Extreme sports life insurance [2024]

If you live life on the edge, then it’s important to have adequate protection in place for your family should anything happen to you.

But having a dangerous hobby such as extreme sports can pose a physical risk that ordinary hobbies don’t - which can affect your eligibility for life insurance.

Your chosen sport and details of your activities will help to determine how risky it is to insure you and the cost of your monthly premiums (if you’re offered a policy).

Some insurers are better than others for covering those who take part in extreme sports, which is why it’s important to compare multiple quotes.

At Reassured, we have a team of friendly experts who could help you find the right policy at the best price we can offer from a panel of top UK insurers.

Our award-winning comparison service is fee-free. Safeguard your family’s financial future with life insurance today.

In this life insurance for extreme sports guide:

Compare Life Insurance for Extreme Sports »

Does life insurance cover extreme sports?

Yes, life insurance does cover extreme sports. Your life insurance will be valid as long as you disclose any extreme sports that you take part in during the application process.

Having a policy in place means that if you pass away due to an accident or from natural causes during the policy term, your loved ones can make a claim.

Engaging in extreme sports won’t impact your life insurance once it’s secured, but it could impact your eligibility and (if your application is accepted) how much you pay.

Every life insurance application is assessed on a case-by-case basis so your specific sport and details of your activities will determine the outcome.

What is life insurance?

Life insurance is a type of policy that provides a cash pay out to your loved ones if you pass away during a set term.

You can choose how much cover you need and how long the policy lasts based on your current financial commitments.

The cost of your monthly premiums will depend on your personal circumstances (including details of your extreme sport) and the terms of your policy.

Life insurance could be used to help cover:

  • Mortgage or rent payments
  • Everyday living costs (such as bills, food, and transport)
  • Childcare or school fees
  • Outstanding debts in your name
  • Funeral costs

If you have a family who rely on you financially, the consequences of you passing away could be devastating, but life insurance can provide a lifeline.

Especially if you take part in dangerous hobbies on a regular basis, knowing that your family is protected can give you peace of mind when you’re taking extra risks.

Get in touch with Reassured for your free, no-obligation quotes.

Life insurance for extreme sports calculator

How much life insurance do you need for your loved ones? Fill in the costs you would like your policy to cover and calculate your ideal sum assured.

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£137,934 is the estimated mortgage debt per household in the UK.

The purchase of a home is likely to be the largest financial commitment any of us will make in our lifetime. Your life insurance should cover your remaining mortgage balance to allow your loved ones to stay in the family home should anything happen to you.

Source: Moneynerd.co.uk
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The average monthly household budget in the UK is £2,548 (that’s £30,576 per year), which is spent on transport, food & drink, utilities (gas, electricity, water etc), clothing, council tax and leisure activities.

With energy prices hitting a record high and the cost of living rising sharply in the UK, you may wish to factor in utility bills and family living expenses into your cover.

Source: Nimblefins.co.uk
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The average personal debt of UK adults has risen to £34,566 (not including mortgage debt), with credit cards, personal loans and overdrafts being the most common forms of debt.

Factoring in any debts into your life insurance cover means that, if they need to be paid back from your estate after your passing, your loved ones won’t miss out financially.

Source: Money.co.uk
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According to SunLife, the average cost of a funeral in the UK is £3,953 (with the overall cost of dying at £9,200).

Funeral costs have increased by 116% since 2004 and are a significant cost which should be factored into the amount of life insurance you secure.

Source: SunLife.co.uk
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When factoring in cover for your children, you may wish to calculate the amount based on how long it is until they reach financial independence.

This could include childcare (£7,000 per year for part-time care), school expenses (£1,519 per school year for uniforms, lunches, stationary etc), as well as an additional sum for further education (this could be a contribution of up to £5,000 per year).

Sources: Daynurseries.co.uk, Primarytimes.co.uk & Savethestudent.org
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2 in 5 adults say they are relying on an inheritance to fund their retirement.

Factoring in an inheritance to your sum assured could allow loved ones to live a more financially comfortable life. Alternatively, you could leave a cash gift to a charity of your choosing.

Source: Moneyage.co.uk
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If you’re lucky enough to have your own savings or are part of the 30% of UK residents who already have a life insurance policy in place, this can provide financial protection for loved ones.

By entering your current cover, savings or death in service amount you can reduce the sum assured you require.

