If you work in a high-risk occupation, getting life insurance can feel like an uphill battle. Jobs involving physical danger, hazardous environments, or frequent travel are often flagged by underwriters as “high risk.” This may lead to higher premiums—or worse, declined applications. The good news is that Diversified Insurance Brokers specializes in helping individuals in dangerous professions secure affordable, quality life insurance coverage. With access to 75+ top-rated carriers, we know which companies are more lenient for high-risk jobs and how to present your application for the best outcome.

Examples of High-Risk Occupations

While every carrier has its own guidelines, common high-risk jobs include:

• Construction workers and heavy equipment operators
• Commercial truck drivers
• Loggers and forestry professionals
• Roofers and iron workers
• Oil rig, offshore, and mining workers
• Fishermen and maritime occupations
• First responders (firefighters, police officers, EMTs)
• Military and government contractors in hazardous zones
• Pilots and aviation professionals

How Carriers Evaluate High-Risk Occupations

Underwriters look closely at the details of your work. Two people with the same job title may receive different offers depending on the specifics:

• Type of Work: A commercial airline pilot may be treated differently than a crop duster.
• Frequency of Risk: Occasional hazardous duty is rated differently than daily high-risk exposure.
• Work Environment: Indoor vs outdoor, domestic vs international, union vs independent contractor.
• Additional Risk Factors: Travel to high-risk countries, exposure to chemicals, or operating heavy machinery.

Coverage Options for High-Risk Occupations

Even if you’ve been declined before, there are several options to secure coverage:

• Traditional Term Life: With the right carrier, many high-risk workers qualify at Standard or Table-rated premiums.
• Whole Life & Universal Life: Permanent policies are available, though premiums are higher.
• Simplified Issue Policies: For those declined elsewhere, simplified underwriting provides guaranteed coverage with lower benefit amounts.
• Group or Employer Coverage: Many workers supplement with employer-sponsored plans but should not rely on them alone.

Comparison: Standard vs High-Risk Underwriting

Case Example

A 45-year-old male oil rig worker applied for $500,000 in term life insurance. His initial application with a direct-to-consumer carrier was declined due to the nature of his work. We shopped the case with carriers known for more flexible underwriting on hazardous occupations and secured approval at a Table 2 rating. His monthly premium was slightly higher, but he now has the protection his family needs—something he would not have obtained without specialized high-risk underwriting knowledge.

Why Work With Diversified Insurance Brokers?

Since 1980, our independent brokerage has helped clients in dangerous and non-traditional occupations secure life insurance at the best possible rates. With access to 75+ carriers, we know which companies are more favorable for high-risk workers, and we can position your application to maximize approval chances. Learn more about our life insurance services or explore specialized coverage such as disability insurance to further protect your income.