Life Insurance for Skydivers (2025 Guide)

Can You Get Life Insurance if You Skydive? Discover What You Need to Know in Our Complete Guide for 2025 + YouTube Video

Can you get life insurance if you skydive? Yes you can. If you’re a skydiver, chances are you’ve wondered how your love of the skies might affect your ability to buy life insurance.

Whether you’re new to skydiving or have hundreds of jumps under your belt, understanding how this adventurous activity influences your life insurance options is very important.

This comprehensive guide to life insurance for skydivers will answer your biggest questions, break down how insurers view skydiving risks, and show you how to secure the right policy so you can keep chasing the thrill with peace of mind.

We’re going to break down everything you need to know about getting the best life insurance for skydivers in clear, simple terms. We’ll explore whether skydivers can qualify, how it affects rates, which companies are best, and answer the most common questions skydivers like yourself ask.

 

Can You Get Life Insurance If You Skydive?

Yes, you can get life insurance if you skydive with no problems at all. As with all life insurance products, your health will always be the most important factor.

The fact that you skydive is always going to be secondary when compared to your health status. If you are a healthy individual, you should not have any problems applying for skydiving life insurance.

 

Can Skydivers Qualify for Affordable Life Insurance?

Yes, skydivers can absolutely qualify for life insurance at very affordable rates. However, because skydiving is considered a high-risk activity, it does affect how insurance companies assess your application and set your premiums. Purchasing skydiving life insurance is very simple

 

Why Is Skydiving Considered High Risk?

Life insurance companies base their rates on the probability that they will have to pay out a claim. While skydiving is statistically safer than many people think (with a fatality rate of just 0.27 deaths per 100,000 jumps in 2023), insurers still view it as riskier than most hobbies.

That’s because, compared to everyday activities, skydiving carries a higher chance of serious injury or death. Skydiving life insurance was expensive in the past due to the insurers not having much experience and knowledge of this sport.

 

Does Life Insurance Cover Skydiving?

Yes, life insurance does cover skydiving. If you have a current policy that was purchased prior to being active in this sport, your policy will cover you with no problem now. If you apply for a policy while you are currently active in the sport, you must disclose this information to your new carrier.

Many times people think about the concept of a sport where you jump out of an airplane thousands of feet off the ground and simply depend on a parachute to work as a death wish. But in reality, skydiving is a relatively safe sport except for a possible broken ankle from landing improperly. Skydiving and life insurance is considered a safe risk with the insurers.

 

How to Apply for Life Insurance With a Hazardous Sport: YouTube Video

 

Benefits of Using an Independent Agent for Skydiver Life Insurance

Securing life insurance as a skydiver can be more complex than for those with less adventurous hobbies. Working with an independent agent offers several key advantages that can save you time, money, and frustration:

Access to Multiple Insurers and Products:

Independent agents (brokers) work with a wide range of life insurance companies, including those that specialize in or are more open to insuring skydivers. This means you can compare multiple offers and find the best fit for your needs and budget.

Expertise in High-Risk Underwriting:

A broker familiar with skydiver life insurance understands how different insurers assess skydiving risk. They know which companies are most likely to approve your application and which ones offer the most competitive rates for your specific situation.

Personalized Guidance and Advocacy:

Brokers act as your advocate, helping you navigate the application process, gather the right information (like your jump history and certifications), and present your case in the best possible light to underwriters. 

This increases your chances of approval and can help you avoid unnecessary exclusions or surcharges.

Help Avoid Unnecessary Exclusions:

Some insurance agents may suggest policies that exclude skydiving-related deaths to keep premiums low, but this may not meet your needs.

A broker can help you weigh the pros and cons of such exclusions and find policies that provide full coverage, even for skydiving accidents. We do not recommend exclusion riders for life insurance for skydivers.

Customized Policy Features and Riders:

Brokers can explain and help you add valuable riders (such as accidental death, waiver of premium, or accelerated death benefit) that enhance your coverage and offer extra protection tailored to your lifestyle as a skydiver.

Saving Time and Reducing Hassle:

Rather than contacting multiple insurers yourself and filling out numerous applications, a broker streamlines the process by handling the shopping, paperwork, and follow-up for you.

Up-to-Date Knowledge on Industry Changes:

Brokers such as ourselves stay current on underwriting trends, new products, and changes in how insurers view skydiving risk. This ensures you receive the most accurate and timely advice available.

Objective, Unbiased Advice:

Unlike captive agents who represent only one insurer, brokers are independent and focused on finding the best solution for you, not just selling a specific company’s product.

Potential for Better Rates:

Because brokers know which insurers are most favorable to skydivers, they can often secure you lower premiums or more favorable terms than you might find on your own.

Special Groups and Discounts:

Some brokers work with organizations like the USPA (United States Parachute Association) to offer group rates or special programs for members, giving you access to preferred underwriting and additional savings.

In summary:

A life insurance broker offers skydivers expert guidance, access to multiple insurers, and personalized support-making it easier and more affordable to secure the right coverage, even with a high-risk sport or hobby.

 

How Life Insurance Brokers Negotiate with Insurers for Skydivers

This is what independent insurance agents do for their clients behind the scenes to get the best life insurance for skydivers. 

Life insurance brokers play a crucial role in helping skydivers secure coverage by acting as intermediaries between applicants and insurance companies.

The negotiation process is both strategic and informed, leveraging industry knowledge and relationships to advocate for the best possible outcome for skydivers.

Here’s how brokers negotiate with insurers on behalf of skydivers:

1. Understanding the Skydiver’s Profile

Brokers begin by gathering detailed information about your skydiving activity, such as:

• Number of jumps per year

• Membership in skydiving clubs (such as the USPA)

• Years of experience

• Whether you’re an instructor or competitor

• Safety certifications and adherence to best practices

This information is critical because insurers assess risk based on both the frequency and nature of your skydiving activities.

