Jumping out of planes might feel like second nature to you, but to most insurance companies, it’s anything but routine.
If you skydive, whether professionally, as a hobbyist, or even just occasionally, you’re seen as a “higher risk” applicant in the world of life insurance. But higher risk doesn’t mean uninsurable. It just means there’s more to consider, and a few things to get right if you want to avoid overpaying or getting denied.
This guide breaks down what every skydiver needs to know about getting life insurance in 2025, what your options are, what affects your rates, and how to secure coverage that actually makes sense for you and your family.
Why Skydiving Affects Life Insurance Applications
Life insurance is about risk. When an insurance company offers you a policy, they’re essentially betting on how long you’ll live. The riskier your lifestyle appears on paper, the more cautious they become.
Skydiving, even with all the training, preparation, and safety protocols in place, is still classified as a high-risk activity by most insurance carriers. While fatal skydiving accidents are rare, they do happen, and that’s enough for underwriters to raise an eyebrow.
That said, jumping from planes doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting life insurance, it just means you’ll need to be smart about how you apply and who you apply with.
Do You Have to Disclose That You Skydive?
Yes. If you’re applying for a new life insurance policy, you’ll likely be asked about any hazardous activities you participate in, including skydiving, scuba diving, racing, mountaineering, etc.
And you should always answer truthfully.
Why? Because if you lie or omit the fact that you skydive and then pass away during a jump, the insurer can deny the claim. That means your beneficiaries may receive nothing, even if you’ve paid premiums for years.
Honesty protects your loved ones. It also gives you a better chance at finding the right policy from the right carrier, instead of rolling the dice with one that might back out when it matters most.
Will You Be Denied Coverage for Skydiving?
Not necessarily. Most of the time, the answer is no, you won’t be denied just because you skydive. But your application might be treated differently based on how often you jump, what kind of jumping you do, and whether it’s for recreation or income.
Here’s how insurers generally approach it:
- Occasional recreational skydivers (a few jumps a year) are often approved with either a small surcharge or no change in premium at all, depending on the insurer.
- Frequent skydivers (multiple jumps per month or competitive jumpers) may receive a flat extra fee, a dollar amount added to your premium for every $1,000 in coverage.
- Skydiving instructors or professionals may see more scrutiny but are still insurable with the right company.
- Tandem-only jumpers who are not licensed but do a few jumps per year usually face little to no penalty, since they’re not the one pulling the chute.
What Is a “Flat Extra” and How Does It Work?
If an insurer decides to charge you more for your skydiving activities, they’ll likely do it through a flat extra. This is an additional charge tacked onto your policy based on your death benefit amount.
For example:
- Let’s say you’re offered a $500,000 policy with a $2.50 flat extra per $1,000 of coverage.
- That’s 500 × $2.50 = $1,250 extra per year, on top of your base premium.
Flat extras are common for high-risk activities and occupations. The good news? They can often be removed later if you stop jumping or reduce your activity level. You’d just need to request a policy review and provide updated info.
What Affects Your Rate as a Skydiver (Besides Jumping)?
While skydiving is a big factor, it’s not the only one. Insurers look at the full picture:
- Age – Younger applicants usually pay less
- Health – Pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure or asthma may impact rates
- Smoking status – Smokers pay significantly more
- Type of policy – Term life is cheaper than whole life
- Coverage amount and length – A $1 million policy for 30 years will cost more than a $250K policy for 10
Skydiving is just one piece of the puzzle. If everything else looks good, many skydivers still qualify for solid coverage at a reasonable rate.
How to Shop for Life Insurance as a Skydiver
The biggest mistake you can make as a skydiver is applying blindly. If you just fill out an online quote form or apply through a company that doesn’t ask about your jumping habits upfront, you’re setting yourself up for surprises, or worse, a rejection.
Here’s how to approach the process the right way:
1. Work With a Broker (Not Just a Website)
An independent broker who understands high-risk applicants can match you with companies that have favorable views on skydiving. Not all insurers treat skydivers the same. Some are more flexible than others, and a broker knows which ones to avoid.
