Life Insurance for Pilots: What You Need to Know to Get the Best Rates in 2025 + YouTube Video
Flying airplanes may seem glamorous, but as a pilot, you understand the risks involved better than anyone. Securing life
insurance for pilots is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family’s future, but it’s not always straightforward.
The unique nature of your occupation or hobby means you might encounter higher premiums or specialized considerations. This guide is here to simplify things and help you find the best life insurance coverage as a pilot.
Whether you’re a student pilot, commercial pilot, or a private pilot, you’ll walk away better informed and more confident in your options after reviewing this article.
Table of Contents
Do Pilots Pay More for Life Insurance?
Most of the time, a pilot will not pay any more for his life insurance than an individual that does not fly any type of aircraft. As long as he has sufficient experience and is IFR certified for instrument ratings. He will be able to qualify for preferred and even preferred best rates.
Life insurance companies are much more relaxed in their underwriting than in the past. Pilot death statistics reflect very few fatal crashes compared to the past. This is due to more advanced training and safety features now found on modern aircraft.
Why Do Pilots Need Life Insurance?
As a pilot, you face unique risk factors that standard life insurance policies don’t always account for. From the physical demands of flying to being at the helm of potential emergencies, your job or hobby carries inherent risks. For these reasons, some insurance providers classify pilots as high risk, which may impact affordability and coverage options.
Life insurance not only provides financial security for your loved ones, but it also protects them from additional stress in the event of an untimely loss. If you’re a pilot with dependents, debt (like a mortgage or flight training loans), or anyone relying on your income stream, life insurance is essential.
How to Apply for Life Insurance with a Hazardous Occupation, Sport or Hobby: YouTube Video
Understanding the Risk Factors That Affect Pilot Life Insurance
To better understand your pilot’s life insurance, it’s important to know what underwriters evaluate when generating the premium for your policy. Here are some key risk factors that come into play:
Types of Flying
The purpose of your flights matters for underwriting. For instance:
Commercial Pilots
Commercial pilots who fly certified aircraft typically face lower risks. Purchasing life insurance for commercial pilots will be based on the concept that commercial pilots usually have more experience and training. Many commercial pilots today have originally come from serving in the U.S. Air Force and then transitioning to civilian aviation.
Their intense Air Force training gives them the experience advantage when applying for commercial pilot life insurance.
Private Pilots
Private pilots that operate smaller or experimental planes tend to encounter higher risk classifications. When an individual applies for life insurance for private pilots, many times the applicant may not have the experience or training that a commercial pilot has.
They also typically fly smaller, single-engine aircraft that the statistics show have a higher reputation for crashing. Private pilot life insurance can easily be approved and issued at preferred rates will a history of good health.
Student Pilots
Student pilots seeking life insurance normally believe that life insurance for student pilots will be impossible to apply for or will cost a fortune to buy. Nothing could be further from the truth. The fact is they have little to no experience at all and you would think they would be viewed as a terrible risk.
In reality, they fly with a licensed, highly experienced flight instructor supervising their every move. If a student pilot applies for coverage, he would normally be given a standard rate classification and be given a $2.50 flat extra fee.
Once they have built up experience they can re-apply for preferred rates and lose the flat extra fee altogether. Purchasing student pilot life insurance is never a problem as long as you are in good health.
Recreational aviators
Recreational pilots that participate in aerobatic or adventure flying can see much higher premiums because of the greater hazards they encounter.
Flight Hours and Experience
Most insurers will reward seasoned pilots with lower rates. For example:
1. Pilots with over 1,000 hours of flying time or an Instrument Flight Rating (IFR) are often classified favorably.
2. Less experienced flyers, like student pilots, may see higher premiums or flat extra fees until they build hours.
Aircraft Type
The type and safety record of the aircraft you fly will impact your policy. Standard, certified planes are viewed as safer, while experimental or smaller aircraft might result in higher costs.
Frequency and Location of Flights
Underwriters want to know how often you fly annually, along with your destinations. Pilots flying fewer than 250 hours per year domestically typically pay lower premiums than those flying internationally or to remote areas.
Aviation Medicine and Your Health
Ironically, being a pilot can sometimes work in your favor. Maintaining a pilot’s license means passing regular medical exams and staying in good physical condition, which are factors that appeal to insurers.
Best Types of Life Insurance for Pilots
There are two main types of life insurance policies you’ll want to consider as a pilot:
1. Term Life Insurance
Term life insurance covers you for a specific time frame (e.g., 10, 20, or 30 years). It’s often the most affordable option and suitable for most pilots. Companies like Protective Life and Prudential offer competitive rates tailored to pilots. You will find that term life insurance is by far the most cost effective policy to choose from
Advantages:
1. Low monthly premiums
2. Simple coverage with no cash value
3. Customizable term lengths to protect key life milestones (e.g., paying off loans or a dependent’s education)
2. Universal Life Insurance
For pilots looking for lifetime coverage or a policy with cash value, universal life insurance is an option. While more expensive upfront, this type of policy can build savings over time.
Advantages:
1. Lifetime coverage.
2. Cash value component that grows over time.
3. It’s a good tool for estate planning and wealth transfer.
3. No-Medical-Exam Life Insurance (Non-Med)
Advantages:
1. No medical exam is required
2. Very fast application approval times
3. No medical records are required
What Is the Best Life Insurance for Pilots?
