The Holidays and How a Higher Body Mass Index May Affect a Term Life Insurance Policy
Posted by David Schneider | December 27, 2007

For many people, the time of year between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is a mixed blessing. During this time of year, families and friends get together to celebrate. One of the best aspects about it is the great holiday food — and lots of it!

Many people struggle this time of year, for they know they will put on “holiday weight.” Of course, the plan is to take it off as part of a New Year’s resolution. Not a big deal right? It happens to all of us. However, if you are planning to purchase a term life insurance plan after the start of the New Year, you may want to change your tune.

What is Term Life Insurance?

In general, there are two types of life insurance available: whole life insurance and term life insurance. Simply stated, whole life insurance covers a person for a longer period, whereas a term life insurance policy is for shorter durations.

Typically, a person may take out a term life insurance policy to protect the financial needs of a loved one in the event of an unforeseen death. For example, a parent may take out a term life insurance policy while the child is in high school for say $250,000.
In the event of the policyholder’s death, the child’s financial well being is secured through the term life insurance policy.

How Does Holiday Weight Affect Term Life Insurance?

Since term life insurance covers only a short duration, a company will only renew your policy after evaluating questions about your general health. The insurance provider takes into account your smoking status, prior history of illness and present health.

Life insurance companies are also concerned about your weight. As a major problem in the U.S., obesity results in many major illnesses, including heart disease and diabetes. Your life insurance company will often use your Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine the risk for obesity. The more a person weighs the higher the BMI number.

Adding a few pounds over the holidays gives you a higher BMI, which leads to more perceived risk and causes the insurance company to offer a policy at a slightly higher weight. The point here is that if you are considering the purchase of a term life insurance policy, it would be a good idea to make that purchase before the holiday season begins.

A Tip for the Holidays — Exercise!

People should exercise for their overall health. Studies have shown that exercising during the holiday season at least a few days per week will help decrease your appetite, as well as burn off that holiday ham and eggnog. In addition, be sure to drink plenty of water to keep your body operating and peak condition.

If you still plan to apply for term life insurance after the holiday season, begin a New Year’s resolution immediately! It will save you money right away when you apply for a policy.