Base jumping—parachuting from fixed objects such as buildings, antennas, bridges, or cliffs—is among the most dangerous recreational sports in the world, with fatality rates far exceeding those of traditional skydiving. Because of this, life insurance companies classify base jumping as an extreme risk that greatly increases the likelihood of a death claim.
As a result, most standard life insurance policies either exclude deaths resulting from base jumping or refuse coverage to active participants altogether. Still, coverage options do exist for those involved in the sport—but they often come with higher premiums, strict disclosure requirements, and important limitations.
This guide breaks down how life insurance treats base jumping, what realistic coverage options are available, how much they may cost, and the key steps you can take to protect your loved ones while pursuing this high-risk activity.
Fatality Rate
Coverage Reality
Premium Increase
Disclosure Critical
Understanding the Risk Profile
Why Base Jumping Is Classified as Extreme Risk
Base jumping has substantially higher fatality rates than conventional skydiving due to lower altitudes, shorter deployment times, proximity to fixed objects, and limited margin for error. Studies indicate fatality rates ranging from 1 death per 500 jumps to 1 per 2,300 jumps depending on location and experience level—exponentially higher than the general population’s mortality risk that insurers base standard policies upon.
Mortality Statistics
- Estimated fatality rate: 1 in 500 to 1 in 2,300 jumps
- Approximately 30-50 base jumping deaths annually worldwide
- 43 times more dangerous than skydiving per jump
- Lower altitudes mean less time to deploy parachute
- Object proximity increases collision risk
- Weather conditions affect safety more dramatically
Primary Risk Factors
- Insufficient altitude for parachute deployment
- Object strikes during jump or deployment
- Parachute malfunctions with no backup time
- Unpredictable wind conditions near structures
- Equipment failures at critical moments
- Human error in judgment or execution
Experience Level Impact
- Beginners face highest risk during first 50-100 jumps
- Even experienced jumpers face significant ongoing risk
- No safe level of base jumping from insurer perspective
- Fatalities occur across all experience levels
- Frequency of jumping correlates with risk exposure
- Legal vs illegal jump sites affect risk profiles
Bottom Line
From an actuarial perspective, base jumping dramatically increases mortality risk beyond standard life insurance underwriting models. The sport’s fatality rates place participants in a risk category comparable to individuals with serious chronic health conditions, making standard coverage at normal rates impossible for most insurers to justify.
How Insurers View Base Jumping
“Life insurance companies classify base jumping among the highest-risk activities, often grouped with activities like cave diving, free solo climbing, and experimental aviation. The vast majority of traditional insurers either decline coverage entirely or implement strict exclusions for deaths resulting from base jumping.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Mangement Team
How Major Insurers Handle Base Jumping
| Insurer Response | What It Means | Coverage Result | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outright Decline | Refuse to insure active base jumpers under any circumstances | No coverage available from that insurer | Most common response |
| Activity Exclusion | Issue policy but exclude death from base jumping | Covered for other causes, not base jumping deaths | Second most common |
| Rated Premium | Charge significantly higher premiums for full coverage | Full coverage at 50-200%+ higher cost | Rare, specialty insurers only |
| Temporary Exclusion | Exclude for first 2 years, then cover after contestability | Limited protection initially, full coverage later | Uncommon |
| Conditional Approval | Require cessation of activity for approval | Must stop base jumping and verify cessation | Occasional |
*Responses vary by insurer and individual circumstances. Some insurers have different policies for occasional vs frequent jumpers.
Application Questions About Extreme Activities
- Aviation Activities: Private piloting, aerobatics, or parachuting questions
- Hazardous Sports: Direct questions about base jumping, wingsuit flying, cave diving
- Frequency Assessment: How many jumps per year or planned jumps
- Experience Level: Years participating, training received, total jumps completed
- Future Plans: Whether you plan to continue the activity
- Other Activities: Related extreme sports participation
Coverage Options That Exist
Limited But Available Coverage Solutions
While difficult to obtain, life insurance coverage for base jumpers is not impossible. Several paths exist, each with specific limitations, requirements, and costs. Understanding realistic options helps base jumpers make informed decisions about protecting their families while pursuing their sport.
