Insurers tackle obesity problem

Graeme Edwards

Australian insurer TAL has announced it has adjusted its BMI calculation loadings to “provide a more accurate reflection of risks”.

Previously it had accepted overweight and obese customers at standard rates.

Now, the loading will increase with the rise of a customer’s rating on TAL’s BMI tables.

Graeme Edwards, of AIA, said BMI was already one of the things that was considered by New Zealand insurers, as part of a wider mix of risk factors.