Approval Odds
Premium Increase
Best Approach
Death Rate (Skydiving)
The Honest Truth About Skydiving & Life Insurance
Can You Get Approved? Yes. Is It Easy? No.
Life insurance companies will insure skydivers. However, not all carriers will, and those who do charge significantly more. Your approval odds are real but not guaranteed. Shopping around matters tremendously. Getting denied by Company A doesn’t mean Company B will deny you—they may approve you at a higher rate.
Why Skydiving Matters to Underwriters
Skydiving has measurable mortality data. The industry average is about 1 death per 100,000 jumps. For someone making 100 jumps per year, that’s 1 in 1,000 annual risk—far higher than baseline population risk. This data drives underwriting decisions and premium surcharges.
Recreational vs. Professional
A person who skydives 10 times per year has better approval odds than a tandem instructor who jumps 300+ times annually. Frequency directly impacts underwriting. A skydiving enthusiast may get approved; a professional skydiving instructor faces much harder barriers.
Equipment & Safety Matter
A certified skydiver with modern equipment using both a primary and reserve parachute appears lower-risk than a student jumper. Your experience level, certifications, and safety practices all factor into underwriting.
Different Carriers, Different Outcomes
One carrier might automatically deny recreational skydivers. Another might approve them at a 100% surcharge. A third might approve at a 75% surcharge, but only for certain certification levels. Carrier’s appetite for risk varies widely.
💡 Key Takeaway
Approval is possible but requires a strategy. You’ll likely face denials. Don’t get discouraged—different carriers see risk differently. Some specialize in extreme sports. Shopping 4-6 carriers increases your odds of approval substantially compared to applying to just one or two.
Your Actual Approval Odds
Based on industry patterns and underwriting standards, here’s what skydivers realistically face when applying for life insurance:
Recreational Skydiver (5-20 jumps/year)
Frequent Skydiver (20-50 jumps/year)
Active Skydiver (50-100 jumps/year)
Professional/High-Frequency (100+ jumps/year)
📊 What These Numbers Mean
If you skydive recreationally and apply to 6 carriers, statistically, 3 will approve you. If you’re a frequent jumper, only 2-3 of 6 will approve. If you’re professional, probably only one will approve—or none. This is why shopping around is critical. One “no” doesn’t mean “no” everywhere.
Which Carriers Approve Skydivers?
Not all carriers are equal when it comes to skydivers. Some have explicit policies against extreme sports. Others evaluate on a case-by-case basis. Here’s what the market looks like:
More Likely to Approve
- Pacific Life: Generally more flexible with extreme sports if frequency is reasonable
- AXA Equitable: Will evaluate skydivers case-by-case with surcharges
- MetLife (certain divisions): Some divisions specialize in non-standard underwriting
- Protective Life: Known for accepting applicants with hobbies other carriers deny
- Principal Financial: Generally approves recreational skydivers with surcharges
- Specialized High-Risk Carriers: These exist specifically to serve extreme sports enthusiasts
Less Likely to Approve (or May Deny Outright)
- New York Life: Conservative underwriting; often denies recreational skydivers
- Mutual of Omaha: Limited appetite for extreme sports
- Primerica: Generally not a good fit for high-risk hobbies
- Banner Life: Conservative underwriting standards
- Many online-only carriers: Limited underwriting flexibility; often auto-deny hobbies
Important Note on Carrier Lists
Underwriting standards change. A carrier that was flexible in 2024 might tighten standards in 2025. Always request current information when applying. Also, approval at one carrier doesn’t guarantee you get the rate they quote—sometimes premium can increase after medical underwriting.
Sample Rates for Skydivers: What You’ll Actually Pay
Here’s what healthy skydivers in different frequency categories can expect to pay for $100,000 in 20-year term life insurance:
| Skydiver Profile | Age 30 Rate | Age 40 Rate | vs. Baseline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-skydiver (baseline) | $24-28/mo | $35-42/mo | 0% |
| Recreational (5-10 jumps/yr) | $35-45/mo | $55-70/mo | +50-75% |
| Casual enthusiast (15-25 jumps/yr) | $45-60/mo | $70-90/mo | +75-120% |
| Frequent (30-50 jumps/yr) | $55-75/mo | $85-115/mo | +100-150% |
| Very active (75+ jumps/yr) | Difficult to insure | Likely denied | N/A |
💰 Real Dollar Impact
A 30-year-old recreational skydiver might pay $40-45/month instead of $25/month for the same $100K coverage. That’s an extra $180-240 per year—about $1,800-2,400 over a 10-year period. For active jumpers (50+ per year), the surcharge could be $30+/month, or $3,600+ over 10 years. This is the cost of the hobby from an insurance perspective.
