Last Updated: February 3rd, 2026
Skydivers can get life insurance, but insurers typically add a flat extra charge to standard premiums based on jump frequency. Most companies charge $2.50-$5.00 per $1,000 of coverage for recreational skydivers who jump fewer than 50 times annually. Professional skydivers or those with more frequent jumps may face higher rates or need specialized coverage.
Life insurance companies view skydiving as a high-risk activity, which means you’ll pay more than someone who doesn’t jump out of planes. But here’s the good news: getting affordable coverage as a skydiver is absolutely possible.
The key is understanding how insurers calculate your premiums and knowing which strategies can help you save money. Most skydivers can secure solid coverage without breaking the bank. It just takes a bit of knowledge about how the underwriting process works.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how life insurance works for skydivers, what you can expect to pay, and proven strategies to lower your costs while still getting the protection your family needs.
How Life Insurance Companies Charge Skydivers
Life insurance companies don’t simply deny coverage to skydivers. Instead, they use a pricing method called a “flat extra” to account for the additional risk.
Here’s how it works: You’ll receive a standard rate based on your age, health, and other typical underwriting factors. Then the insurer adds an extra charge specifically for skydiving.
The flat extra is calculated per $1,000 of coverage and charged annually. The amount depends primarily on how often you jump.
Typical flat extra rates:
- Fewer than 25 jumps per year: $2.50-$3.50 per $1,000 of coverage
- 25-50 jumps per year: $3.50-$5.00 per $1,000 of coverage
- More than 50 jumps per year: $5.00+ per $1,000 of coverage or case-by-case review
For example, if you’re approved for a $500,000 policy with a $3.00 flat extra, you’d pay an additional $1,500 per year on top of your standard premium.
Understanding Flat Extra Charges With Examples
Let’s look at real-world scenarios to see how flat extras affect your total cost.
Example 1: Recreational Skydiver
- 35-year-old female, excellent health
- $250,000 10-year term life insurance policy
- Standard annual premium: $240
- Jumps 20 times per year
- Flat extra: $2.50 per $1,000 = $625 annually
- Total annual premium: $865
Example 2: Active Hobbyist
- 40-year-old male, good health
- $500,000 20-year term policy
- Standard annual premium: $650
- Jumps 40 times per year
- Flat extra: $4.00 per $1,000 = $2,000 annually
- Total annual premium: $2,650
As you can see, jump frequency significantly impacts your cost. The more you jump, the higher your flat extra.
Cost-Saving Strategies for Skydivers
1. Consider a Dual Policy Approach
One effective strategy is splitting your coverage between two policies:
- A standard policy that excludes skydiving coverage (lower cost)
- A smaller supplemental policy that covers skydiving accidents specifically
This approach may reduce costs, sometimes by 20-30%, depending on the insurer and your specific case. The downside is managing two policies and ensuring both stay active.
2. Time Your Application Strategically
If you’re planning to skydive less frequently in the future, wait to apply until your jump count decreases. Some skydivers who were very active in their 20s and 30s find better rates in their 40s when they jump less often.
3. Stop Smoking
Smokers pay roughly double what non-smokers pay for life insurance. If you’re a skydiving smoker, you’re facing two premium increases. Quitting smoking will have a bigger impact on your rate than almost any other change you can make.
4. Compare Multiple Insurance Companies
Not all insurers charge the same flat extras. Some companies are more favorable to skydivers than others. Getting quotes from multiple carriers is essential.
5. Maintain Your Health
Since your base premium still depends on your overall health, staying in excellent physical condition helps offset the flat extra charge. Lower cholesterol, healthy blood pressure, and a good BMI all contribute to better base rates.
What About Your Existing Life Insurance Policy?
If you already have life insurance and decide to start skydiving, your coverage typically remains unchanged.
When you originally applied, you were asked whether you participated in high-risk activities. If you answered honestly at that time and later took up skydiving, the insurance company cannot retroactively increase your premiums or deny a claim.
Your policy is a contract. As long as you were truthful on your application, the terms stay locked in even if your hobbies change.
Don’t assume you can hide new skydiving activity, though. If you die in a skydiving accident and the investigation reveals you’d been jumping regularly without disclosing it during the contestability period (typically the first two years), your beneficiaries could face claim complications.
