BMI Calculator: Why BMI Matters for Your Insurance

Looking for a quick and easy way to check your BMI? Use our BMI calculator below to instantly see where you stand. Whether you’re keeping track of your health or considering how your BMI might affect your health insurance premiums, knowing your BMI is a great starting point. Calculating your BMI can help you understand your personal health risks and guide you towards making informed decisions about your future.

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Once you’ve entered your details into the BMI calculator, you’ll be classified into one of several categories: underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obese. But what does this really mean? In New Zealand, insurers often use BMI as part of their risk assessments when offering policies. So, your BMI doesn’t just affect your health – it can also impact your health and life insurance options.

What is BMI and Why is It Important?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure of your weight relative to your height. It’s calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared. Though BMI isn’t perfect – it doesn’t differentiate between muscle and fat – it’s widely used to give a general indication of body fat levels and potential health risks.

In New Zealand, a healthy BMI is considered to be between 18.5 and 24.9. If your BMI is outside this range, it could signal a higher risk for conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or hypertension, which insurers factor into their premium calculations.

How Does BMI Impact Health Insurance in NZ?

Health and life insurance companies in New Zealand often use BMI as part of their evaluation when determining your personal risk. A higher or lower BMI can result in higher premiums, exclusions for certain conditions, or even difficulty securing a policy.

If your BMI falls into the overweight or obese categories, insurers may see this as a greater risk due to the potential health problems associated with higher body fat levels. However, they might also ask for further information, such as waist circumference or other medical tests, to get a more accurate picture of your health. Even being underweight can raise red flags, as it may suggest underlying health issues that increase risk.

It's very important to seek advice around insurance. Some providers will put a loading on your premiums (i.e. charge more) for having a BMI outside the healthy range. Likewise, some providers offer rewards and lifetime discounts for falling within a certain range. Talk to us to understand your options!

Why Use a BMI Calculator?

It’s easy to see why a BMI calculator is useful. Not only does it help you gauge your current health status, but it also provides insight into how your BMI could affect your insurance options. If your BMI falls outside the typical healthy range, it’s an opportunity to make lifestyle changes that could improve your health and reduce insurance costs in the future.

Simply input your details into our BMI calculator above to get started.

Planning for the Future

Knowing your BMI is a key step in managing your health and considering your insurance needs. It’s important to stay proactive, whether by adopting healthier habits or reviewing your current insurance policies. If you’d like to explore your personal insurance options, you can visit Seek Cover’s Personal Insurance page. For help finding a policy that fits your needs, head to our Get Started page.

BMI FAQ's

What is BMI, and how is it calculated?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a simple formula that compares your weight to your height to estimate if you are underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obese. It's calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared (kg/m²). While it's not a perfect measure of health, BMI is widely used to assess potential health risks related to body fat.

How accurate is BMI as a health measure?

BMI is a useful screening tool, but it doesn’t consider factors like muscle mass, bone density, or body composition. For example, athletes may have a higher BMI due to muscle rather than fat. For a more complete picture of your health, it’s best to combine BMI with other metrics such as waist circumference or body fat percentage.

What is a healthy BMI range?

A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy for most adults. BMIs below 18.5 are classified as underweight, while 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight, and a BMI of 30 or higher is classified as obese. These categories help to identify potential health risks, such as diabetes or heart disease.

Why does BMI matter for health insurance?

Insurance providers in New Zealand often consider your BMI when assessing personal risk for health and life insurance. A higher BMI may be linked to increased health risks, which could result in higher premiums or limited coverage. Knowing your BMI can help you understand how insurers view your health and risk profile.

Can BMI affect my insurance premiums?

Yes, your BMI can impact your insurance premiums. If your BMI falls into the overweight or obese categories, insurers may view you as having a higher health risk, which can lead to increased premiums. On the other hand, if your BMI is in the healthy range, you may be eligible for more favourable rates.

Does BMI apply the same way to everyone?

BMI is generally used for adults and does not distinguish between gender, age, or muscle mass. For example, older adults may have more body fat than younger adults with the same BMI, and athletes may have higher BMIs due to muscle. BMI calculations for children and teenagers use different growth charts and should not be compared to adult BMI.

What should I do if my BMI is too high or low?

If your BMI falls outside the healthy range, it’s important to consider making lifestyle changes. A high BMI could increase your risk for conditions like heart disease or diabetes, while a low BMI might signal malnutrition or other health concerns. Speak to a healthcare professional about ways to improve your health through diet, exercise, or other measures.

Is the BMI calculator different for men and women?

No, the BMI calculation is the same for both men and women. However, it’s important to remember that BMI does not account for differences in muscle mass or fat distribution, which can vary by gender. Some insurers and health professionals may consider other factors, such as waist circumference, alongside your BMI when assessing your health.

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The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional, tax or other advice. It does not take into account any individual’s personal situation or needs. You should consider obtaining professional advice from a financial adviser and/or tax specialist, or medical or health practitioner, in relation to your own circumstances and before acting on this information.