How Your Skydiving Frequency Directly Affects Approval
Frequency is the single biggest factor underwriters consider. The more you jump, the worse your odds. Here’s exactly how it breaks down:
Occasional Jumper (2-5 jumps per year)
What carriers see: You jump a couple of times per year—maybe once per season. You’re clearly not a thrill-seeker; you’re a hobbyist.
Approval odds: Highest. Many carriers will approve this frequency.
Typical surcharge: +40-60%
Regular Hobbyist (10-20 jumps per year)
What carriers see: You’re jumping roughly monthly. This is a consistent hobby. You’re willing to expose yourself to risk regularly.
Approval odds: Medium. About half of the carriers will approve.
Typical surcharge: +75-110%
Enthusiast (30-60 jumps per year)
What carriers see: You’re jumping multiple times per month. This is a lifestyle, not a casual hobby. You’re accepting significant ongoing risk.
Approval odds: Low. Few carriers approve; most deny.
Typical surcharge: +120-180% (if approved)
Professional/Instructor (100+ jumps per year)
What carriers see: This is your profession or near-profession. You’re not a skydiver who has a job; you’re someone whose primary activity is skydiving.
Approval odds: Very low. Maybe 10-20% will even consider you.
Outcome: Likely denial or specialized high-risk providers only
Pro Tip: Be Honest About Frequency
Don’t estimate low. If you did 25 jumps last year, say 25—not “around 20.” Be precise. Underwriters can verify jump history through drop zones and logbooks. If you say 10 but your records show 35, your policy can be voided for misrepresentation.
Real Skydiver Approval Stories
Example 1: Sarah, Age 28, Occasional Skydiver (6 jumps/year)
Situation: Sarah skydives once or twice per year as a recreational activity. She applied for $75,000 coverage and was honest about her frequency.
Outcome: Applied to 3 carriers. Carrier 1 approved at $38/month (+50% surcharge). Carrier 2 denied. Carrier 3 approved at $42/month (+65% surcharge). She chose Carrier 1 at $38/month. Approval: 2 out of 3 carriers (67%).
Key takeaway: Occasional skydivers have decent approval odds. Shopping around paid off—she got approved by more than half the carriers.
Example 2: James, Age 35, Regular Enthusiast (22 jumps/year)
Situation: James skydives almost twice per month. He applied to 5 carriers for $100,000 coverage, being completely honest about his frequency.
Outcome: 2 carriers denied outright. Carrier 3 approved at $58/month (+107% surcharge). Carriers 4 and 5 denied. He was approved by 1 out of 5 (20%). He took Carrier 3’s approval.
Key takeaway: At 20+ jumps per year, approval becomes harder. But it’s possible. James needed to shop 5 carriers to get one approval. The surcharge was significant (107%), but he has coverage.
Example 3: Michael, Age 42, Professional Instructor (180 jumps/year)
Situation: Michael is a tandem skydiving instructor who makes 180 jumps per year. He applied to 6 carriers and was honest about his profession.
Outcome: 5 carriers denied. 1 specialized high-risk carrier approved, but only for $50,000 coverage (less than requested) at $95/month (210% surcharge). Approval: 1 out of 6 (17%). Coverage was limited and expensive, but he had something.
Key takeaway: Professional skydivers face major challenges. Coverage is limited and expensive. Michael had to accept much lower coverage than he wanted because few carriers will insure professionals.
Your Strategic Application Plan
Step 1: Calculate Your Jump Frequency
Count your jumps from the past 12 months. Be precise. This number determines which carriers will even consider you.
Step 2: Determine Your Coverage Need
How much life insurance do you actually need? Don’t apply for $500,000 if you only need $100,000. That raises red flags.
Step 3: Gather Your Certifications & Logbook
Have your skydiving certifications, logbook, and jump count ready. Some underwriters will request verification.
Step 4: Apply to Multiple Carriers (4-6)
Don’t apply to just one. Apply to 4-6 simultaneously to maximize approval odds. Different carriers have different appetites.
