Pilot Life Insurance Quotes & Information + Video

Explore Everything You Need to Know About Pilot Life Insurance in 2025 + YouTube Video

 Applying for pilot life insurance is a simple and easy process. We fully understand the unique needs of aviators such as yourself and are here to help you find the best rates on life insurance policies specifically tailored for you.

Our agency has partnered with over 40 of the most competitive carriers to provide you with a wide range of options.

We can guide you through the process by ensuring you receive personalized quotes that fit your needs and budget.

Whether you are a commercial airline pilot, a private pilot, or a student pilot, we can provide you with the most cost effective solution to protect your family. 

Our life insurance policies provide comprehensive coverage, including accidental death benefits and disability protection, giving you and your loved ones peace of mind.

Applying for life insurance for pilots is quick and easy and we will assist you in finding the appropriate coverage at no cost or obligation.

 

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Protective Life is among the carriers we highly suggest, known for issuing policies without any additional fees and providing preferred best rates for healthy applicants.

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Can I Purchase Life Insurance if I’m a Pilot?

Yes, pilots, in many cases, you can even receive Super Preferred rates. 

Yes, you can purchase life insurance for pilots as long as you have the necessary training, experience, and proper licensing for whatever type of aircraft you fly, such as:

1. Private Aircraft
2. Commercial Aircraft
3. Helicopters
4. Paragliders
5. Military Aircraft
6. Propeller Driven
7. Jet-Powered

Life insurance companies will ask additional questions, but remember, your health history will still be the most important factor. As with all life insurance applications for anyone, regardless of their hazardous sport, hobby, or occupation. Your health will be the most critical category for your application that any carrier will review.

If you are healthy, you can compare life insurance quotes for pilots and select “preferred” in the health class drop down menu on our quoting system. Purchasing private pilot life insurance is a snap these days when compared to years past.

 

Understanding the Essentials of Pilot Life Insurance 

Specific Policies for Pilots

We work with over 40 life insurance companies. All carriers have their favorite markets that they cater to and the rates will vary between these companies from one market to another. When an individual applies for life insurance for pilots, it is vital to use a company that is aviation-friendly so the applicant can get the lowest rates possible. 

These types of risks would be referred to as life insurance for hazardous occupations, such as professional pilots, or life insurance for hazardous hobbies, such as private pilots that do not fly for hire. We always choose the most applicable insurer for each applicant’s specific needs and lifestyle.

Factors That Could Affect Your Premiums

Type of Flying:

Recreational pilots, also known as private pilots and commercial pilots, who are usually airline pilots, may face different levels of underwriting guidelines. Private aviation often carries more risk due to less experience than commercial aviators.

Flight Hours:

The number of flight hours a pilot has under their belt and their experience level can influence the insurers risk assessment. Needless to say, the more experience the better.

Aircraft Type:

Smaller airline pilots or operators of experimental type aircraft may face higher premiums than those flying standard, certified aircraft with proven track records for safety.

Purpose of Flying:

Non-commercial activities such as aerobatics and wing walking may carry additional risks along with higher premiums.

Policy Options

Aviation Exclusion Clause:

Some life insurance companies offer policies that can, as an option, exclude coverage for aviation-related deaths. We don’t recommend these riders due to the fact that if you apply with the correct carrier, you may be issued preferred best rates. There really is no need to worry about excluding flying to reduce premiums.

Term vs. Universal Life Insurance:

Depending on your needs, term life insurance will be the most cost effective plan design. Universal life insurance and whole life insurance build cash value over time but cost much more. Term insurance is usually the way to go with no close second.

Tips for Pilots

Connect With an Independent Agent:

Independent insurance agents such as ourselves work with virtually all the best life insurance companies on the market and can offer you the best rates available.

Disclose All Activities:

Be upfront about your flying experience and your health history. Always give your agent and the carrier you’re applying with truthful information. An omission or misrepresentation can lead to denied claims, which is the last thing you want for your family survivors to have to deal with.

 

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

 

Does Being a Pilot Affect Life Insurance Rates?

With sufficient experience and IFR certification, most pilots will experience no increase in premiums.

Your life insurance rates can sometimes be affected by being a private pilot, commercial pilot or even a student pilot as well. There is a much greater risk that life insurance companies are taking on when they consider insuring the life of a pilot, regardless of what type of aircraft you fly.

Just to get started, there are two big questions: what do you fly, and how much do you fly, just for starters. This could entail flying a single-engine Piper Cub twice a month for recreation, or you could fly a US Air Force F-16 fighter in the military. Term life insurance for pilots is very affordable and you can buy it for as long as you need it.

 

Can Aviators With Health Conditions Obtain a Policy?