Specialty High-Risk Insurers
- Niche companies specializing in extreme sports coverage
- Will provide full coverage including base jumping deaths
- Premiums typically 50-200% higher than standard rates
- May have lower maximum coverage limits
- Require detailed information about experience and frequency
- Examples include Lloyd’s of London syndicates and specialty brokers
Group Life Insurance
- Employer-provided coverage often has no exclusions
- Typically no health or activity questions for base coverage
- Coverage amounts usually limited to 1-3x salary
- May lose coverage if you change jobs
- Supplemental coverage might have exclusions
- Not a complete solution but provides baseline protection
Accidental Death & Dismemberment
- Some AD&D policies cover all accidental deaths
- Read policy language carefully for exclusions
- Lower premiums than life insurance
- Only covers accidents, not illness or natural causes
- Some policies specifically exclude base jumping
- Can supplement other coverage strategies
Standard Policy with Exclusion
- Some insurers offer coverage excluding base jumping deaths
- Provides protection for illness, disease, other accidents
- Premium similar to standard rates for your age and health
- Family protected for most causes of death
- Requires honest disclosure of base jumping activity
- Better than no coverage for non-jumping related deaths
Guaranteed Issue Policies
- Accept all applicants without health or activity questions
- Typically limited to $25,000 maximum coverage
- Include graded death benefits for first 2-3 years
- Significantly higher premiums for low coverage amounts
- May exclude accidental deaths during grading period
- Last resort option when nothing else available
Cessation-Conditional Coverage
- Some insurers approve if you agree to stop base jumping
- May require signed statement of cessation
- Standard rates if you genuinely discontinue activity
- Resuming activity could void coverage or violate terms
- Contestability period scrutiny on any claim
- Only viable if you truly plan to stop jumping
Disclosure Requirements & Consequences
Critical Importance of Honest Disclosure
Failing to disclose base jumping participation on your life insurance application constitutes material misrepresentation and fraud. During the contestability period (typically two years), insurers thoroughly investigate claims. If they discover you participated in base jumping but did not disclose it, they will deny the claim and return only premiums paid, leaving your beneficiaries with nothing. Even after contestability, some states allow claim investigations for fraud.
What You Must Disclose
- Current participation in base jumping activities
- Historical base jumping within lookback period
- Frequency of jumps (annual or planned)
- Related extreme activities like wingsuit flying
- Professional vs recreational participation
- Plans for future jumping activities
How Insurers Discover Non-Disclosure
- Social media posts and photos showing jumping activities
- Death investigation reports mentioning base jumping
- Medical records documenting related injuries
- Witness statements from friends or family
- Equipment purchases and membership organizations
- News coverage or public records of jumping incidents
Consequences of Non-Disclosure
- Complete claim denial within contestability period
- Return of premiums only, no death benefit paid
- Family receives nothing when they need it most
- Wasted years of premium payments
- Potential fraud charges in extreme cases
- No recourse for beneficiaries to challenge
Bottom Line
Honesty about base jumping participation is non-negotiable when applying for life insurance. While disclosure may result in higher premiums, exclusions, or even denial, these outcomes are far better than having your family’s claim denied when they need the death benefit most. Always answer application questions truthfully and work with agents experienced in high-risk sports coverage.
Cost Analysis & Premium Impact
“When coverage is available for base jumpers, expect premium increases of 50-200% or more compared to standard rates. The more frequently you jump and the riskier your jump profile, the higher the premiums. Some specialty insurers calculate rates based on annual jump frequency and experience level.”
– High-Risk Insurance Underwriting
Estimated Premium Comparison: $500,000 20-Year Term Policy
| Age/Profile | Standard Rate (No Base Jumping) | With Base Jumping (If Approved) | Annual Cost Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male, Age 30 | $30-40/month | $60-120/month | +$360-960/year |
| Female, Age 30 | $25-35/month | $50-105/month | +$300-840/year |
| Male, Age 40 | $45-60/month | $90-180/month | +$540-1,440/year |
| Female, Age 40 | $38-50/month | $76-150/month | +$456-1,200/year |
| Frequent Jumper (50+ per year) | Standard rate | 150-250% increase | Substantially higher |
*Rates shown are estimates. Many insurers will not offer coverage at any price. Specialty insurer rates may be significantly higher.