Source: Scottishbusinessnews.net
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Examples of extreme sports

Examples of extreme sports and dangerous hobbies that could affect life insurance include:

Water sports

  • Water skiing
  • White water rafting
  • Big wave surfing
  • Scuba diving
  • Wake boarding
  • Diving
  • Canyoning

Outdoor pursuits

  • Mountaineering
  • Rock climbing
  • Base jumping
  • Biking
  • Caving or potholing
  • Motor racing
  • Horse racing

Air sports

  • Bungee jumping
  • Flying
  • Hang gliding
  • Paragliding
  • Micro lighting
  • Parachuting
  • Skydiving

Snow and ice sports

  • Skiing (off-piste skiing, heli-skiing or ski mountaineering)
  • Snow blading
  • Snowboarding
  • Ice climbing
  • Winter mountaineering
  • Glacier trekking

Applying for extreme sports life insurance

When you apply for life insurance, you’ll need to inform the insurer of any extreme sports or hazardous activities that you take part in (such as those listed above).

You’ll also need to provide full details of your chosen sport/hobby, for example:

  • Where you take part (venue type, location etc)
  • How often you take part (level of experience)
  • What heights/depths you go to (if applicable)
  • If you have any relevant qualifications

This information is used to determine the level of risk you pose (the likelihood of a claim) and to calculate your monthly premium (if you’re offered a policy).

During the application process it’s important to be fully open and honest about your lifestyle to ensure that you take out the right cover to protect your loved ones.

If certain details are inaccurate or not disclosed on your application, this could invalidate your policy and a pay out could be refused when you pass away.

Best life insurance for extreme sports

Life insurance policies for extreme sportspeople are the same as for anyone else. The best policy for you will depend on your personal circumstances and needs.

At Reassured, we can help arrange different types of life insurance, including:

Term life insurance for extreme sports

Term life insurance

Term-based life insurance policies provide cover for a set period (the term).

You pay a monthly premium and if you pass away during the policy term (or are diagnosed with a terminal illness), a pay out will be made.

Term life insurance may be suitable for you if:

  • You have children and/or a partner who rely on your income
  • You want to help protect a mortgage or other fixed debts
  • You’re looking for an affordable form of cover
Family income benefit for extreme sports

Family income benefit

Like term-based policies, a family income benefit (FIB) policy provides cover for a set term.

If you pass away during the policy term, your loved ones will receive monthly payments for the remainder of the term.

FIB may be suitable for you if:

  • You have children and/or a partner who rely on your income
  • Smaller monthly pay outs would be more manageable for your family than one large pay out
  • You’re looking for an affordable form of cover

Available through Reassured.

Whole of life insurance for extreme sports

Whole of life insurance

Whole of life insurance is a lifelong policy that will pay out when you pass away. For this reason, it’s usually more expensive than other types of cover.

It may be suitable if:

  • You want to guarantee a cash lump sum for your family after you’re gone
  • You’re looking to help cover outstanding debts, family living costs, funeral costs and/or inheritance tax
  • You’re in good health and your premiums aren’t inflated due to your extreme sport hobby
  • You have the budget to pay a higher monthly premium
Over 50s life insurance for extreme sports

Over 50 life insurance

Over 50 life insurance (or an over 50s plan) guarantees acceptance to people aged 50 - 85.

It guarantees a cash pay out when you pass away (up to £20,000 depending on your personal circumstances and budget).

It may be suitable if:

  • You want to guarantee a cash lump sum for your family after you’re gone (which could help to cover your funeral costs)
  • You have found standard life insurance too expensive or unobtainable due to your health and/or lifestyle

Find out your available policy options and get free, personalised quotes by contacting Reassured.

How much is life insurance for extreme sports?

The cost of life insurance for extreme sports participants will depend on your personal circumstances and the details of your chosen policy.

Your monthly premium is determined by:

  • Your age
  • Your lifestyle - Including smoking status, alcohol consumption, travel, occupation and any extreme sports/hazardous hobbies
  • Your health - Including any pre-existing medical conditions, your family medical history and weight (BMI)
  • Your policy details - Including policy type, the length of cover and cover amount (sum assured)

Those who take part in dangerous activities and hobbies may be charged a higher premium due to the increased risk of a claim.

However, each application is considered on a case-by-case basis so your chosen sport and the details of your activities will determine how much you pay.

Some sports are considered less risky than others by insurers so in some cases you may be able to secure life insurance at the standard price.

Prices will also vary between insurers, particularly if you live a less than ordinary lifestyle, so it’s important to compare multiple quotes.

Why not get free life insurance for extreme sports quotes through Reassured to find the best deal we can offer?

