Tess Holliday Denied Life Insurance, Highlights Fatphobia in Healthcare

Model Tess Holliday, a prominent figure in the body positivity movement, recently revealed she was denied life insurance coverage due to her weight. The 40-year-old shared her experience on TikTok, criticizing what she described as a “fatphobic” system within the medical and insurance industries.

Denial Despite Healthy Lifestyle

Holliday expressed her surprise at the denial, stating she is a non-smoker, does not drink alcohol, and has no pre-existing health conditions. She also noted her daily exercise routine and lack of medication use. “I’m sorry. Yes, I did think that I could get life insurance as a 40-year-old, non-smoking, non-drinking, non-health issue having human. That was honestly my bad,” she said sarcastically in her TikTok video. She openly acknowledged her height of 5 foot 3 and weight over 300 pounds, stating that these factors led to the ineligibility for coverage.

Criticism of the “Medical Industrial Complex”

Holliday didn’t hesitate to call out the “medical industrial complex” as “fatphobic,” asserting that the system is fundamentally broken. She expressed feeling “shook” by the incident, but also acknowledged a broader systemic issue. “But hey, I also understand that the medical industrial complex is fatphobic and inherently the system is broken,” she stated. She has since revived her “#effyourbeautystandards” movement, emphasizing the continued need for self-acceptance and body positivity.

Previous Incident with United Airlines

This incident follows a previous experience Holliday shared last fall, where a flight attendant on a United Airlines flight suggested she lose weight. Even as traveling with her 9-year-old son, Holliday was reportedly told by a flight attendant that losing weight would be “in her best interest.” The flight attendant allegedly discussed his sister’s experience with weight-based discrimination and suggested Holliday’s size posed health risks. Newsmax reported on this incident, detailing Holliday’s shock and discomfort during the prolonged conversation.

United Airlines Response

Following the flight attendant incident, Holliday stated she contacted United Airlines, who indicated they would address the situation with the team member involved and consider sensitivity training. She clarified she did not want the flight attendant to lose their job, but rather to raise awareness and prevent similar occurrences.

Broader Implications

Holliday’s experiences highlight ongoing challenges faced by individuals in larger bodies when navigating healthcare and insurance systems. Her advocacy continues to spark conversations about fatphobia and the need for inclusivity and equitable treatment within these industries. People Magazine and Fox News have both covered these events, amplifying Holliday’s message.