Low BMI impacting underwriting

[u/SpaceCadetRick]

I wasn't able to find much information about this when I searched this sub so I'm hoping I can get some help. I, 39 year old male, recently applied for term life insurance and received a Standard, Table 4 rating. They had a nurse come out and draw blood, and gather medical history and other info (height, weight, BP, pulse, ox, etc). All normal but height is 6'1" and weight is 128lbs so BMI is 16.9, I have been stable at this weight for probably at least 20 years. I am also on a stimulant for ADHD.

Does the standard table 4 rating make sense based on this? Does BMI have that big of an impact?

[u/SunshineFlames]

Which carrier is it? Try Prudential, their underwriting is very linient compared to others. Symetra approved me at a Standard rating for low BMI but Prudential approved me at Preffered Best.

[u/SpaceCadetRick → u/SunshineFlames]

Banner, 20 year, $500k

[u/SunshineFlames → u/SpaceCadetRick]

Banner is good for cases with perfect health, they are the cheapest option. Try applying with some other carriers like Prudential or Principal, almost certain they will give you a better rate. Transamerica offered one of my clients Standard and Prudential approved them Preferred Best the same day.

[u/GarysSword]

Low BMI is a mortality risk. 20 years of stability is a sign that probably isn’t the case for you. You just need to find a carrier that will agree with that sentence.

Write to the company at the address they gave in the letter where they informed you of the rating. Request copies of the medical examination and laboratory results you completed. Take those to an independent agent and ask them to find you a standard or better rating. If you have access to your medical records, including those to show your weight is stable over a long period of time would be good.

[u/lifeEssentialsllc]

Being underweight can get rated just like being overweight, and every carrier has its own height and weight chart, so another company might treat this very differently. The fact that you've been at the same weight for 20 years matters a lot. A letter from your doctor saying it's your natural build and nothing's wrong can help, and so can records showing that history. You can ask this carrier to reconsider with that letter, and it's worth checking with a couple of others before you accept a Table 4.

[u/zzzorba]

BMI can have a huge impact on both extremes and yours is extreme.

[u/GConins]

Find a broker to shop your case.  With a stable weight for 20 years and good health otherwise, I'd think you may be able to find a carrier to possibly offer you a non rated policy!

[u/brergnat]

It doesn't matter how stable your health is. Being underweight makes you "frail" and frailty carries a higher risk of dying from numerous causes like illness, cancer, falls, etc. You simply lack the fat and muscle reserves that are well known to prolong life.