Factors Affecting Premium Ratings for Base Jumpers
- Jump Frequency: Occasional jumpers rated better than frequent participants
- Experience Level: More experienced may get slightly better consideration
- Jump Locations: Legal vs illegal sites affect risk assessment
- Related Activities: Wingsuit flying adds additional risk loading
- Safety Record: Previous injuries may increase ratings further
- Professional vs Amateur: Professional jumpers may face stricter ratings
- Training Certifications: Formal training helps but does not eliminate risk
Application Strategies for Base Jumpers
Work with Specialized Brokers
- Seek brokers experienced with extreme sports coverage
- They know which insurers consider base jumping applications
- Can present your case in the most favorable light
- Have relationships with specialty underwriters
- Save time by avoiding automatic declines
- Understand how to structure applications for approval
Layer Coverage from Multiple Sources
- Maximize employer group life insurance coverage
- Add standard policy with base jumping exclusion
- Supplement with specialty high-risk coverage if available
- Consider AD&D policies without exclusions
- Build total coverage from multiple smaller policies
- Provides partial protection better than none
Document Safety Measures
- Provide evidence of formal training and certifications
- Document safety protocols you follow
- Show responsible jump site selection
- Demonstrate equipment maintenance records
- Lower frequency jumpers receive better consideration
- Professional association memberships help credibility
Alternative Risk Management Solutions
Wealth Accumulation Strategy
- Focus on aggressive savings and investment
- Build assets that can replace insurance death benefit
- Create self-insurance through wealth building
- Real estate and investment portfolios provide legacy
- Takes time but provides guaranteed protection
- Not dependent on insurance company approval
Temporary Coverage During High-Risk Years
- Obtain coverage before starting base jumping
- Maximum coverage while activity not disclosed
- Plan to eventually discontinue jumping
- Bridge coverage until family needs decrease
- Supplement with growing assets over time
- Transition to traditional coverage after cessation
Family Financial Planning
- Reduce family dependence on your income
- Ensure spouse has strong career and earning potential
- Pay off mortgage and eliminate debt
- Build substantial emergency fund
- Maximize retirement account contributions
- Create detailed financial contingency plans
Critical Mistakes to Avoid
Disclosure and Honesty Mistakes
- Failing to disclose base jumping on applications
- Minimizing frequency or seriousness of participation
- Assuming insurers will not discover the activity
- Believing contestability period protects non-disclosure
- Posting base jumping content on social media while hiding it from insurers
- Thinking verbal assurances override policy exclusions
Coverage Strategy Mistakes
- Accepting no coverage rather than partial protection
- Not exploring all available options before giving up
- Failing to utilize employer group coverage fully
- Ignoring policies with base jumping exclusions
- Not working with specialized brokers
- Assuming all insurers have identical policies
Financial Planning Mistakes
- Not building alternative wealth accumulation strategies
- Leaving family financially vulnerable to pursue sport
- Failing to communicate risks and plans with family
- Not creating contingency financial plans
- Ignoring debt elimination and asset building
- Assuming you will never have an accident
Bottom Line
The most critical mistake base jumpers make is failing to disclose their participation when applying for life insurance. This guarantees claim denial and leaves families with nothing. While base jumping makes life insurance difficult and expensive, honest disclosure and working with specialized professionals provides the best chance of obtaining some level of coverage to protect your loved ones.
Base Jumping Insurance FAQ
Can I get life insurance if I base jump?
Direct answer: Yes, but options are very limited. Most traditional insurers decline base jumpers entirely or exclude base jumping deaths, while specialty insurers may provide full coverage at substantially higher premiums.
The vast majority of standard life insurance companies either refuse to insure active base jumpers or issue policies that specifically exclude deaths resulting from base jumping. However, specialty high-risk insurers, certain Lloyd’s of London syndicates, and some international insurers do provide coverage, typically at premiums 50-200% higher than standard rates. Additionally, employer group life insurance often covers base jumping since it generally has no exclusions. Working with brokers who specialize in extreme sports coverage is essential for finding available options.
What happens if I don’t tell my insurer I base jump?
Direct answer: If you die from base jumping within the contestability period (typically two years) without having disclosed your participation, your insurer will deny the claim and return only premiums paid, leaving your beneficiaries with nothing.
Failing to disclose base jumping constitutes material misrepresentation and insurance fraud. During the contestability period, insurers thoroughly investigate all claims, especially accidental deaths. They will review social media, interview witnesses, examine death investigation reports, and check medical records. If they discover you participated in base jumping without disclosure, they will deny the entire death benefit. Even after the contestability period, some states allow insurers to investigate fraud claims. Your family will receive nothing when they need it most, and you will have wasted years of premium payments.
