Does BMI Matter in Online Health Insurance Purchases?

Vote: 1

Yes, BMI affects online health insurance purchasing and, in certain circumstances, even claims approval, medical screening, and premiums. BMI is a quick snapshot of the overall risk of illness for insurance companies, as both high and low BMI levels are linked to medical conditions. Online insurance purchasing involves many metrics, including online, digital underwriting, and self-declared health data; as such, BMI is among the first health metrics insurance companies consider when processing insurance applications.


How Insurers Use BMI During Online Policy Purchases


BMI is a number derived from height and weight that indicates whether a person is in a healthy weight range, overweight, obese, or underweight. The following information is usually required when applying for health insurance online:



  • Height and weight details

  • Existing illnesses

  • Lifestyle habits

  • Smoking or alcohol consumption

  • Family medical history


This information is used by insurers to calculate a candidate's risk using an automated underwriting system. This is because a higher BMI is considered a higher risk for future healthcare costs and can play a major role in pricing and approval.


Higher BMI Can Increase Insurance Premiums


One of the biggest aspects of BMI's impact on online health insurance is its impact on premium pricing. People with high BMI are at a greater risk of developing diseases like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, sleep apnea and joint disorders, among others. This increased risk may be reflected in a higher premium the insurance company charges, as they may have to pay out for future claims.


As many insurance companies use automated underwriting software to automatically calculate BMI when making applications, it's easy and quick. Sometimes, an increase just above the insurer's preferred BMI can affect prices.


BMI Can Trigger Additional Medical Tests


When people buy insurance online, they are often referred to as "no medical check-up" insurance. But not always for applicants who have high BMI. If the insured's BMI exceeds the limits revealed, the insurer may ask for:



  • Blood tests

  • ECG or cardiac evaluation

  • Diabetes screening

  • Liver function tests

  • Sleep apnea assessments


This extra medical check is for the insurance company's benefit and to assure them of the applicant's overall health before granting the policy. In some cases, policies may be permitted only after evaluation of medical test results.


Applicants with extremely high BMI levels may also face:



  • Delayed approvals

  • Waiting periods for obesity-related conditions

  • Limited coverage benefits

  • Higher co-payment clauses


Does Low BMI Affect Online Health Insurance Too?


Although obesity is more commonly discussed, very low BMI will also be of concern to insurers. People who are underweight can appear to be suffering from deficiencies, low immune systems, long-term diseases or underlying medical issues.


In some instances, insurers may want to conduct further tests to exclude:



  • Eating disorders

  • Chronic infections

  • Gastrointestinal disorders

  • Autoimmune diseases


Although a low BMI may not always significantly increase premiums, it can still influence underwriting decisions, depending on the insurer’s internal risk policies.


BMI Is Evaluated Alongside Other Health Factors


BMI is not the only factor that affects the approval of a health insurance application online. Insurers typically take into account BMI with other relevant factors, like:



  • Age

  • Blood pressure

  • Existing medical conditions

  • Physical activity levels

  • Smoking status

  • Occupation

  • Family medical history


Someone with an elevated BMI but not with many medical problems related to their lifestyle could be offered better terms than someone with many medical issues related to their lifestyle. That's why an increasing number of insurance companies are looking for overall health profiles, not just BMI.