Summary

Tell the truth and shame the devil. Insurance companies have a right to the truth about your weight.

Life and Health Insurance. FAT OR FICTION? Page 2

Author: Michael Challiner

Worryingly for the insurance companies, if not for the fatties themselves,

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is that, according to a recent survey, 1 in 4 of UK adults is overweight. According to Cancer research UK, 1 in 4 of these overweight adults is simply not interested in losing weight. The ( car insurance quotes ) UK government is also concerned about these figures and a campaign has just been announced to urge GP's to encourage patients to consider weight reducing measures. It is a sad fact that we, as a nation, are second only to Greece in obesity levels in Europe.

In view of these facts and in an effort to get at the truth, Scottish Provident, one of the UK's biggest life insurers, have introduced a new question into their insurance application forms. ( mortgages ) As well as asking your weight, you'll be asked when you last weighed yourself. Scottish Provident believes that many people understate their weight, feeling sensitive about the subject. It may be some time since they ( loans ) last weighed themselves and the memory can be very hazy when it comes to something you'd prefer to forget! In some cases, people are deliberately lying in an effort to get cheaper premiums or even to get insurance cover at all.

Are these fair measures? I believe so. The life insurance industry has taken a BMI ( remortgages ) level of 30 as acceptable, which I think is generous. Beyond that figure, you may have to pay an increased premium or in a worst case scenario, be refused your health or life insurance.

The Lancet recently reported the results of a study of 33,000 adults and considered that a BMI of over 25 is fine. This is an increase of the over 24 definition that the medical profession was recommending - the equivalent of an extra half stone, or around 15kg. They also, reassuringly, found that only adults with a BMI in excess of 35 were in danger of suffering a serious lowering of life expectancy.

The facts given in health or life applications forms form the basis of your agreement with the insurance company. You can't blame them for insisting on complete honesty. Would you want it any other way?