Life insurance premiums could become inflated if the applicant is obese, it has been claimed.
Jonathan French, a spokesperson for the Association of British Insurers, said that life insurance companies will evaluate a number of lifestyle factors, with some even using body mass index measurements to evaluate risk.
In addition to obesity, however, other factors – including whether an applicant drinks or smokes – will also play some role in determining their life insurance premiums, said Mr French.
“Insurance companies need to look at what the likelihood is of any given individual making a claim in the future,” remarked the expert.
Mr French continued that if an individual who has a life insurance policy takes steps to reduce the risk caused by these lifestyle factors, for example by reducing their weight if they are obese, they should contact their insurer for a reassessment.
The nationwide smoking ban in public places came into effect over the weekend and could provide the ideal opportunity for individuals wishing to reduce the harmful impact on their health – and on their life insurance premiums – caused by the habit.
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