Professional vs. Recreational Skydivers
Insurance companies distinguish between recreational and professional skydivers.
Recreational skydivers typically receive standard flat extra treatment as described above. You’re jumping for fun, you follow USPA safety guidelines, and you jump at established drop zones.
Professional skydivers face more scrutiny. This includes:
- Skydiving instructors and tandem masters
- Stunt performers
- Competitive skydivers
- Anyone earning income from jumping
Professional skydivers may need specialty insurance through carriers that specifically underwrite aviation-related occupations. The application process is more detailed, and rates vary significantly based on specific activities.
Working With an Independent Life Insurance Broker
Finding the right life insurance as a skydiver requires knowing which companies offer competitive rates for high-risk activities.
Independent brokers have access to dozens of insurance carriers. They can quickly identify which companies are most favorable to skydivers and present you with multiple options to compare.
We work with over 30 insurance companies, and we know which ones have the best flat extra rates for skydivers. Some insurers specialize in high-risk applicants, while others avoid them entirely. An independent broker saves you the time and frustration of applying to companies that will simply decline your application.
The consultation and quote process costs nothing. We’re compensated by the insurance company when you purchase a policy, not by you directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does life insurance cover skydiving deaths?
Yes, if your policy includes skydiving coverage. Most policies with flat extras cover skydiving accidents. Some policies explicitly exclude skydiving through an aviation exclusion clause, though. Always read your policy documents to confirm what’s covered.
Can I get life insurance without disclosing my skydiving activity?
No, and you shouldn’t try. Failing to disclose skydiving on your application is considered material misrepresentation. If you die in a skydiving accident during the contestability period (usually two years), the insurer can deny the claim and refund only the premiums paid.
Will my premiums decrease if I stop skydiving?
With most term policies, the flat extra is built into your premium for the term length. If you stop jumping, you can apply for a new policy at standard rates once you’ve been inactive for 12-24 months. Some—but not all—carriers allow flat extra removal if you provide proof of inactivity, typically after 12-24 months.
How many jumps per year is considered “too many” for coverage?
Most carriers draw the line around 50-75 jumps annually for standard flat extra treatment. Beyond that, you’ll likely need specialized coverage or face higher rates. Professional skydivers with 100+ jumps per year should work with brokers who specialize in aviation-related insurance.
Do I need special life insurance if I’m a tandem passenger?
Not usually. A one-time tandem jump typically doesn’t require disclosure or additional coverage. Insurers are concerned with regular participation in the activity. If you jump only once or twice ever, it doesn’t affect your policy.
What if I’m a licensed skydiver but only jump a few times a year?
You’ll still need to disclose your skydiving activity, but fewer jumps mean lower flat extras. Keep a log of your jumps. Being able to document that you jump only 10-15 times annually can help you get better rates than someone who estimates “occasionally.”
Key Takeaways
Life insurance for skydivers is definitely available, though it costs more than standard coverage. The key points to remember:
Expect flat extra charges. Most insurers add $2.50-$5.00 per $1,000 of coverage annually based on your jump frequency. The fewer times you jump, the lower your extra charge.
Jump frequency matters most. Recreational skydivers with fewer than 50 jumps per year typically get straightforward approval with standard flat extras. Professional skydivers or those with higher frequency may need specialized coverage.
Shop around aggressively. Different insurance companies charge vastly different rates for skydivers. An independent broker can access multiple carriers to find the best deal.
Consider a dual policy strategy. Splitting coverage between a standard policy and a supplemental skydiving-specific policy may reduce costs, sometimes by 20-30%, depending on your situation.
Your existing policy stays intact. If you start skydiving after getting life insurance, your current policy remains unchanged as long as you were truthful on your original application.
Don’t hide your activity. Material misrepresentation can void your coverage entirely. Always disclose skydiving when applying for life insurance.
Get Your Skydiving Life Insurance Quote Today
Finding affordable life insurance as a skydiver doesn’t have to be complicated. We’ll connect you with insurance companies that offer competitive rates for skydivers and help you compare multiple options.
Use our quote form on this page. We’ll walk you through the process, answer your questions, and help you find coverage that protects your family without emptying your wallet.