Regardless of your occupation, sport, or hobbies, your health history is the most important factor when applying for life insurance. Medical conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, being overweight, and many other issues will be a life insurance company’s biggest concern.

If you have a medical condition, it has to be taken seriously by an insurance company. When a pilot becomes ill and is flying an airplane, he can’t lie down and take it easy until he feels better like most people can. He has to be at his best while flying, or a crash will become a deadly possibility.

 

What Are the Best Life Insurance Companies for Pilots?

As independent agents, we represent over 40 top-rated life insurance companies. Here is a shortlist of companies that work out very well for pilots and have some of the most competitive rates in the industry.

These insurers are also very liberal when it comes to flying when it comes to the underwriting department, which is precisely how you land the lowest premiums.

We believe these are the top 10 companies to consider for pilot life insurance

Protective Life does not add flat extra fees like many companies do, plus they have some of the lowest rates for private and commercial pilot life insurance.

1. Protective Life
2. AIG American General
3. Lincoln Financial
4. Mutual of Omaha
5. Prudential Insurance
6. Principal Financial
7. Banner Life
8. SBLI Savings Bank Life Insurance
9. Transamerica
10. Symetra

There is no particular order in which these insurance carriers are ranked. All of these company rates will be dependent on your age, tobacco use status, health history, driving record, credit history, and many other areas of information. Applicants are assessed on a case-to-case basis when applying for pilot life insurance.

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The importance of selecting the right carrier for your application cannot be overstated. A non-pilot-friendly insurer for your life insurance may result in higher premiums.

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Life Insurance for Private Pilots

Anytime someone applies for life insurance when involved with a hazardous sport, hobby, or occupation. Private pilots will be required to complete an additional aviation questionnaire. 

During the application process, insurers will inquire about the following details:

1. What type of private aircraft do you fly? 
2. What kind of license do you have?
3. Are you an actual licensed private pilot or a student pilot?
4. Are you IFR instrument-rated, and what certifications do you have?
5. When did you obtain your (PPL) private pilot license?
6. How many years have you been flying private aircraft?
7. How many hours do you fly approximately per month?
8. Have you had any FFA violations to date?
9. Are you planning on changing aircraft anytime in the next 1-2 years?
10.What make and model aircraft are you currently flying?
11. What is your type of aircraft class rating?

As long as you are in good health and your flight credentials are in order. Then, you should not have problems applying for private pilot life insurance.

Whether you fly a small single-engine airplane or a multiple-engine jet, the general concept will be the same.

 

What Is a Flat Extra Fee?

Flat extra fees are what pilots commonly pay when they don’t apply with the correct life insurance company. 

A flat extra charge is normally added for hazardous occupations or sports. A flat extra fee can commonly range between $1.00 to $7.50 for every $1,000 of the face amount, otherwise known as your death benefit. Flat extra fees are added to the base premium of the policy. 

We work with companies such as Protective Life that do not add flat extra fees to their life insurance policies for pilots.

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Experienced aviators holding IFR certification are often exempt from paying any extra flat charges on top of the premium, and may be eligible for a Preferred Best Health Class.

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What Do Exclusion Riders Signify When Added to a Policy?

Some carriers will give you the option to exclude the actual flight coverage from the policy. If you feel comfortable applying for life insurance with an aviation exclusion rider attached, you can do so. An exclusion will allow you to purchase a policy without any reference to flying.

With this exclusion, there will be no coverage for a fatal crash. Not all companies offer these aviation exclusions. Some pilots want to purchase life insurance and are not worried about the possibility of a fatal crash. Having an exclusion will eliminate the possibility of any additional cost in the policy for being a private or a commercial pilot, for that matter.

You have to consider this before you sit down to apply. If you are purchasing life insurance to settle the demands of a divorce court. Most judges will never approve of buying a policy with any exclusion riders.

 

Life Insurance for Commercial Pilots

A healthy commercial pilot who fulfills the underwriting requirements can secure preferred rates.

Applying for commercial airline pilot life insurance for professionals is similar to private pilots. For example, suppose you fly a commercial airline company. Most life insurance companies will offer you their best rate class, such as preferred best, if you qualify for the medical requirements.

It would also help if:

1. You are at least 30 years of age or older. 
2. You have over 1,000 hours of flying time.
3. You do not have any FAA violations.
4. You have a valid and up-to-date medical certificate.
5. Have at least 100 hours of experience in the current make and model of the airplane you fly.
6. Do you hold a certification, either commercial or Airline Transport Pilot ATP Certification?

Life insurance coverage is usually still offered if you don’t qualify for the above. However, being eligible for the best rates available may not be impossible. With today’s more relaxed underwriting, purchasing commercial pilot life insurance for airline pilots is simple. 

