still reference BMI because it correlates roughly with mortality risk, but it’s far from perfect.
A muscular person might have a BMI of 30 and be labeled “obese” even if their blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart health are excellent.
On the other hand, a person with low muscle mass and a thin build could have a “healthy” BMI yet poor cardiovascular fitness.
That’s why many insurers supplement BMI with additional context. They may ask whether you exercise, whether you’ve had recent medical exams, or whether your doctor has recorded any related health concerns.
In simplified issue final expense plans, BMI still matters, but it’s treated more flexibly. The focus is on whether your weight has caused related conditions, not on the number itself. A stable weight with normal blood work is often acceptable, even if it falls outside the normal range.
In term life insurance, BMI matters much more because the coverage amounts are larger and the underwriting is stricter.
The insurer isn’t just looking at whether your weight has caused health issues; they’re measuring how closely your build aligns with long-term mortality data. A healthy BMI can mean the difference between a Preferred or Standard rate class.
Still, if your lab work, blood pressure, and medical history are stable, many carriers will overlook a few extra pounds as long as the rest of your profile shows low risk.
Underwriters also consider gender and age when interpreting your build. A 70-year-old woman who is slightly overweight poses far less long-term risk than a 35-year-old man who is twice his recommended BMI.
When BMI and build numbers don’t match your actual health picture, that’s when a broker’s experience matters most. They know which insurers read those charts like rigid formulas and which look at the whole person.
WHICH COMPANIES ARE MORE FLEXIBLE ON INSURANCE BUILD CHARTS
Each insurer sets its own limits for height and weight, and the differences can be dramatic.
Some carriers are lenient because they focus on older applicants or smaller face amounts, while others are strict because they target younger, higher-value policies.
Insurance companies like Mutual of Omaha, Aetna, and Prosperity Life tend to allow more flexibility. They understand that most clients are in their 50s, 60s, or 70s, and weight naturally fluctuates with age. In contrast, companies that sell large term life policies, such as Americo or AIG, may apply stricter guidelines.
Below is a sample comparison of how some well-known carriers differ in their build tolerance. These figures are based on published ranges and general industry data, not confidential charts.
| Company | Typical Age Range | Max BMI (Approx.) | Coverage Type | A.M. Best Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual of Omaha | 45–85 | 38 | Final Expense Whole Life | A+ |
| Aetna | 45–89 | 40 | Final Expense Whole Life | A |
| Prosperity Life | 40–80 | 41 | Whole Life / Simplified Issue | A− |
| Royal Neighbors of America | 50–85 | 39 | Final Expense Whole Life | A |
| Americo | 50–80 | 35 | Term / Final Expense | A |
A chart like this illustrates why relying on a single company can backfire.
A slight difference in BMI might put you over the line with Americo, but it would be well within range for Prosperity Life. The right match can mean approval with no waiting period and a lower rate.
A broker compares multiple charts side by side to identify where your current height and weight will qualify for first-day coverage. Without that comparison, most people end up overpaying or settling for a graded policy they didn’t need.
HOW TO QUALIFY FOR FIRST-DAY COVERAGE EVEN IF YOU’RE OVERWEIGHT
People are often surprised to learn that being overweight doesn’t automatically mean higher premiums or waiting periods.
Insurers look at patterns, not perfection. If your weight is stable and your doctor hasn’t noted complications, there’s usually a carrier that will approve you.
An experienced life insurance broker begins by identifying companies with a wider range of build options. They’ll also check whether your other health factors balance the chart.
For example, if your blood pressure and cholesterol levels are normal, a positive family history can offset a few extra pounds.
Simplified issue plans are the most forgiving. These policies don’t require a medical exam and typically approve clients within minutes. They use yes-or-no health questions instead of full lab results, so weight plays a minor role.
Fully underwritten plans are the most stringent type of life insurance. They require a medical exam, blood tests, and sometimes even a doctor’s report. The company studies every aspect of your health, including your build, lab results, and medical history, to determine your risk level.
Because the payout amounts are higher, weight matters more in this case than it does with simplified issue coverage. If you meet the company’s build chart requirements and your health numbers are solid, you’ll receive the best available rates.
The process takes longer, but it’s designed for precision. And that precision can save you money when your numbers fall inside their ideal range.
The best strategy is to work with someone who already knows which carriers are most flexible. They can place you directly with the right company, eliminating the need to submit multiple applications and risk a denial that appears on your record.
