Life Insurance for Maritime Workers
Jason Stolz CLTC, CRPC
Life insurance for maritime workers provides essential financial protection for those who spend their careers at sea or working along the coast. Whether you serve on cargo ships, oil rigs, tugboats, fishing vessels, or in port operations, your work carries unique risks that many traditional insurance carriers don’t fully understand. At Diversified Insurance Brokers, we help seafarers, marine engineers, and offshore professionals secure reliable coverage that protects their families and their livelihood — on and off the water.
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Why Life Insurance Is Critical for Maritime Professionals
The maritime industry is one of the most complex and high-risk fields in the world. Long deployments, exposure to extreme weather, and dangerous working conditions at sea make comprehensive life insurance indispensable. While many employers provide some coverage, it’s often limited or non-portable — meaning it ends when you change jobs or contracts.
Individual life insurance ensures your loved ones remain financially secure, no matter where your career takes you. It can pay off debts, replace lost income, fund your children’s education, and cover long-term family expenses.
Who Qualifies for Maritime Life Insurance?
Coverage is available for a broad range of professionals in the marine and offshore industries, including:
- Commercial seafarers working on cargo, container, or passenger ships.
- Offshore oil and gas workers stationed on drilling platforms and rigs.
- Commercial fishermen and trawler crews operating in U.S. and international waters.
- Tugboat and harbor crew members responsible for ship assistance and port operations.
- Marine engineers and deck officers managing technical systems and navigation.
- Longshoremen and dockworkers handling cargo and port logistics.
Types of Life Insurance Available to Maritime Workers
- Term Life Insurance: Affordable, straightforward protection for 10, 20, or 30 years — ideal for income replacement and mortgage protection.
- Whole Life Insurance: Permanent coverage with guaranteed cash value accumulation and level premiums.
- Universal Life Insurance: Flexible coverage that adapts to your career, deployments, and long-term goals.
- Final Expense Insurance: Smaller, simplified plans covering funeral and last expenses without a medical exam.
Challenges in Underwriting Maritime Occupations
Maritime jobs vary widely in risk level. Some carriers classify offshore oil workers, commercial divers, and deep-sea fishermen as higher risk, while others focus on your exact role, safety record, and health. Accurate presentation of your job duties can make a major difference in pricing and approval outcomes.
At Diversified Insurance Brokers, we know which insurers are most experienced with maritime underwriting. We help our clients document their duties, certifications, and time at sea to secure fair and affordable rates.
Special Considerations for Maritime Workers
- Extended time offshore or away from medical facilities.
- Exposure to severe weather, heavy machinery, and confined quarters.
- Risk of drowning or equipment-related accidents.
- Variable employment — switching between contracts or employers.
While these factors may raise underwriting questions, most maritime professionals still qualify for competitive rates when working with an experienced independent broker.
How Much Life Insurance Do Maritime Workers Need?
Because many maritime careers involve high earning potential but unpredictable schedules, a balanced approach is best. A good rule of thumb is 7–10 times your annual income, combining both employer-provided and private coverage. This ensures your family can maintain their lifestyle even if something unexpected occurs while you’re at sea.
Real-World Example
A 42-year-old commercial tugboat captain with a family of four wanted to add personal coverage beyond his employer’s small policy. We helped him secure a $1 million 20-year term life policy with a major carrier that specializes in high-risk occupations. The policy was approved at a standard rate, providing his family full financial security regardless of where his work takes him.
Why Work With Diversified Insurance Brokers
Since 1980, our family-owned, fiduciary agency has specialized in helping high-risk professionals — from pilots to miners to maritime workers — protect their families with affordable life insurance. With access to 75+ A-rated carriers, we shop the entire market to find insurers familiar with your industry and your risks. We work nationwide, offering fully remote consultations for clients in port cities, offshore, or abroad.
Explore related coverage options such as Life Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions, Convert Term to Permanent Life Insurance, and Best Independent Insurance Agent.
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Protecting Families Beyond the Shoreline
Life at sea brings risks and rewards. Your dedication keeps global trade and energy flowing — and your family’s financial security deserves the same protection. Whether you’re on deck, in the engine room, or managing offshore logistics, Diversified Insurance Brokers will help you compare carriers and find affordable coverage built for your life at sea.
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FAQs: Life Insurance for Maritime Workers
Can maritime workers qualify for life insurance?
Yes. Most maritime and offshore professionals can qualify, including seafarers, engineers, and port workers.
Does offshore or overseas work affect eligibility?
It may influence underwriting, but many carriers accept offshore applicants with proper documentation.
Do I need a medical exam to apply?
Some policies require a quick health exam, while others offer no-exam or simplified-issue options.
Will time at sea increase my premium?
Possibly, depending on your role and travel regions. Working with a broker experienced in maritime coverage helps minimize costs.
Can I keep my policy if I switch employers or ships?
Yes. Individual life insurance is fully portable and follows you anywhere your career goes.
Are foreign-flagged vessel employees eligible?
Yes. Many insurers cover U.S. citizens working on international vessels as long as residency is established in the U.S.
What if I was declined before?
We work with specialized carriers for maritime and offshore occupations, helping many clients secure approval after a prior decline.
About the Author:
Jason Stolz, CLTC, CRPC, is a senior insurance and retirement professional with more than two decades of real-world experience helping individuals, families, and business owners protect their income, assets, and long-term financial stability. As a long-time partner of the nationally licensed independent agency Diversified Insurance Brokers, Jason provides trusted guidance across multiple specialties—including fixed and indexed annuities, long-term care planning, personal and business disability insurance, life insurance solutions, and short-term health coverage. Diversified Insurance Brokers maintains active contracts with over 100 highly rated insurance carriers, ensuring clients have access to a broad and competitive marketplace.
His practical, education-first approach has earned recognition in publications such as VoyageATL, highlighting his commitment to financial clarity and client-focused planning. Drawing on deep product knowledge and years of hands-on field experience, Jason helps clients evaluate carriers, compare strategies, and build retirement and protection plans that are both secure and cost-efficient.