Life Insurance for Helicopter Pilots

Applying for the best life insurance for helicopter pilots is similar to applying for life insurance for airplane pilots. The information the carriers will be asking for will be:

1. Total Pilot in Command hours in helicopter experience.
2. Do you have any accidents or violations on your record?
3. What type of pilot licenses do you currently have to date?
4. Average pilot in command hours annually.
5. Total pilot in command hours from last year.
6. What kind of helicopter do you fly, including the make and model?
7. What is your Federal Aviation Administration certification date?
8. Are you planning on changing helicopters next year?

As with all types of aircraft flown, private or commercial, the more experience and training classes and certifications, the better your chances of getting the lowest rates possible.

Applying for helicopter pilot life insurance is also a smooth process with much more relaxed underwriting than in years past. The best tip I can give you is to apply with an aviation-friendly insurer such as the ones our agency is contracted with.

 

Life Insurance for Student Pilots

Contrary to popular belief, student pilots don’t pose as great a risk, given that they usually fly with a skilled aviation professional.

Students purchase their life insurance the same way an experienced pilot would. The only difference is that student pilots don’t always qualify for preferred rates like professional and certified flyers. But, as with everything else, this will come in time. As they say, everyone has to start somewhere.

With “most life insurance companies,” student pilots will receive a “standard” rate classification and will most likely receive a flat extra charge of $2.50 per thousand unless you are applying with Protective Life, which will not inflict a flat extra fee on student pilot life insurance.

This does not hold when using our favorite company for aviators, Protective Life. 

We have partnered with some of the highest-rated companies that do not add flat extra charges to student pilots. This allows student pilots to purchase a life insurance policy at very affordable rates.

 

Will a Policy Cover Flying Lessons?

Life insurance will cover a pilot’s flying lessons. When taking flying lessons, you fly with a certified instructor, eliminating high-risk factors. If you currently have life insurance coverage in the form of an individual or group policy.

The life insurance you currently have will cover your demise if you have a fatal plane crash while taking flying lessons.

If you are planning on purchasing a policy in the future, there will be questions on the application about flying that you will have to answer. All companies have their criteria for life insurance and flying lessons.

 

What Type of Policy Works Best for Aviators?

Choosing the type of life insurance is an important choice. You will have several plan designs to choose from when you apply for coverage. However, term life insurance for pilots will be the most cost-effective product. Term products cost far less than other options, such as universal life, whole life and permanent life insurance.

Terms typically come in 10 – 40 years. As a result, term life products always have the best pilot life insurance rates.Many will purchase on terms with considerable face amounts for the most financially costly items, to cover mortgages, car payments, and college tuition.

They can add a much smaller universal life plan designed to cover the rest of their lives after the term policy expires. Whole life is far too expensive, and many companies have eliminated it from their product line. 

 

Advantages of Working With Independent Agents

An Independent Insurance Agent is also known as a Broker and has the advantage of working with all the top-rated carriers. Having access to all these companies allows the brokers to custom-fit the most applicable carriers to the applicant.

Purchasing life insurance for pilots will normally require an independent agent. An independent agent does not work for an insurance company. They have your best interests in mind. Independent agents use companies that specialize in aviation.

A captive agent, on the other hand, such as a State Farm representative, works for their insurance company and has their insurance company’s best interest in mind.

Captive agents are very limited in being able to use only their company, usually an auto insurance company that just dabbles in life insurance. 

 

How to Compare Life Insurance Quotes for Pilots

If you want to get a head start and compare term life insurance quotes for pilots, activate our instant quoting system on our website. If you are in good health and an experienced pilot, use preferred in the health classification drop-down menu.

Make sure you choose the correct gender; female rates are about 15% lower than male rates. Compare over 40 of the most competitive life insurance companies in less than a minute.

 

Aviation Questionnaire

If you would like us to provide you with an accurate rate quote, please complete this Aviation-Questionnaire. Rest assured that your information is secure and confidential.

You can either email or fax it back to us and we will be able to provide you with an accurate projection of what your rates will be.

Make sure to let us know if you have any health conditions as they may affect your premiums.

Our Contact Us page contains our email address and fax number. Don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any questions. We are available seven days a week!

 

Our Final Thoughts

There is no cost or obligation when working with an experienced independent agent. You may contact us seven days a week to get answers to all your questions.

You will find that getting preferred rates for pilots is simple if you are in good health.

Hopefully, this blog post has helped you learn more about obtaining the best life insurance for pilots. The application process is simple, streamlined and much easier to complete than you ever thought.

All the best,
Jack Venturi

Should you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to call us at 815-390-7545 for a prompt response.