The ideal life insurance for pilots will vary based on the individual’s unique circumstances and needs. In my 29 years as an insurance broker, my recommendation will always be term without question. Universal life will be at least 3x the cost and whole life will be out of the ballpark.
Many insurers have terminated their lines of whole life protection due to the very high cost. Banner Life now offers term limits of up to 35 and 40 years. If you want to be covered for the rest of your life.
You can choose term for the number of years when you will need the highest death benefit and incorporate universal life with a smaller death benefit which will follow you for the rest of your life. This will enable you to have the best life insurance portfolio possible.
Finding Pilot-Friendly Companies
Not all insurers treat pilots equally. To secure the best coverage, it’s critical to work with companies that specialize in insuring aviation professionals.
Leading providers like Protective Life, AIG, Lincoln Financial, and Prudential offer favorable policies for pilots, many without flat extra fees or aviation exclusions.
Here’s what to look for in an aviation-friendly policy:
1. Policies without aviation exclusion riders (which exclude coverage for aviation-related deaths).
2. Flexible options with no or minimal flat extra fees.
3. Positive reviews for working with aviation professionals.
Tip: Always work with an independent insurance agent who can compare multiple insurers to find the right fit.
The Application Process
Getting life insurance as a pilot involves some additional steps in the application process compared to other professions. Here’s what to expect:
Aviation Questionnaire
Most insurers will require you to complete an aviation questionnaire. This typically asks about:
1. Number of total flight hours and annual flight hours
2. Type of aircraft flown
3. Purpose of flying (commercial, private, recreational, etc.)
4. Locations and frequency of flights
5. Licenses and certifications (e.g., IFR, private pilot license)
Health History
Your overall health remains a significant factor in determining premium rates. Conditions like high blood pressure or obesity could increase costs, regardless of your flying history.
Underwriting Decisions
Based on your responses, insurers will determine your risk class. Experienced pilots with high total hours and strong medical records are more likely to qualify for preferred rates.
Cost Considerations for Pilot Life Insurance
The cost of life insurance for pilots varies depending on individual risk factors. We recommend using our instant rate comparison tool where you can compare the rates displayed side-by-side for over 40 top rated insurers. Here are some general insights:
Term Life Premiums
For an experienced private pilot with over 100 flying hours, premiums may range from $30 to $55 per month for a $500,000 policy. Rates typically increase with age, so applying sooner rather than later is ideal.
Flat Extra Fees
Some companies may charge “flat extra fees” ranging from $2 to $7.50 per $1,000 of coverage. For instance, a $500,000 policy with a $5 flat fee could cost an additional $2,500 per year. However, working with a pilot-friendly insurer like Protective Life can help you avoid such fees.
Aviation Exclusion Riders
Opting for an exclusion rider can lower costs, but it removes coverage for aviation-related deaths. Many insurers offer affordable alternatives without requiring this option.
Case Studies: Real-Life Examples of Pilot Policies
Experienced Private Pilots:
Age: 45
Hours Flown: 1,200 total, 100 annually
Policy Type: $500,000 Term Life, 20 years
Rate: $40/month (with no flat extra fees)
Student Pilots:
Age: 30
Hours Flown: 50
Policy Type: $500,000 Term Life, 20 years
Rate: $55/month (with $2.50 flat extra fee)
Commercial Pilots:
Age: 50
Hours Flown: 10,000
Policy Type: $1,000,000 Term Life, 20 years
Rate: $125/month (with preferred rates and no exclusions)
Expert Advice for Pilots
“Many pilots often assume they’ll pay excessively high premiums due to their profession, but that’s not always the case. The key is applying with the right carrier,” says Jack Venturi, an independent agent and our agency founder with 29 years of experience specializing in high-risk life insurance.
“Always disclose your flying frequency, details and health history honestly to avoid claims issues later.”
Life Insurance for Helicopter Pilots
To get the best life insurance rates for helicopter pilots, you need two things. First, you need a private pilot certificate (PPL). Second, you need a commercial pilot certificate (CPL). This is especially important for commercial flying.
An FAA medical certificate to show you are in good health and a CFI would be a great asset. Having ample flight experience is also a factor.
Applying for life insurance for helicopter pilots is similar to applying for life insurance for airplane pilots. The information the carriers will be asking for will be:
Like all types of aircraft, whether private or commercial, more experience and training can help you get lower rates.
Applying for life insurance for helicopter pilots is now a simple process. Underwriting is much more relaxed than it was before. The best tip I can give you is to apply with an aviation-friendly insurer such as the ones our agency is contracted with.
Aviation Questionnaire
This questionnaire is designed to gather data on your flying activities to evaluate the potential risks for insurance
coverage. All life insurance companies need to know these details to calculate your policy’s premium before your application can be approved.
If you would like us to provide you with an accurate rate quote, please complete this Aviation-Questionnaire. Rest assured that your information is secure and confidential.
You can either email or fax it back to us and we will be able to provide you with an accurate projection of what your rates will be.
Securing Your Family’s Financial Future
Life insurance is about giving yourself peace of mind and ensuring your loved ones are protected. While being a pilot
adds unique considerations, it’s entirely possible to find affordable, comprehensive policies with the right guidance.
To get started, call 708-334-6226 today for a free quote. With nearly three decades of experience, we specialize in helping pilots find the best-fit policies tailored to their needs. Don’t leave your family’s financial security to chance—apply now over the phone and take control of your future.
All the best,
Jack Venturi