Life Insurance for Extreme Sport Enthusiasts » Compare Quotes

Travelling overseas for extreme sports

Many extreme sports need to be carried out overseas, therefore as an extreme sport enthusiast you may travel frequently to various countries across the globe.

Therefore, it’s important to be aware that part of the application for life insurance will include questions about your past and future travel plans.

You’ll be asked if you intend on spending long periods of time in any country that’s deemed high-risk by insurers, such as:

  • Middle East
  • Africa
  • Central or South America
  • Asia (excluding Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore)
  • Ukraine
  • Russia
  • New Guinea
  • Caribbean
  • Thailand

If you answer yes for any of these countries, then further details will be required, such as the duration of stay and which exact area you stayed/will be staying in.

Insurers will take into account this information to assess the additional risk involved with your application.

What if you’re refused life insurance due to your extreme sport?

If you’re refused life insurance by one insurer due to your extreme sport, this doesn’t mean other insurers will refuse your application too.

The level of risk you pose will vary between insurers because of the different underwriting processes (how they each measure risk).

Using a life insurance broker can help you identify insurers who are more likely to accept your application, saving you the time and hassle.

At Reassured, we have an impaired risk team that has a good track record of helping applicants who’ve been declined elsewhere, find some form of cover through us.

Contact Reassured to speak to a member of our specialist impaired risk team who will do their best to find you a suitable policy.

If you’ve tried all avenues and unable to get the protection you need due to your lifestyle, and you’re aged 50 - 85, then you may consider over 50 life insurance.

Over 50 life insurance (or an over 50s plan) guarantees acceptance if you’re in this age group and it doesn’t require details about your health or lifestyle when you apply.

Monthly premiums are affordable (from just £5 a month + ) and a pay out is guaranteed when you pass away, which could be used to help cover your funeral costs.

Read our over 50 life insurance guide for more information about this type of policy »

Changing your lifestyle

It’s natural that life will start to slow down at some point and your circumstances may change while your life insurance policy in place.

If in the future you decide to quit your daredevil lifestyle (and you’re paying an inflated premium), then you may consider getting quotes for a new policy.

Depending on your age and health, this could result in cheaper premiums as you may present less of a risk to insurers.

Other types of insurance for extreme sports enthusiasts

If you’re earning an income from your extreme sport (or alongside your adventurous lifestyle), you may consider these additional types of insurance to protect your family:

Income protection insurance

Income protection is a type of policy that helps to replace your income if you’re unable to work due to an injury or illness. It can pay out up to 70% of your usual income in monthly (tax-free) payments.

It’s possible to get income protection insurance for people who take part in extreme sports but it’s important to shop around for a suitable policy, as terms offered will vary between insurers.

Available through Reassured.

Critical illness cover

Critical illness cover provides a cash lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a specified critical illness, which can be used to help replace your income and cover essential costs while you’re unable to work.

It’s also possible to secure critical illness cover for extreme sports enthusiasts.

At Reassured, we can help compare quotes for life insurance combined with critical illness cover as one policy, to help you find a good deal.

Professional sports life insurance

Life insurance is available to professional sportspeople, but taking part in high-risk sports can affect whether you qualify for cover and (if you do) the cost of your monthly premiums.

Insurers will take into account key factors to determine the level of risk you pose, such as:

  • The sport you take part in
  • How often you take part
  • Where you take part

Some professional sports are seen as less risky than others. For example, if you take part in tennis, football or golf in a professional environment then these are typically low risk sports which shouldn’t impact your eligibility or the cost of your premiums.

Professional sports that are considered high risk by insurers tend to include:

  • Rugby
  • Horse racing
  • Motor sports
  • Horse racing
  • Boxing
  • Wrestling

Other factors such as your health, medical history, age and BMI will also be taken into account to help them decide the outcome of your application.

If you’re a professional athlete such as a rugby player, jockey or boxer then it’s even more important to ensure that your family are protected if the worst happened to you.

Get in touch with Reassured to see if we can help you save money on your life insurance for athletes.

Don’t take risks when it comes to your family’s financial future

If you have financial dependents, then taking out life insurance could be essential.

While indulging in extreme sports could limit your available options, shopping around could help you find affordable cover to suit your needs.

At Reassured, we can compare multiple quotes from a panel of major insurers to source you our best deals based on your circumstances.

We have more than 14 years of experience finding high risk applicants suitable financial protection for their loved ones.

Get your free, no-obligation quotes today.

Get Expert Support & FREE Life Insurance Quotes »

Sources:

[1] https://www.insidehook.com/article/action/the-five-most-extreme-sports-ranked-by-danger-level

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