How do life insurance underwriters view individuals who skydive?

Finding life insurance for people who skydive is considered by many underwriters as falling into the category of being a “High Risk” recreational or occupational activity. Life insurance policies are most definitely available to most skydivers but they will be rated according to variety of criteria.

Most skydivers perform the activity for recreational purposes but some individuals such as search and rescue personnel also perform this activity for their occupation.

Some insurers will not issue a policy to those who skydive at all but many others will do so. There are some companies that even specialize in issuing life insurance for skydivers.

Some recreational activities may be excluded from coverage such as those who engage in BASE jumping which is a very hazardous activity which entails jumping or parachuting from high buildings or natural objects such as cliffs.

Underwriters will also rate a skydiver based on the number of jumps they perform each year, the length of time they have been skydiving, and whether they have had any specific training or certification.

Some companies will offer discounts if you belong to a skydiving club. The type of equipment a person uses may also be factored in the rating process by some companies.

Obtaining life insurance for people who skydive is very possible but will also vary from company to company in how they are rated.

What are the health risks for skydiving?

Skydiving can entail a variety of risks for any person who engages in this activity. The majority of injuries and fatalities can occur from some form or combination of equipment failure, human error, and from both weather and landing conditions.

    How much will YOUR life insurance cost?

    There's only one way to find out. Get a free, no-obligation quote now.


Some skydiving activities such as BASE jumping have an added risk factor because of the lower heights that require a high level of skill and a much lower safety margin.

Novice jumpers also are at a greater risk of failing to obtain stability in the initial freefall causing them to tumble and lose control.

Other injuries and fatalities can occur from the nature of the terrain and from colliding with free standing objects such trees, cliffs or buildings.

Another form of risk can occur through an unintentional water landing, or by electrocution from power lines and other electrical facilities. Some types of equipment require a higher degree of concentration and skill such as wing parachutes.

Finding life Insurance for skydivers

Finding life insurance for people who skydive is very possible but as this activity is considered as having a higher degree of risk, most if not all insurers who do provide policies for skydivers will not only charge the standard premium, but will also likely add a surcharge or “flat fee” on top of the premium.

The flat fee will vary from insurer to insurer and is usually based on the number of jumps a person performs on an annual basis, and can vary significantly from company to company.

As some insurers will not issue a policy to all skydivers, it is better to seek out those companies which provide special policies specifically tailored for sky divers.

The companies that do provide these life insurance services will have different ways in how they rate a person, and the flat fees they will charge so it can vary quite substantially from company to company.


Do you have a question about Skydiving and insurance that has not yet been answered? Ask your question here to be reviewed by licensed insurance agents.
Top Contributors Of Skydiving Insurance Answers

The insurance agents below are listed by the number of contributor points they have earned from answering questions related specifically to Skydiving. You may click on an agent to view their individual agent profile.