Reviewed by LifeInsure.com Editorial Team
Last Updated: April 2026
Disclosure: Rates vary, approval is not guaranteed, and policies vary by state and insurer.
Height and weight underwriting guidelines are important factors that life insurance companies use to help determine your rate class. These are guidelines and may differ among life insurance companies.
The table is fairly generic but gives a general idea of the allowable maximums for the best life insurance rate classes from most companies (if your weight exceeds the maximum shown here, use Standard rates in calculating your quotes to get an idea.
| Height | Pref Plus | Preferred | Stand Plus | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feet – Inches | Low – High | Low – High | Low – High | Low – High |
| 4 – 10 | 89 – 134 | 135 – 144 | 145 – 155 | 182 – 196 |
| 4 – 11 | 92 – 139 | 140 – 149 | 150 – 160 | 161 – 188 |
| 5 – 0 | 95 – 144 | 145 – 154 | 155 – 166 | 167 – 194 |
| 5 – 1 | 98 – 149 | 150 – 159 | 160 – 171 | 172 – 201 |
| 5 – 2 | 101 – 153 | 154 – 164 | 165 – 177 | 178 – 207 |
| 5 – 3 | 104 – 158 | 159 – 170 | 171 – 183 | 184 – 214 |
| 5 – 4 | 108 – 164 | 165 – 175 | 176 – 188 | 189 – 221 |
| 5 – 5 | 111 – 169 | 170 – 181 | 182 – 194 | 195 – 228 |
| 5 – 6 | 115 – 174 | 175 – 186 | 187 – 200 | 201 – 235 |
| 5 – 7 | 118 – 179 | 180 – 192 | 193 – 207 | 208 – 242 |
| 5 – 8 | 122 – 185 | 186 – 198 | 199 – 213 | 214 – 249 |
| 5 – 9 | 125 – 190 | 191 – 204 | 205 – 219 | 220 – 257 |
| 5 – 10 | 129 – 196 | 197 – 210 | 211 – 225 | 226 – 264 |
| 5 – 11 | 133 – 201 | 202 – 216 | 217 – 232 | 233 – 272 |
| 6 – 0 | 136 – 207 | 208 – 222 | 223 – 239 | 240 – 279 |
| 6 – 1 | 140 – 213 | 214 – 228 | 229 – 245 | 246 – 287 |
| 6 – 2 | 144 – 219 | 220 – 234 | 235 – 252 | 253 – 295 |
| 6 – 3 | 148 – 225 | 226 – 241 | 242 – 259 | 260 – 303 |
| 6 – 4 | 152 – 231 | 232 – 247 | 248 – 266 | 267 – 311 |
| 6 – 5 | 156 – 237 | 238 – 254 | 255 – 273 | 274 – 320 |
| 6 – 6 | 160 – 243 | 244 – 260 | 261 – 280 | 281 – 328 |
| 6 – 7 | 164 – 249 | 250 – 267 | 268 – 287 | 288 – 336 |
| 6 – 8 | 168 – 256 | 257 – 274 | 275 – 295 | 296 – 345 |
| 6 – 9 | 173 – 262 | 263 – 281 | 282 – 302 | 303 – 354 |
| 6 – 10 | 177 – 268 | 269 – 288 | 289 – 309 | 310 – 363 |
| 6 – 11 | 181 – 275 | 276 – 295 | 296 – 317 | 318 – 371 |
Life insurance companies look at your height and weight because it helps them understand your overall health risk. They usually compare your weight to your height to see whether you fall within their preferred guidelines. This does not mean weight is the only thing they care about. They also look at your age, medical history, medications, blood pressure, cholesterol, and lifestyle. Height and weight are simply one piece of the bigger underwriting picture.
Yes, many people who are overweight can still get life insurance. Being over the preferred weight range does not automatically mean you will be declined. It may simply mean you qualify for a different rate class, such as Standard instead of Preferred. Some companies are more flexible than others, especially if your overall health is good. That is why it can help to compare more than one life insurance company before applying.
Your weight can affect how much you pay for life insurance, especially if it places you outside the company’s preferred guidelines. Generally, people who fall within preferred height and weight ranges may qualify for lower rates. If your weight is higher, the company may offer a Standard or rated policy, which usually costs more. However, your final price depends on many factors, not just your weight.
If you lose weight after buying life insurance, your current policy usually does not automatically get cheaper. However, some companies may allow you to request a policy review after you have kept the weight off for a certain period of time. Another option may be applying for a new policy if your health has improved. Before replacing any life insurance policy, make sure the new coverage is approved and active first.
No, height and weight guidelines are not the same for every life insurance company. One company may be stricter, while another may be more flexible. That is why someone who is rated Standard with one company might qualify for a better rate class with another. These charts are helpful for getting a general idea, but they should not be treated as a final answer. Each company makes its own underwriting decision.
Reviewed and written by: Richard Reich, CEO and Life Insurance Broker 25+ Years Experience
This content has been reviewed for accuracy and compliance with current insurance standards.
President, LifeInsure.com · Independent Life Insurance Broker
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