Participating in risky sports and activities is adrenaline-inducing, but it can also make buying life insurance a headache. That’s because there’s a higher chance the insurance company will have to pay out the claim sooner.
Since insurance companies classify you as high-risk, you’ll probably be limited to a term policy. But not all insurance companies are completely risk-averse.
When analyzing the best life insurance companies, we assess the insurer’s reputation in the industry, as well as its product lineup, rider selection and underwriting standards. To determine industry reputation, our editorial team researches the company’s financial strength, accreditations and ratings, and reads customer reviews.
What’s classified as a high-risk hobby?
Each insurance company has its own definition of a “high-risk” hobby, and how often you’re able to participate in these activities without officially landing into a riskier rating class. Insurance companies consider these activities to put your life at greater risk, which means they’re more likely to have to pay out a claim. They charge a higher premium to help offset this increased likelihood of a claim. Generally, these activities tend to fall under the high-risk category:
- Skydiving
- Hang gliding
- Scuba diving
- Rock climbing
- Bungee jumping
- Piloting aircraft
- Skiing
- Surfing
- Racing
The 5 best life insurance providers for high-risk hobbies
While there are more than five life insurance companies that are okay with insuring those with high-risk hobbies, the following five particularly stand out.
Best for extreme sports and high-risk activities: Mutual of Omaha
$2,000 – $500,000+
Coverage range
18 – 68 years
Issue age
Mutual of Omaha stands out for offering competitive rates for those who count high-risk activities and sports among their hobbies. Its lineup includes a range of term and permanent policies, including a guaranteed issue whole life policy for low coverage amounts. You can also customize your coverage with a long list of riders ,such as an accidental death benefit.
- Affordable rates for those classified as high risk and people involved in extreme sports.
- Choose from riders such as an accidental death benefit, disability premium waivers and waiver of premium.
- Sells four universal life policies with various cash-value growth options.
| Coverage range |
$2,000 – $500,000+
|
| Term lengths |
10, 15, 20 and 30 years
|
| Issue age |
18 – 68 years
|
Best company for giving back: Foresters Financial
$10,000 – $500,000+
Coverage range
18 – 85 years
Issue age
Foresters Financial offers standard term policy options, and contributes an additional 1% of your death benefit to the charity of your choice if you die while the policy is in force. It also offers various member benefits, such as emergency grants, terminal illness loans and discounts on legal and financial services. Plus, it's more accepting of high-risk hobbies than most other life insurance companies, meaning you can get coverage while knowing your money might go to a good cause.
- Unique member benefits and charity donation in the event of a claim.
- Pairs you with a local agent for personalized service.
- Its relaxed underwriting guidelines allow for high-risk activities and sports.
| Coverage range |
$10,000 – $500,000+
|
| Term lengths |
10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 years
|
| Issue age |
18 – 85 years
|
Best for adrenaline junkies: Principal
$200,000 – $5,000,000
Coverage range
20 – 70 years
Issue age
If you're looking for a competitive rate but still participate in hazardous sports, Principal offers an exclusion option. This policy excludes extreme sports and aviation, meaning it won't pay your beneficiaries in the case of an accident.
- Hazardous sports and aviation exclusion lets you have a policy without being penalized on rates.
- Quick approval process of 15 days or less for nearly all applicants.
- User friendly online portal lets you pay online and view your policy.
| Coverage range |
$200,000 – $5,000,000
|
| Term lengths |
10, 15, 20, or 30 years
|
| Issue age |
20 – 70 years
|
| Medical exam required |
No
|
Best for existing health issues: Legal & General
$100,000 – $10,000,000
Coverage range
20 – 75 years
Issue age
If high-risk activities are on your agenda and you have a health condition, Legal & General might be the perfect fit. Formerly known as Banner Life, the insurer offers various term policies. Thanks to its lenient underwriting, it opens up life insurance for applicants who might not otherwise be able to get coverage, like risk-takers, seniors and those with preexisting health conditions.
- Term policies can be converted up to age 70, giving you plenty of time to convert to a universal policy or buy a new policy.
- Offers the most popular term insurance riders, such as children's term and disability.
- Strong financial stability and fast claims service.
| Coverage range |
$100,000 – $10,000,000
|
| Term lengths |
10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 years
|
| Issue age |
20 – 75 years
|
Best overall life insurance company: Prudential
$100,000 – $10,000,000
Coverage range
18 – 75 years
Issue age
The insurance giant has a wide variety of rating classifications, which means it is often more lenient than other large life insurance companies when it comes to high-risk activities. Its relaxed ratings aside, Prudential is financially strong and has a varied lineup of policies to choose from.
- Offers a term policy that covers you until age 65.
- Purchase term policies with either a return of premium option or as a yearly renewable policy.
- Flexible classifications open up access to policyholders that participate in high-risk activities.
| Coverage range |
$100,000 – $10,000,000
|
| Term lengths |
10, 15, 20, or 30 years
|
| Issue age |
18 – 75 years
|
Life insurance companies with the best financial strength
The financial strength of an insurance company points to its ability to pay out claims quickly. Plus, financially strong mutual companies pay out dividends to permanent life policyholders, and you can then collect the cash or use the money to pay your premiums or upgrade your coverage.
| A.M. Best | A+ | A+ | A | A+ | A+ |
| Moody’s | Aa3 | A1 | N/A | A1 | N/A |
| Standard & Poor’s | AA- | AA- | N/A | A+ | AA- |
| Fitch | AA- | N/A | N/A | AA- | AA- |
| J.D. Power | 3 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 | N/A | 3 out of 5 | N/A |
Life insurance companies with the best customer support
We looked to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to help us determine customer service and reviews for each life insurance provider. Ratings and reviews reflect each company as a whole, not just its life insurance component.
| Prudential | D- | 1 out of 5 stars |
| Mutual of Omaha | A+ | 2 out of 5 stars |
| Foresters | A+ | 3 out of 5 stars |
| Principal | A+ | 1 out of 5 stars |
| Legal & General | A+ | N/A |
Bottom line
If you play high-risk sports and take part in hazardous activities, you can still qualify for affordable life insurance. You can either choose to be excluded from coverage while you’re participating in your high-risk hobby, or buy a regular, pricier policy for full coverage.
Before making this important decision, see Finder’s list of the overall best life insurance companies.
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