Can you get life insurance with a high-risk job or hobby?

If you fly planes, work on roofs or jump out of them for fun, you may assume life insurance is off the table. Good news: it usually isn't. Here's how insurers think about risk and what you can expect.

Which jobs do insurers see as high risk?

Insurers pay close attention to jobs with higher-than-average rates of fatal injuries. The most reliable data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. In 2024, the rate for all U.S. workers was 3.3 fatal injuries per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers.

Some jobs come in far higher. Here are a few from the BLS 2024 occupation data:

A job on this list doesn't mean you'll be turned down. It means the insurer may ask more questions about what you actually do day to day.

Are first responders considered high risk?

Not always. In that same BLS data, firefighters had a 2024 rate of 4.0 per 100,000 full-time workers, not far from the all-worker average. Many insurers look at your specific role. Someone in a standard station job may be viewed differently from someone in a specialized unit. The best move is to describe your duties clearly.

Which hobbies can affect your life insurance?

Hobbies count too. The Connecticut Insurance Department lists dangerous hobbies such as skydiving or rock climbing among the factors that can affect your premium. Other activities insurers often ask about include:

• Scuba diving, especially deep, cave or wreck diving
• Skydiving and BASE jumping
• Flying as a private pilot
• Motor racing on cars, motorcycles or boats
• Mountain climbing at high altitudes

The same Connecticut guide notes that insurers may also check your driving record for speeding tickets, accidents and DUI arrests.

How does underwriting look at risky jobs and hobbies?

Underwriting is how an insurer decides whether to offer coverage and at what price. For a risky job or hobby, an underwriter usually wants the details, not just the label. You may get a short questionnaire asking things like:

• How often you do the activity (a few times a year or every weekend)
• Your training, licenses or certifications
• For divers, typical depths and dive types
• For pilots, flight hours, aircraft type and whether you fly for work or fun
• For skydivers, number of jumps and experience level
• Safety practices and where the activity happens

Two people with the same hobby can get very different results. A certified diver who stays at recreational depths is often viewed differently from someone doing deep technical dives. Want to know more about the process? Read how premiums are calculated and how long underwriting takes.

What are the possible outcomes?

Every insurer has its own guidelines, so results vary. In general terms, here's what can happen:

If you're offered an exclusion, read it carefully so you know exactly what is and isn't covered. Our guide to policy exclusions explains how they work. And if you've been turned down before, see what to do if you're declined for coverage.

Why does honesty on the application matter so much?

It can be tempting to downplay a risky hobby to get a lower price. Please don't. Your application answers are part of your policy.

If an insurer later finds that important information was left out or misstated, it may contest a claim, change the benefit or cancel the policy. This is most likely during the policy's early years, often called the contestability period. The whole point of life insurance is to be there for your family, so give them a policy that will hold up.

Honest answers can also work in your favor. Clear details about your training and safety habits help an underwriter see the real picture.

Tips for getting covered with a high-risk job or hobby

• Gather your details first. Logbooks, certifications and how often you participate make the questions easier.
• Be specific about your duties. "Construction" covers a lot of jobs. Say what you actually do.
• Don't assume the worst. Many people with risky jobs or hobbies qualify.
• Talk to a licensed agent. An agent can help you understand how your situation may be viewed before you apply.
• Review your coverage over time. If your job or hobbies change, your needs might too. See how to change or increase coverage.

Ready to see where you stand? You can check your price online in a few minutes.

How can Evoro Life help?

Evoro Life helps people get term life insurance online and connects them with licensed insurance agents. Evoro does not issue policies. You apply through Symetra's SwiftTerm online application, and policies are issued by Symetra Life Insurance Company, which has an A.M. Best financial strength rating of A (Excellent).

You can apply for coverage up to $5 million, and most applicants don't need a medical exam. The application takes about 18 minutes, and quotes are held for 30 days. (Coverage is not available in New York or South Carolina.) Have a job or hobby you're unsure about? Call a licensed agent for free at (732) 630-1963, or see what coverage could cost you.

Key takeaways

• A high-risk job or hobby usually doesn't rule out life insurance.
• BLS data shows jobs like logging, fishing, roofing and flying have much higher fatal injury rates than average, so insurers ask more questions.
• Possible outcomes include standard rates, a table rating, a flat extra, an exclusion or a postponement.
• Details like frequency, training and safety practices can make a big difference.
• Honest answers protect your family's payout. A licensed agent can help you prepare.

Frequently asked questions

Will a dangerous job automatically get me declined for life insurance?

Not usually. Many people in risky jobs still qualify, sometimes at standard rates and sometimes at a higher price. The outcome depends on your specific duties, your health and the insurer's underwriting guidelines.

What is a flat extra on a life insurance policy?

A flat extra is an added charge on top of your regular premium, usually figured per $1,000 of coverage. Insurers may use it for a specific added risk, like a hazardous hobby or job, and it can be temporary or permanent depending on the policy.

What happens if I don't mention my hobby on my application?

If an insurer later finds that important information was left out or misstated, it may contest the claim, adjust the benefit or cancel the policy, especially during the early contestability period. Being upfront is the safest way to protect your beneficiaries.

Are police officers and firefighters considered high risk?

It depends on the insurer and the role. In BLS data for 2024, firefighters had a fatal injury rate close to the all-worker average. Specialized roles may be reviewed more closely, so share your exact duties.

What if I quit my risky hobby after I get my policy?

Some insurers may review your rating again if the risk goes away, especially for flat extras. Ask your insurer or agent how reconsideration works for your policy.