The weight number itself doesn’t disqualify you. The issue is finding the insurer whose chart matches your build and age.
WHO REGULATES LIFE INSURANCE UNDERWRITING STANDARDS
Many people assume there’s a government rulebook that all insurance companies follow for build charts. There isn’t.
No federal or state law sets a universal height and weight requirement for life insurance. Each company creates its own internal standards based on years of claims data, mortality studies, and actuarial research.
What is regulated are the business practices surrounding those decisions.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) oversees national standards for financial solvency and consumer protection. Every state insurance department enforces those rules to make sure companies act fairly and remain financially stable.
Underwriting guidelines, including insurance build charts, fall under what regulators refer to as “proprietary risk evaluation.” Insurers are allowed to determine their own acceptance criteria as long as those criteria are applied consistently and don’t discriminate based on race, gender, or disability.
Organizations like A.M. Best rate companies based on their financial strength, rather than underwriting flexibility. That means an A+ rating shows the company can pay claims but says nothing about whether their build chart is lenient or strict.
Below is a quick reference of who regulates what in the life insurance industry.
| Organization | Primary Role | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| NAIC | Develops national regulatory standards | Consumer protection, insurer solvency |
| State Insurance Departments | Enforces state-specific rules and licensing | Market conduct, complaint resolution |
| A.M. Best | Evaluates financial strength and claim-paying ability | Insurer stability |
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) | Tracks consumer complaints and reputation | Public trust and service quality |
Regulators attempt to make sure a company stays solvent and fair, but they don’t dictate who qualifies. That’s why comparing multiple insurers is the only way to find a build chart that fits you.
HOW AGE AND GENDER IMPACT HEIGHT & WEIGHT REQUIREMENTS
Insurers don’t treat every applicant the same. Age and gender both play significant roles in determining what weight is considered acceptable.
Many insurance companies have more lenient weight requirements as you get older. This is because many people experience weight gain as they age.
Also, men typically have higher muscle mass and bone density, so their weight thresholds are usually higher than those of women of the same height.
Women, on the other hand, may be offered more favorable rates within lower BMI ranges because their long-term mortality data is stronger in many age brackets.
Below is an example of how build ranges may differ by age and gender using averaged industry guidelines.
| Age Range | Male Max Weight (lbs) | Female Max Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 40–49 | 240 | 210 |
| 50–59 | 250 | 220 |
| 60–69 | 260 | 230 |
| 70–79 | 275 | 240 |
These figures aren’t universal, but they do show how leniency increases with age. Insurers reward stability, not dieting trends. A consistent weight record and normal checkups matter far more than a single BMI number.
RED FLAGS WHEN AGENTS IGNORE BUILD CHART RULES
One of the biggest warning signs in the life insurance industry is when an agent promises you specific rates or approval without knowing your height and weight.
Call centers are the worst offenders.
They often quote prices based on the lowest possible rate class, then quietly switch your application to a more expensive and higher table-rated plan once underwriting comes back from the insurance company.
Some agents claim they “work with over 30 companies” and can get anyone approved. This is almost always a lie.
They may have access to over 30 companies, but are they actually contracted and approved to do business with these companies?
The answer is “no”, so go find another agent if your agent says this and can’t prove that they are contracted with over 30 companies. Little lies lead to big lies, so don’t tolerate this behavior at all.
This misrepresentation is dishonest, and it’s how clients end up with overpriced or delayed coverage. The truth is, experienced brokers know exactly which few companies are best for each body type, age, and health situation.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU WERE DECLINED FOR BUILD
A decline for build doesn’t mean you’re uninsurable.
It usually means your agent submitted your application to a company whose chart was too narrow for your body type.
The first step is to request a reason for the denial. Some insurance companies provide this, others do not.
Every insurer keeps internal notes that show exactly why an application was rejected. If the only reason listed is “build exceeds limits,” that’s valuable information for your next application.
Once you have that information, your broker can compare your height and weight to those of other companies’ charts. You might find that another carrier will approve you instantly, even though another did not.
Never reapply to the same company after a denial. Each new submission triggers the creation of another record in the Medical Information Bureau (MIB), which can slow down future approvals.
Instead, let a competent broker like the Final Expense Guy match your application to a carrier that’s more lenient before resubmitting.
If your weight has been stable and your vitals are normal, those notes can support your next application. Underwriters often make more favorable decisions when they see medical stability, even at higher weights.