2. Matching Applicants with the Right Insurers

Not all insurance companies treat skydivers the same way-some are more favorable and experienced in underwriting high-risk hobbies.

Brokers use their knowledge of the market to identify which insurers are most likely to offer coverage at reasonable rates for skydivers, saving applicants time and frustration.

3. Presenting the Case to Underwriters

Brokers act as advocates, presenting a complete and accurate picture of your risk profile to underwriters. They emphasize factors that can help lower your risk classification, such as:

• Club membership (which often results in lower rates)

• Demonstrated safety record and certifications

• Lower jump frequency

Brokers may also highlight improvements in skydiving safety and provide statistics to show that the risk is lower than insurers might assume.

4. Requesting Preliminary Offers

Before submitting a formal application, brokers often reach out to several insurers to obtain “preliminary” quotes or approvals based on your disclosed information.

This step allows brokers to compare potential rates and coverage options, ensuring you only apply with companies most likely to approve you on the best terms.

5. Negotiating for Better Terms

If an insurer proposes high premiums or restrictive exclusions, brokers may negotiate by:

• Providing additional documentation about your experience and safety record

• Requesting reconsideration for a better rate class (such as “standard” instead of “substandard”)

• Asking for the removal or reduction of flat extra fees if risk factors are mitigated

Brokers leverage their relationships and understanding of underwriting guidelines to advocate for more favorable terms.

6. Exploring Exclusion Riders as an Option

Some insurers offer the option to exclude skydiving-related deaths from coverage, resulting in lower premiums.

Brokers should always discuss the pros and cons of these riders with clients and negotiate with insurers to ensure that the exclusion is clearly defined and does not impact other aspects of the policies coverage.

7. Leveraging Group Programs

For skydivers who are members of organizations like the USPA, brokers may be able to negotiate access to group life insurance programs that offer preferred rates and underwriting concessions, thanks to collective bargaining power and demonstrated safety records.

A Real-World Example:

The United States Parachute Association (USPA) partnered with an insurance broker to negotiate with underwriters on behalf of its members. The broker presented skydiving safety statistics and advocated for the true, lower risk profile of modern skydiving.

As a result, USPA members now qualify for preferred underwriting rates, rather than the substandard rates once typical for skydivers. Shopping for the best life insurance for skydivers is now a quick and simple process.

Summary

Life insurance brokers negotiate with insurers for skydivers by:

• Gathering detailed risk information

• Matching applicants with favorable insurers

• Advocating for clients with underwriters

• Comparing preliminary offers

• Negotiating for better rates or fewer exclusions

• Leveraging group programs when available

This process helps skydivers secure comprehensive life insurance coverage at the most competitive rates possible, despite the high-risk nature of their hobby.

 

How Brokers Compare Different SkyDiving Life Insurance Policies

Life insurance brokers play a vital role in helping skydivers find the most suitable and affordable coverage by systematically comparing insurers’ policies. Here’s how experienced brokers handle this process:

1. Assessing Underwriting Guidelines for Skydivers

Brokers start by identifying insurers with experience insuring skydivers and reviewing each company’s underwriting guidelines. Some insurers are more open to covering skydivers, while others may charge higher premiums, add exclusions, or even deny coverage entirely.

Brokers use their knowledge to shortlist companies that are most likely to offer favorable terms for your specific skydiving profile.

2. Comparing Premiums and Flat Extra Fees

Insurers handle skydiving risks differently:

• Some charge a “flat extra” fee-an additional cost per $1,000 of coverage-on top of the standard premium.

• Others may impose higher risk classifications or simply decline coverage.

Brokers collect quotes from multiple insurers, comparing both the base premium and any additional flat extra fees, to find the most cost-effective option for the applicant.

3. Evaluating Policy Exclusions and Riders

Brokers such as ourselves carefully review policy documents for any exclusions related to skydiving. Some insurers may offer coverage but exclude death resulting from skydiving accidents, while others provide full coverage at a higher cost. 

Brokers also look for available riders-such as accidental death, waiver of premium, and accelerated death benefit-that can enhance protection for skydivers.

4. Analyzing Policy Types and Features

Brokers compare the types of policies available:

• Term Life Insurance: Offers affordable, straightforward coverage for a set period.

• Permanent Life Insurance: Provides lifelong coverage and may include cash value accumulation.

They assess which policy type best aligns with your needs and budget, factoring in the impact of skydiving on eligibility and costs.

5. Considering Insurer Reputation and Financial Strength

A broker will consider the insurer’s financial stability and reputation, ensuring the company is reliable and has a history of paying claims-even for high-risk activities like skydiving. This step is crucial for long-term peace of mind.

6. Personalizing the Comparison

Brokers tailor comparisons to your individual profile, factoring in:

• Frequency and type of skydiving (hobbyist vs. instructor)

• Your age, health, and other lifestyle factors

• Membership in skydiving clubs (which may lead to discounts or better rates)

7. Presenting Options and Explaining Trade-Offs

After gathering and analyzing all relevant information, independent agents present the best options to you, clearly explaining:

• Differences in premiums and coverage

• Any exclusions or limitations

• The pros and cons of each policy, including the impact of various riders and policy features

8. Guiding You Through the Entire Application Process

Finally, brokers help you apply to the insurer most likely to approve your application at the best rate, ensuring all skydiving activities are fully disclosed for accurate, valid coverage.

In summary:
Independent agents compare different insurers’ policies for skydivers by evaluating underwriting guidelines, premiums, exclusions, riders, policy types, and insurer reputation.

They use their expertise to match skydivers with the most suitable and cost-effective coverage, ensuring transparency and maximizing your chances of approval.