Athletes can find a winning policy with these 5 life insurance companies.
People who enjoy playing sports are typically healthier and in better shape than people who don’t. However, life insurance companies consider athletes a higher risk than people who simply exercise. Fortunately, you can get coverage with some companies that are more lenient when it comes to sports — but expect to pay a slightly higher premium than you would if you stayed on the sidelines.
When analyzing life insurance providers, 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 each company’s financial strength, accreditations and ratings, and reads customer reviews.
What are the best life insurance companies for people who play sports?
The following five life insurance companies stand above the rest when it comes to underwriting leniency for sports and competitive rates.
Best for extreme sports and other high-risk activities: Mutual of Omaha
Mutual of Omaha doesn't officially specialize in life insurance for extreme sports and high-risk activities, but you'd be forgiven for thinking that. Its competitive rates and lax underwriting guidelines allows most thrill seekers to buy a policy, regardless of sport or hobby. It also offers permanent life insurance, including a guaranteed issue whole life policy that functions as final expense coverage.
Principal takes a different approach to people involved in sports and high-risk hobbies by excluding those activities. You'll have coverage the rest of the time, but your benefit won't be paid out if you passed away while playing the sport or due to an injury from it. The benefit of this is Principal won't charge you higher rates for being involved in those activities.
Foresters Financial will contribute an amount of its own money equal to 1% of your death benefit to the charity of your choice if you pass away while the policy is in force. Foresters offers standard term life insurance options and has lenient underwriting guidelines that mean it's easier to get a policy if you play sports. It also offers various member benefits, such as discounts on financial and legal services, emergency grants and terminal illness loans.
Pros
Personalized service
Fast-tracked applications
Attractive member benefits
Charitable contributions
Financial strength
Cons
No online quotes
Short customer service window
Free Quote
Contact an agent
Insurance Products
Term life, Whole life, Final expense, Universal life
Issue Age
18 to 85
Coverage Amount
$10,000 to $500,000+
Term Lengths
10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 years
Medical Exam Required
Not listed
Ways To File A Claim
Phone: 800-828-1540
Ratings, Accreditation and Memberships
AM Best Company: A (Excellent)
Customer Service Options
Customer support number: 800-828-1540 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET weekdays Email: service@foresters.com
Pros
Personalized service
Fast-tracked applications
Attractive member benefits
Charitable contributions
Financial strength
Cons
No online quotes
Short customer service window
Free Quote
Contact an agent
Insurance Products
Term life, Whole life, Final expense, Universal life
Issue Age
18 to 85
Coverage Amount
$10,000 to $500,000+
Term Lengths
10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 years
Medical Exam Required
Not listed
Ways To File A Claim
Phone: 800-828-1540
Ratings, Accreditation and Memberships
AM Best Company: A (Excellent)
Customer Service Options
Customer support number: 800-828-1540 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET weekdays Email: service@foresters.com
Have a pre-existing condition from being active like tennis elbow or knee pain? You can get a quote and sign up online without getting a medical exam, plus enjoy some of the best rates and high maximums on term life insurance for no-exam policies. However, you won't be able to get a policy if you're over 60 or live in New York state.
Prudential is a financially strong insurer with classifications that serve many types of people — including athletes. Prudential offers a variety of plans, but its specialty is term life insurance. Outside of its more lenient underwriting standards, Prudential also has a number of riders to customize your policy with.
What are the financial ratings for the best sports life insurance?
The financial strength of a life insurance company helps determine its ability to quickly pay out claims. Financially strong mutual companies can also pay out dividends to permanent life insurance policyholders, though these are never guaranteed.
Agency
Prudential
Mutual of Omaha
Principal
Foresters
Legal & General
A.M. Best
A+
A+
A+
A
A+
Moody’s
Aa3
A1
A1
N/A
N/A
Standard & Poor’s
AA-
AA-
A+
N/A
AA-
Fitch
AA-
N/A
AA-
N/A
AA-
J.D. Power
3 out of 5
4 out of 5
3 out of 5
N/A
N/A
Customer reviews
We looked to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to help us determine customer service levels and find customer reviews for each life insurance provider. Ratings and reviews reflect each company as a whole, not solely its life insurance component.
Provider
BBB rating
Customer reviews
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
Playing sports can make finding affordable life insurance more difficult than it should be with many providers, but it’s not impossible. Try getting a quote from life insurance companies that have more lenient underwriting guidelines and consider asking to exclude coverage relating to injuries caused while playing your sport, if you’re comfortable with that.
Before deciding on a life insurance provider, be sure to check out our list of the overall best life insurance providers.
Compare more life insurance companies
Life insurance ratings
★★★★★ — Excellent
★★★★★ — Good
★★★★★ — Average
★★★★★ — Subpar
★★★★★ — Poor
Our experts analyze life insurance companies to help you to find the strongest possible policy and premium for your family’s needs. We assess their financial strength, customer satisfaction, policy features and riders. We then give each insurer a score between one and five stars that reflects their offering and reputation in the industry.
Andrew Flueckiger is a licensed insurance agent and Certified Insurance Counselor with experience in insurance and finance. A graduate of Indiana University, Andrew contributes a wealth of knowledge and experience to Finder. When Andrew isn’t writing, reading or practicing insurance, he can be found spending time with his family and playing the guitar.
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