Step 5: Be Completely Honest
Disclose your exact jump frequency, certifications, any accidents or injuries, and your plans to continue. Don’t minimize or hide anything.
Step 6: Compare Approved Quotes
If multiple carriers approve you, compare the premiums, coverage amounts, and exclusions. Pick the best deal.
Pro Tips for Approval
- Emphasize safety: Mention your certifications, safety record, modern equipment, and both primary and reserve parachutes.
- Don’t apply in January after a busy skydiving year: If you jumped 60 times in 2024, consider applying in Q2 when your 12-month history is more favorable.
- Highlight your age: Younger skydivers have better odds than older ones. A 25-year-old skydiver looks better to underwriters than a 55-year-old skydiver.
- Work with a broker: A broker specializing in non-standard underwriting knows which carriers are most flexible and can submit your application to the most favorable carriers.
- Don’t accept the first “no”: Denials are common. Keep shopping. The next carrier may approve you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a skydiving death exclude me from coverage?
Direct answer: No—unless the policy specifically excludes skydiving.
Most policies that approve skydivers cover death from skydiving accidents. However, some policies may come with an “extreme sports exclusion rider” that specifically excludes death from skydiving. Always read your policy documents carefully to understand exactly what’s covered and what’s not.
If I get approved at a surcharge, can I remove it later?
Direct answer: Only at policy renewal, and typically only if you quit skydiving.
Your surcharge is locked in during your term. At renewal, if you’ve quit skydiving, you can apply for a new policy without the surcharge. But during your current term, the rate is fixed. This is another reason buying term insurance while young is smart—you lock in the best rate possible before a surcharge applies.
What if I reduce my jumping after I’m approved?
Direct answer: You keep your current surcharge unless you change policies.
If you’re approved for a 20-year term at a 75% surcharge and you quit skydiving after 5 years, you still pay the 75% surcharge for the remaining 15 years. However, at renewal (if applicable), you could apply for a new policy at lower rates reflecting your current risk profile.
Can tandem instructors get life insurance?
Direct answer: Yes, but it’s difficult. Options are limited and expensive.
Tandem instructors make 100+ jumps per year, putting them in the professional category. Approval odds are around 10-20%. When approved, coverage is often limited (e.g., $50K-$75K instead of $100K+) and premiums are steep (150%+ surcharge). But it’s possible with specialized high-risk carriers.
Should I lie about my skydiving to get approved?
Direct answer: Absolutely not. This is the worst decision you can make.
If you hide your skydiving hobby and later die in a skydiving accident, your claim will be investigated. The insurance company will find your skydiving records through drop zones, social media, or witnesses. Your policy will be voided, and your beneficiary will receive nothing. The surcharge is better than no coverage at all.
How long does approval typically take?
Direct answer: 2-4 weeks for skydiver applicants, sometimes longer.
Skydiving adds underwriting complexity. The carrier may request your logbook, verify your certifications with drop zones, or have additional questions. Standard applicants might approve in 1-2 weeks; skydivers typically take 3-4 weeks.
If I’m denied, can I appeal or reapply later?
Direct answer: You can appeal, but usually the outcome is the same. Better to shop with other carriers.
A denial from one carrier is usually final—appeals rarely reverse underwriting decisions for hobbies. Instead of appealing, apply to other carriers. A carrier that denied you may not have any appetite for skydivers, but another carrier may specialize in them. If you reapply to the same carrier, wait at least 6 months, and ensure something has changed (like you quit skydiving or reduced frequency significantly).
Get Approved As A Skydiver
Yes, you can get life insurance. We work with carriers that specialize in approving skydivers. Approval odds are better when you shop multiple carriers and disclose your frequency honestly.
Call Now: 888-211-6171
Licensed agents available Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 8 PM EST. We’ll match you with carriers most likely to approve skydivers.
Disclaimer: Rates, approval odds, and surcharges shown are estimates based on 2025 industry data and typical underwriting standards for skydiving hobbyists. Your actual rates and approval will depend on your specific age, health status, jump frequency, certifications, safety record, occupation, and the insurance company’s underwriting guidelines. Approval odds vary significantly by carrier and are not guaranteed. Different carriers have vastly different appetites for skydiving risk. Always obtain personalized quotes from multiple carriers. Lying about skydiving on your application can result in policy denial and claim rejection. The information in this article is provided for educational purposes. Consult with a licensed insurance professional for personalized recommendations based on your specific skydiving profile and insurance needs.
