Helicopter Pilot Life Insurance: Explore All Your Best Options & Compare the Lowest Rates in 2025 + YouTube Video
Helicopter pilots—whether flying commercially, privately, for Medevac services, or in the military—live a life of
adventure, responsibility, and risk. But this high-risk profession can create unique challenges when it comes to applying for helicopter pilot life insurance.
Life insurance for helicopter pilots is absolutely attainable and we can make the process simple and easy.
But knowing how to navigate the underwriting process and what insurers look for is crucial. This guide will help you understand what to expect, how to prepare, and how to secure the best rates possible.
Table of Contents
Why Helicopter Pilots Are Considered High-Risk by Life Insurance Companies
Life insurance companies evaluate risk based on lifestyle, profession, and medical history. Piloting a helicopter—especially at low altitudes or in specialized fields like search-and-rescue or Medevac—is considered inherently more dangerous than average occupations.
Common Risks Insurers Consider:
-
Mechanical failure or emergency landings
-
Weather exposure and low-altitude obstacles
-
Night flights or mountainous terrain
-
Aerobatic flying and off-airport landings
Despite these concerns, helicopter pilot life insurance is not only available, but can be affordable—especially if you’re well-prepared and work with the right independent insurance agent such as ourselves.
How to Apply for Life Insurance With a Hazardous Sport or Occupation – YouTube Video
How Life Insurance for Pilots Apply for Coverage
When a helicopter pilot applies for life insurance, the process includes a detailed review of both their health and their aviation activities.
Key Factors Underwriters Evaluate:
-
Type of license: Private, commercial, ATP, or military
-
Flight hours: Total and annually—more experience may lower your risk profile
-
Purpose of flying: Recreational, business, medevac, military, agricultural, etc.
-
Aircraft type: Light utility, turbine-powered, etc.
-
Flight logs or documentation: To verify history and experience
-
Medical history and exam results
What Are Flat Extra Fees for Helicopter Pilots?
Insurers often apply flat extra fees to high-risk applicants. This is an additional cost per $1,000 of coverage added to your base premium. For example:
-
A $3.00 flat extra on a $500,000 policy = $1,500 extra annually.
The fee is often temporary—lasting a few years or until you reach a milestone in experience or reduce risk factors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 of the most common questions asked by helicopter pilots exploring life insurance options.
1. Can Helicopter Pilots Get Life Insurance?
Yes, absolutely. Both private and commercial helicopter pilots can get life insurance. Your risk profile may affect your rates, but coverage is available through many insurers.
2. Can Private Helicopter Pilots Get Life Insurance?
Yes. Private pilots can qualify, but may face slightly higher premiums depending on flight hours and frequency. Recreational flying is typically considered riskier than commercial flight.
3. How Much Does Life Insurance for Helicopter Pilots Cost?
Rates vary based on age, health, flight activity, and policy type. Expect standard or substandard rates, possibly with flat extra fees. Sample term policy premiums might range from:
-
$40–$100/month for healthy applicants in their 30s
-
$100–$250/month for older or higher-risk pilots
4. Do Military or Medevac Pilots Face Different Underwriting Rules?
Yes. Military pilots may face exclusions or limitations, especially if flying in combat zones. Medevac pilots can also be rated higher due to emergency conditions and unpredictability.
5. Are There Policies That Exclude Aviation Coverage?
Yes. Some policies include aviation exclusions, meaning your beneficiaries won’t receive the death benefit if you die in an aviation-related incident. Always verify if aviation is excluded and explore aviation-included policies for full protection.
6. Can Pilots Still Get Preferred Rates?
Yes, airplane pilots and helicopter pilots with sufficient flight hours, commercial certifications, and low-risk profiles (e.g., no acrobatics or stunt flying) may still qualify for preferred or standard rates, especially with a favorable medical history.
We have companies such as Protective Life that are well known for issuing preferred rates to pilots.
7. What Documents Will I Need to Apply?
You may need:
-
A copy of your pilot’s license
-
Flight logs or proof of annual flight hours
-
A statement of aviation activities
-
Medical records or results from a paramedical exam (unless it is a no-exam application). The company you apply with will handle the collection of medical records. There is no cost involved in submitting an application for life insurance for helicopter pilots.
8. Is Term Life Insurance Better Than Whole Life for Helicopter Pilots?
For most pilots, term life insurance offers the best value—especially with a 10-, 20-, or 30-year term. Whole life is more expensive and complex, but provides permanent coverage and cash value benefits.
9. How Long Does the Approval Process Take?
Traditional underwriting takes 3 to 6 weeks. If flat extra fees or medical exams are involved, it could take longer. Simplified or no-exam options are faster but may have limitations.
10. Can I Get No-Medical-Exam Life Insurance for Helicopter Pilots?
Yes, but it’s limited. No medical exam life insurance policies typically have lower death benefits and may still include aviation exclusions. Always read the fine print and work with a knowledgeable agent.
Best Life Insurance Companies for Helicopter Pilots
These life insurance companies are known for working with high-risk professions like aviation and offer strong financial stability and underwriting flexibility.
1. Prudential
-
Founded: 1875
-
AM Best Rating: A+
-
S&P Rating: AA–
-
Why it’s a fit: Prudential is one of the few insurers that regularly underwrites pilots—even those in risky aviation roles.
2. AIG (American General)
-
Founded: 1919
-
AM Best Rating: A
-
S&P Rating: A+
-
Why it’s a fit: Offers flexible underwriting for aviation, especially with flat extra options.
3. Banner Life (Legal & General America)
-
Founded: 1949
-
AM Best Rating: A+
-
S&P Rating: AA–
-
Why it’s a fit: Banner Life is known for affordable term policies and a willingness to underwrite private pilots.
4. Protective Life
-
Founded: 1907
-
AM Best Rating: A+
-
S&P Rating: AA–
-
Why it’s a fit: Banner Life is often considered one of the best companies for life insurance for helicopter pilots.
5. Lincoln Financial Group
-
Founded: 1905
-
AM Best Rating: A+
-
S&P Rating: AA–
-
Why it’s a fit: Lincoln Financial has a strong reputation for underwriting complex risk cases, including pilots.
Money-Saving Tips for Helicopter Pilots
While premiums may be higher for pilots, there are ways to reduce your costs:
✔️ Always Work With an Independent Agent
Choose an agent who understands helicopter pilot life insurance and can shop multiple insurers for the best fit.
✔️ Increase Flight Hours
More experience = lower risk. If you’re close to a milestone (e.g., 500+ hours), wait and apply then.
✔️ Apply Early
Younger applicants get significantly lower rates. Don’t wait until later in your career.
✔️ Choose Term Insurance
Term policies are 3–5x more affordable than whole life—especially with high-risk classifications.
✔️ Avoid High-Risk Activities
If you can avoid night flying, aerobatics, or hazardous missions, your risk rating may improve.
✔️ Maintain Good Health
Control your blood pressure, cholesterol, and BMI to qualify for better underwriting classes.
Conclusion: Protect Your Family, Even at 10,000 Feet
Flying a helicopter comes with undeniable risks—but securing your family’s financial future shouldn’t be one of them.
Whether you’re a commercial pilot, medevac hero, or passionate private flyer, life insurance for helicopter pilots is accessible with the right approach.
Take the time to explore your options, understand the underwriting process, and work with a knowledgeable advisor such as ourselves.
We are independent insurance agents with 29 years of experience helping helicopter pilots get the lowest rates on life insurance. You can also apply over the telephone for your convenience.
All the best,