2. Be Upfront About Your Activity
Don’t hide or downplay your skydiving. It’s not worth the risk. If you die doing a jump and your application didn’t disclose it, your loved ones may receive nothing. Instead, clearly state:
- How often you jump (average per year)
- Whether it’s tandem, solo, competitive, or professional
- If it’s for recreation, instruction, or income
- How long you’ve been doing it
This helps the underwriter assess your actual level of risk, not just make assumptions based on the word “skydiving.”
Questions Insurers Will Ask About Your Skydiving
Once skydiving is on the table, expect a few follow-up questions during underwriting. These might include:
- How many jumps have you done in total?
- How many do you do per year, on average?
- Do you compete or participate in stunts?
- Are you an instructor or tandem master?
- Do you ever jump in extreme conditions (e.g., base jumping, wingsuit, low-altitude jumps)?
- Are you affiliated with a specific drop zone, school, or organization?
Your answers will help determine whether you’ll face a flat extra, be rated as a higher-risk class, or qualify for standard rates.
Best Types of Life Insurance for Skydivers
Term Life Insurance
This is the most popular choice for skydivers, and for good reason.
- Lower premiums than whole life
- Covers you for a set period (10, 20, or 30 years)
- Great for income replacement, mortgage protection, or family security
If you’re in your 20s, 30s, or 40s and skydiving regularly, a 20- or 30-year term policy can give you peace of mind through your peak jumping years.
Whole Life or Permanent Insurance
This lasts your entire life and includes a cash value component you can borrow against. It’s significantly more expensive but may be attractive if:
- You’re doing long-term financial planning
- You want to build a policy that acts as an asset
- You want coverage no matter when you pass away
Many skydivers pair a term policy with a small whole life policy for final expenses and flexibility.
Can You Avoid the Skydiving Surcharge?
Sometimes, yes. Here are a few scenarios where you might be able to avoid the flat extra:
- You’ve only jumped once or twice in the past and don’t plan to continue. If you’re no longer an active participant, some insurers won’t rate you as a skydiver.
- You jump less than 5 times per year. Some carriers consider this “occasional,” and might skip the extra premium, especially if you’re not licensed and only do tandem jumps.
- You agree to an exclusion. Some insurers offer policies that will cover you, except for skydiving-related deaths. If you’re willing to accept this exclusion, you may get approved at standard rates with no flat extra. (Just be aware: if you die during a jump, your family won’t receive the benefit.)
Tips for Skydivers Who Want Life Insurance in 2025
- Apply sooner rather than later. Life insurance costs rise as you age. If you’re healthy now and jumping regularly, lock in your rate while you can.
- Don’t assume all insurers are the same. One company might quote you at $80/month, while another charges $250, for the exact same coverage. Comparison is key.
- Review your policy regularly. If your skydiving frequency changes, or you stop jumping altogether, ask your insurer to review the policy. You may be able to reduce your rate or remove the flat extra.
- Document your training and safety record. If you’ve got certifications, accident-free records, or decades of safe jumps under your belt, mention it. It may help your case.
- Get enough coverage. If you’re a primary breadwinner or own a business, don’t shortchange the policy amount. A common rule of thumb is 10–15x your income.
Skydiving Doesn’t Disqualify You, But It Does Require a Smarter Approach
You already know life is unpredictable. That’s part of the thrill of jumping. But that same unpredictability is why life insurance matters, especially when your lifestyle involves calculated risk.
You don’t need to give up skydiving to protect your family financially. You just need to work with the right people, be honest, and choose a policy that balances risk, protection, and price.
📌 At Liberty Financial Group, we help skydivers find life insurance without the stress. Whether you’re a casual jumper or a competitive pro, we match you with the carriers who understand your lifestyle and don’t overcharge just because you enjoy flying free. Reach out today and we’ll walk you through your options, without pressure or guesswork.
