Money Expert > Life Insurance > Does my job affect my life insurance?
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Last updated: 20/05/2025 | Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes
When applying for life insurance an insurer will consider a variety of factors to assess how likely it is that you will be making a claim. One of the variables will be the type of job you have. Certain professions will carry a higher risk than others and when an insurer is putting together a policy, they will take this into account. It’s not always easy to work out exactly how your job will affect your policy, so we have put together a quick guide to give you an idea of what to expect.
Exactly what qualifies as a dangerous job and what does not is left slightly open to interpretation but there are obviously some roles which will leap out at an insurer as carrying a particularly high risk. For example, if you work in a 9-5 office job then you will be deemed less likely to have occupational hazards and therefore considered as safer. Conversely, if you are a rescue worker, someone who will be dealing predominantly with dangerous situations you will be seen as a higher risk for insurers.
A risky job, also known as dangerous occupations, is any profession where the risk involved increases your chances of accidental death, injury, or serious illness. Examples of high risk occupations include:
One factor that will be taken into account is the amount that someone travels for their work. If you are in a role that forces you to be on the road a lot then an insurer will factor this in as it greatly increases the chances of you being in an accident. There are also certain factors that although will not classify your role as particularly risky, may be taken into consideration such as stress and how a job may affect you in the long term. If you work in a high-pressure job with long hours, then this could be seen to affect your health in a less obvious way than working as a bomb diffuser. Although criteria will change depending on who you speak to, a general rule is that the more elements a job contains that could increase the chances of causing harm to yourself, the more likely an insurer will classify you as being in a risky job.
High risk life insurance is designed for people in hazardous occupations, those with risky hobbies (like skydiving or horse riding), or with certain health risks. If you're in a high risk occupation, many major insurers may increase your premiums or exclude specific causes of death from your life cover.
Some life insurers may even refuse to offer term life insurance or whole life insurance to people in the most dangerous jobs. In such cases, specialist insurers can help provide tailored life insurance options that are better suited for high risk applicants.
Your life insurance premiums are calculated based on the risk factors associated with your job, age, medical history, and lifestyle. If your job significantly increases the chance of harm or critical illness, you may face higher premiums if your job significantly increases the chance of harm or critical illness.
For example:
Every insurance company has its own application process, and the way they classify jobs can vary. Some rely on government data while others use proprietary risk models. That means one insurer might offer better rates than another—making finding life insurance at the right price all the more important.
If you're in a dangerous job, it’s wise to consider critical illness cover in addition to standard life insurance. This add-on pays out a lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness, such as cancer, stroke, or heart disease.
Given the greater risk associated with some certain professions, this added protection can provide financial security if you're unable to work during recovery or long-term treatment. It’s especially important for the self employed or anyone without an employer sick pay scheme.
During your life insurance application, you must be completely honest about your occupation and any relevant risk factors. If you try to hide that you're in a high risk job or omit key details about your regular working tasks, your life insurance policy could be voided in the event of a claim.
Insurers will ask about:
Being upfront ensures that you’re offered the right cover and not left financially vulnerable later. Always fill in the online form with full transparency.
Not always, but it can. If you're in a dangerous occupation with an especially high risk of death (such as a soldier in a war zone), many insurance providers may decline your application for a standard policy.
In such cases, you may need to turn to specialist insurers who offer dangerous occupations life insurance tailored to your specific circumstances. These policies may come with exclusions or cost more, but they can still provide essential protection.
While there’s no direct discount for having a “healthy” job, being in good shape can help. For example, if you’re a personal trainer or someone whose role requires good health, some insurers might view you as a lower risk, especially if you maintain a healthy BMI, avoid smoking, and have no chronic illnesses.
Lifestyle improvements like losing weight, quitting smoking, or exercising regularly can also help you access the lowest premiums available.
You may not be able to change your job, but there are still ways to save money on your policy:
Whether you're in construction, aviation, emergency services, or any other high risk job, it's still possible to get the right cover—you just need to be strategic about it. Look for specialist insurers, be honest on your life insurance application, and consider adding extras like critical illness cover or income protection insurance.
No matter your profession, there’s a life policy out there that can offer peace of mind—for the right price.