If your build is combined with other conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, a broker may recommend a simplified issue plan.
These policies skip medical exams and use short questionnaires instead of full underwriting. Many accept wider build ranges without downgrading to a graded benefit.
A decline due to your build is fixable. It just takes the right match between you and the insurer that evaluates your build realistically.
HOW TO READ YOUR LIFE INSURANCE APPLICATION’S BUILD SECTION
Most people never notice the build section when they apply for life insurance, but it’s one of the most important parts of the form.
It usually appears in the first few questions under “Medical Information” or “Physical Measurements.”
You’ll see fields for height, weight, and sometimes waist size or body mass index. These answers are used to compare you against the company’s internal build chart. Agents must fill in those numbers accurately, and any discrepancy can delay the underwriting process.
If the application asks for a weight range, always use your current number, not what you expect it to be.
Underwriters verify your height and weight through prescription histories, medical records, or previous insurance exams. Guessing or rounding down can create inconsistencies that slow down approval or cause denials.
In fully underwritten policies, a paramedical examiner measures you directly during the in-person exam.
For simplified issue or final expense policies, you simply state your numbers, and the company checks them against database records.
When reviewing your policy documents after approval, look for a section labeled “Risk Class” or “Build Category.” That’s where the insurer lists the class you were approved under, such as Preferred, Standard, or Modified.
If the build section was a concern, it may be noted in the underwriting notes or comments.
Understanding what this section means helps you catch mistakes and verify that your agent applied to the right company. Too often, people are misclassified simply because their agent didn’t double-check how their build fit the chart.
If something looks off, ask your broker to re-shop your coverage with a carrier that has a wider range, or even better, locate a more experienced broker. Build-related declines and misclassifications are easy to fix for a competent life insurance agent, so don’t settle for a lousy or inexperienced agent.
WHY HEIGHT & WEIGHT MATTER MORE FOR TERM THAN FINAL EXPENSE
Term life insurance and final expense insurance measure risk differently.
Term coverage is designed for large death benefits, typically ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.
Because the payout is higher, underwriting is understandably tighter.
Building charts for term policies is precise, and even a few pounds over the limit can change the risk class or trigger a request for a full medical exam.
Final expense insurance works differently.
These policies are smaller, designed to cover burial and funeral costs, and are issued to older adults. Insurers recognize that most applicants won’t meet textbook BMI standards, so they adjust their criteria accordingly.
They focus more on overall health stability and medical history than on a specific weight number.
Here’s a comparison of how term and final expense plans treat build during underwriting.
| Policy Type | Typical Coverage Amount | Underwriting Strictness | Impact of Build | Medical Exam Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term Life Insurance | $100,000–$1,000,000+ | High | Significant impact on rate and approval | Usually Yes |
| Final Expense Whole Life | $5,000–$50,000 | Moderate | Flexible build tolerance, especially for seniors | No |
| Guaranteed Issue Whole Life | $2,000–$25,000 | Low | Build ignored entirely, two-year waiting period applies | No |
This difference is why so many seniors succeed with final expense policies after being denied term coverage.
Term insurance looks for “ideal” builds. Final expense plans look for practical ones. If your weight has been steady and your health otherwise normal, a simplified issue whole life plan is often the best option.
When you apply through a broker like the Final Expense Guy, they can target the companies most likely to approve you for first-day coverage without an exam.
INDUSTRY SOURCES AND DATA REFERENCES
Reliable information matters in life insurance because misinformation spreads quickly online. Experienced agents use the following sources to verify insurer strength, underwriting guidelines, and mortality statistics.
A.M. Best: The leading independent agency that rates the financial strength of insurance companies.
Website: www.ambest.com
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC): Oversees state-level regulation and consumer protection.
Website: www.naic.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Publishes national data on BMI and mortality trends used in actuarial research.
Website: www.cdc.gov
Social Security Administration (SSA): Maintains U.S. life expectancy and actuarial tables used by many insurers to calculate long-term risk.
Website: www.ssa.gov
Better Business Bureau (BBB): Tracks consumer complaints and service history for insurance companies.
Website: www.bbb.org
Using verified sources protects consumers from sales pitches disguised as “official data.” A broker who references real actuarial and regulatory information can immediately spot misleading claims.
Life insurance companies use a weight and height chart to help assess risk and set premiums. Generally, individuals with a healthy weight are likely to pay lower premiums than those who are overweight or obese.
