Life Insurance for Runners: How Running Improves Health and Saves Money

Today is National Running Day! Runners throughout the U.S. celebrate their passion for the sport on June 5^th of each year by, well – running.

And while you may not be exactly passionate about running, you too can celebrate this day by running with family, friends or coworkers. Or you can partake in one or more of these 10 Ways to Celebrate National Running Day from runningday.org.  It’s a great excuse to start something new or get back into the running game.

You can also celebrate National Running Day by helping others with a contribution to The One Fund Boston, established to assist those families of the victims who were killed and to assist victims who were affected by the bombings at the 2013 Boston Marathon. To date, over $39 million has been donated.

If you’re still looking for a reason to get moving, there are National Running Day meetups happening in dozens of cities. Find a meetup near your home and join in the fun. Don’t see one in your city? You can register to host your own meetup. You’ll benefit from good company and good health! Speaking of health benefits …

Health Benefits of Running

There are simply too many health benefits of running to list them all here. They could (and have) literally fill a book. So we’ll just hit a few. Plus, we’ll give you reasons life insurance companies like these benefits and how this can save you money on your term life insurance policy.

A Healthy Heart – Running benefits your heart by strengthening the heart muscle, which increases the amount of blood your heart can pump with each contraction. Running also reduces your risk of coronary heart disease by 4.5%, according to a new study published by the American Heart Association (AHA).

Heart health is a primary concern for the company when reviewing your application for coverage. They typically look for any signs of heart disease by evaluating cholesterol levels, blood pressure, resting heart rate, medical records, and family history. In older applicants or applicants requesting a significant amount of insurance, the companies will often require an EKG or a treadmill test be completed.

Lower Cholesterol Levels – Running has been found to reduce blood cholesterol levels. The AHA study showed runners are 4.3% less likely to have high cholesterol than non-runners.

Life insurance companies factor your total blood cholesterol level and your cholesterol/HDL ratio into their review. High numbers in either are a warning flag for current or potential problems and will cause the policy cost to increase. (For more information, read our “How to Get Life Insurance With High Cholesterol“).

Controlled Blood Pressure – Running reduced the chances of having high blood pressure by 4.2% according to the AHA study.

Blood pressure readings are another key factor in the company’s review. They will look at both your systolic and diastolic numbers and anything outside of normal ranges will increase the policy cost. However, some companies will allow a Preferred rate if you have blood pressure that is currently controlled with medication.

Weight Control – A study published in April of this year in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise shows running provides greater improvements in body mass index (BMI) than walking.

Your build, or height/weight, is a key factor in determining your eligibility for coverage. Using our term life insurance quoting system, just add 20 pounds to your weight and see how much your premium increases. Learn more on how to get life insurance with a high body mass index (BMI).

Reduced Risk of Some Diseases – Most experts agree that running reduces the risk of many diseases and medical conditions such as depression, diabetes, certain cancers (breast, colon, and lung), osteoporosis and stroke (read our “How To Get Life Insurance With Osteoporosis” for more information). For example, a study by the National Cancer Institute shows that women who exercise vigorously (including running) had a 30% lower risk of breast cancer than women who did not exercise vigorously. (For more information, read our “How To Get Life Insurance With Breast Cancer“).

All companies take previous and current medical conditions into consideration when reviewing your application. Conditions such as depression, diabetes, and certain cancers can result in a more expensive policy or in being declined for coverage.

Reduce Stress – Many runners claim to experience a ‘runner’s high’ during and after runs, which leaves them more relaxed and less stressed. This euphoric feeling is thought to be caused by the body’s release of endorphins and other brain chemicals. A study by the University of Georgia appears to back up this theory. Subjects who exercised for one hour were shown to be up to three times less stressed than those who rested for one hour. (For more information, read our “4 Smart and Easy Ways to Reduce Stress in Your Life“).

Stress manifests itself in many different ways in the human body. Many experts agree that stress increases cortisol levels in the bloodstream. Increased blood cortisol has been shown to have negative effects on cognitive performance, blood sugar levels, blood pressure levels, immune function and other areas.

How to Get Started Running (and Saving!)

Walking and running are the most popular aerobic exercises in the U.S. It’s both easy and inexpensive to get started. All you need are a good pair of running shoes (a decent pair will work to start) and 10-15 minutes a day. Runner’s World offers this great article on how to get started today.

The keys to success are starting slowly, developing consistency and remaining persistent. Anyone can do it! And if you can find a way to make it happen, you could also save yourself some money on your term life insurance policy — maybe even enough to buy those fancy running shoes you will eventually want!

Case Studies: Running Benefits Life Insurance Applicants

Case Study 1: A Healthy Heart

John, a 45-year-old avid runner, applies for a term life insurance policy. His regular running routine has strengthened his heart muscle and improved his cardiovascular health. During the underwriting process, the insurance company evaluates John’s cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and medical records.

They find that his heart health indicators are excellent, leading to a favorable assessment. As a result, John qualifies for lower premiums on his life insurance policy.

Case Study 2: Lower Cholesterol Levels

Sarah, a 35-year-old recreational runner, decides to get life insurance coverage. Her running routine has helped her maintain healthy cholesterol levels. During the underwriting process, the insurance company reviews her medical records and assesses her cholesterol/HDL ratio.

Since Sarah’s cholesterol levels are within the optimal range, the insurance company considers her a low-risk applicant and offers her more affordable life insurance rates.

Case Study 3: Controlled Blood Pressure

Michael, a 50-year-old runner, applies for a term life insurance policy. Despite having a history of high blood pressure, he has managed to control it through regular exercise and medication. The insurance company takes into account his blood pressure readings and medical history.

Thanks to Michael’s efforts to manage his condition, he still qualifies for coverage, although his premiums may be slightly higher compared to individuals with normal blood pressure.

Case Study 4: Weight Control

Emily, a 40-year-old runner, decides to purchase a term life insurance policy. Running has helped her maintain a healthy weight and BMI. During the underwriting process, the insurance company considers her height/weight ratio as part of their assessment.

Since Emily’s BMI is within the optimal range, she receives more favorable policy rates compared to individuals with higher BMI values.

Case Study 5: Reduced Risk of Some Diseases

Mark, a 55-year-old dedicated runner, applies for life insurance coverage. His consistent running routine has contributed to reducing his risk of various diseases, including diabetes and certain cancers. The insurance company evaluates Mark’s medical history, taking into account his exercise habits and overall health.

They consider him a lower-risk applicant, resulting in more affordable premiums for his life insurance policy.

Case Study 6: Reduce Stress

Laura, a 30-year-old regular runner, seeks life insurance coverage. She attributes her improved mental well-being to the stress-reducing effects of running. During the underwriting process, the insurance company examines Laura’s medical records and may also assess her stress levels.

Thanks to her active lifestyle and lower stress levels, Laura may qualify for more favorable policy rates compared to individuals with higher stress levels.