How much more expensive is life insurance for base jumpers?
Direct answer: When specialty coverage is available, expect premiums 50-200% or more above standard rates, depending on jump frequency, experience level, and the specific insurer’s risk assessment.
Premium increases vary significantly based on how often you jump, your experience level, jump locations, and whether you participate in related activities like wingsuit flying. Occasional jumpers (fewer than 10 per year) with extensive experience may see ratings of 50-100% above standard, while frequent jumpers (50+ annually) can face increases of 150-250% or more. Some specialty insurers calculate premiums individually based on your specific risk profile. A 30-year-old male paying $40 monthly for standard $500,000 coverage might pay $80-120 monthly with base jumping coverage if approved.
Does group life insurance through my employer cover base jumping?
Direct answer: Most employer-provided group life insurance policies cover all causes of death including base jumping, as they typically do not have activity exclusions, though you should verify your specific policy language.
Group life insurance through employers generally does not ask about hazardous activities and includes no exclusions for extreme sports, meaning base jumping deaths are covered. However, coverage amounts are usually limited to 1-3 times your annual salary, which may not provide adequate family protection. Some employers offer supplemental group coverage with higher limits, but these policies may include exclusions. Always read your group policy certificate carefully. While group coverage provides valuable baseline protection, base jumpers should not rely solely on this limited coverage for their family’s financial security.
Can I get life insurance with a base jumping exclusion?
Direct answer: Yes, some insurers will issue standard policies to base jumpers with specific exclusions for deaths resulting from base jumping, providing coverage for illness, disease, and other accidents at normal rates.
A policy with a base jumping exclusion provides partial protection for your family. While it would not pay if you died from a base jumping accident, it would pay the full death benefit if you died from cancer, heart disease, car accident, or any other cause unrelated to base jumping. Given that most people die from illness rather than accidents, this provides meaningful protection at standard premium rates. This option is often better than no coverage or paying extremely high premiums for full coverage. You must still disclose your base jumping activity to obtain this type of policy.
What if I quit base jumping after getting my policy?
Direct answer: If you genuinely stop base jumping, notify your insurer in writing. Some may remove exclusions or reduce premiums after a cessation period (typically 2-5 years), though this varies by company and policy terms.
If you discontinue base jumping, contact your insurance company to report the change. Provide documentation such as a signed statement of cessation and evidence that you have stopped participating. Some insurers will remove base jumping exclusions after you have not jumped for several years and can verify cessation. Others may reduce rated premiums back toward standard rates. If you have a policy that required you to stop jumping as a condition of approval, resuming the activity could void your coverage or constitute policy violations. Always maintain honest communication with your insurer about activity status changes.
Life Insurance Solutions for Extreme Athletes
Get expert guidance from agents who specialize in high-risk activities coverage. We work with specialty insurers and understand the unique challenges base jumpers face in obtaining life insurance protection.
Call Now: 888-211-6171
Licensed agents experienced with extreme sports coverage available to explore your options, discuss realistic coverage possibilities, and help protect your family.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute insurance, legal, or financial advice. Life insurance coverage for base jumpers is extremely limited and varies dramatically by insurer, individual risk profile, jump frequency, and specific circumstances. Most traditional insurers decline base jumpers entirely or exclude base jumping deaths from coverage. Premium estimates are general ranges and actual rates may be significantly higher or coverage may be unavailable. Base jumping is an extremely dangerous activity with substantial mortality risk. Failure to disclose base jumping participation constitutes fraud and will result in claim denial. This article does not encourage or endorse base jumping participation. All applicants must provide complete, honest disclosure of activities when applying for insurance. Consult with licensed insurance professionals specializing in high-risk activities for personalized guidance specific to your situation.
I am a British ex-pat living in Kenya, East Africa.
I am the joint owner of several businesses here.
I BASE Jump here in Kenya, UK, Europe, Malaysia, Madeira and all over the world.
To-date I have only done 170 Base Jumps over a 20 year period.
I intend to do around 30 to 50 Base Jumps per year for the forseeable future as I’m quite ýoung & fit for my age.
If you can’t help me directly can you at least point me in the right direction?
Thanks in advance,
John scher
John,
While we would love to try and help you, we really don’t know much about the East African insurance market since 100% of our business is centered within the United States.
Thanks,
InsuranceBrokersUSA.