Getting life insurance as a pilot is more complicated than for most people — but far from impossible. Insurers view aviation as a higher-risk activity, which often means higher premiums, aviation exclusions, or flat extras. The good news: with the right approach, pilots can get solid coverage at reasonable rates.

Why Pilots Pay More for Life Insurance

Life insurers price based on risk. Private and general aviation has a higher accident rate per hour flown than commercial aviation. That risk translates into higher premiums or restrictive exclusions. Interestingly, commercial airline pilots flying for major carriers often fare better — their accident rates are extremely low, and many insurers treat them similarly to non-pilots.

Types of Pilots and How Insurers View Them

Commercial Airline Pilots

Commercial pilots flying scheduled routes for major airlines are often the easiest to insure at competitive rates. Many insurers offer standard rates or minor loadings. The key concern is medical fitness — losing a medical certificate can affect earning capacity, which is worth addressing with supplemental coverage.

Private / General Aviation Pilots

Private pilots face more scrutiny. Insurers ask about total flight hours, aircraft types flown, IFR rating, and accident history. Low-time pilots (under 100 hours) and those flying experimental or aerobatic aircraft typically pay the most. Pilots with 500+ hours, an instrument rating, and a clean record often find reasonable rates.

Student Pilots

Student pilots are often surprised to find that coverage is available — sometimes at standard rates — because supervised training hours represent a more controlled risk profile than solo flying.

Common Policy Structures for Pilots

  • Aviation exclusion: The policy pays out for all causes except aviation-related deaths. Cheapest option, but leaves a gap if flying is your primary risk.
  • Flat extra: Standard coverage plus an additional charge (typically $2–$5 per $1,000 of coverage annually) that covers aviation deaths. Most common for private pilots.
  • Full coverage at standard rates: Available for commercial pilots and experienced private pilots with clean records and significant hours.

What Affects Your Premium

  • Total flight hours (more hours generally means lower risk)
  • Type of flying: commercial, private, aerobatics, experimental
  • IFR rating (instrument-rated pilots viewed more favorably)
  • Aircraft type: single-engine piston vs multi-engine vs jet
  • Accident and incident history
  • Medical certificate class and limitations

How Much Coverage Do Pilots Need?

The coverage calculation is the same as for anyone else — your family's financial need doesn't change because of your profession. Use the DIME method: Debt, Income replacement, Mortgage, and Education costs. Use our Life Insurance Calculator to find your number, then work with a broker who specializes in aviation cases to find the right structure.

Tips for Getting Better Rates as a Pilot

  • Work with a broker who specializes in aviation life insurance — general brokers often don't know which carriers are pilot-friendly.
  • Log more hours. Many insurers have thresholds (200, 500, 1,000 hours) where rates improve.
  • Get your instrument rating. IFR pilots are statistically safer and many insurers price accordingly.
  • Choose a safer aircraft type. High-performance singles and experimental aircraft attract more loading.
  • Apply while young and healthy — rates are locked in at application.