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Life Insurance for Extreme Sports & Professional Sports

People who take part in Extreme Sports or Professional / Semi-Professional Sports People know that it can be difficult to obtain Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover or Income Protection. The increased risks relating to some sports or hobbies mean that life insurance providers will incur rating or special terms depending on the level of involvement or severity.

Modern sports are generally more extreme than they have ever been before and risk is something that we all accept as part of that. Life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection are all essential considerations for anyone who is involved in such activities.

For more information about extreme sports and hobbies life insurance, see our list below:

This list does not include all sports and hobbies that we work with so if your sport or hobby does not appear then please contact us to find out more.

What Is Sports Life Insurance?

There are many examples of extreme sports that may result in some complications when looking at Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover and Income Protection.

Some main examples of Life Insurance Extreme Sports include:

Mountaineering / Rock Climbing / Ice Climbing

Motor Sports (e.g. Car Racing, Bike Racing, Karting etc.)

Scuba Diving

Sailing

Aviation (e.g. Private pilots, Hand gliding, Paragliding, Microlights etc.)

One-off events: Generally there is no additional life insurance underwriting required for one-off events however for regular events and especially amateur level sports there generally would be.

Some examples of Life Insurance Professional Sports include:

Football

Rugby

Motor Sports

Golf

Cricket

Hockey

Boxing

Aviation / Pilots

Our team of experts have worked with a wide variety of professional / amateur sports people to find them the cover they need at the right price. We understand that your needs are different to the standard requirements and professional sports life insurance is one of our specialisms.

How does Life Insurance for Extreme Sports & Professional Sports work?

For people who take part in extreme sports or professional sports looking for life insurance you will need to provide certain information to enable your cover to be underwritten accurately. Each insurance provider has their own set of underwriting rules that they apply to extreme sports for life insurance, critical illness cover or income protection. You may find that there is a significant difference between what premiums or cover you will be offered from one insurance provider to another.

Most life insurance providers will need to know similar information about your extreme sport or hobby to be able to offer you cover.

What information is required:

The name of the sport / hobby that you take part in

How often you take part in the sport

What level do you compete to (if applicable)

Where do you normally take part

Level of severity that you take part up to (e.g. rock climbing, mountaineering)

What equipment / machinery you use

Any qualifications relating to the sport that you do

These and other key factors will be taken in to account when underwriting life insurance for extreme sports and professional sports. Each life insurance provider will then assess the risk based on their own criteria before offering cover or premiums.

Mortgage

Pay off the outstanding mortgage.

Debts

Clear any debts that you may leave behind.

Gift

Leave a gift for family or a charity.

Education

Leave a sum for your family to enjoy education and hobbies.

Income

Replace a spouse’s income with the support of a lump sum.

Funeral

Cover funeral costs and relieve the pressure from your family.

You should consider life insurance if you have…

Dependants, like school-age children.

A partner who relies on your income.

A family living in a mortgaged or rented home.

In the event of your passing, a life insurance policy can provide financial support for your loved ones. You could also consider funeral cover, which pays for funeral expenses – easing the burden on your family during a difficult time.

However, you should check if you’re already covered through your employer’s benefits package, which often includes ‘death in service benefits’ linked to your salary. If so, you might not require an additional policy, BUT keep in mind that leaving your job or being made redundant could leave you without any cover!

Do You Need Life Insurance?

If you’re the primary breadwinner or share financial responsibilities, a life insurance policy can help your family maintain their standard of living in the unfortunate event that you’re no longer around to support them.

Life Cover Terminology

Understanding life insurance terminology is essential for policyholders to make informed decisions about their cover, we have broken down the meaning for some of the most used terms.

Why Choose The Insurance Surgery?

Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot.

We take pride in the experience that we offer, guaranteeing excellent service at all times.

25 years Experience.

With 25 years of specialist life and protection experience, we can find the perfect policy for you.

Access to a range of insurers.

With a broad selection of partners, we are well-equipped to find the best insurance deals for you.

Award-winning broker.

Known for making insurance simple, The Insurance Surgery is a trusted, award-winning broker.

About The Insurance Surgery Extreme or Professional Sports service

Our team of leading experts have been working with people who are involved with or take part in extreme sports or hobbies and professional sports people since 1999. Over this time we have developed an intense understanding of how Life Insurance for extreme sports and hobbies underwriting works. We have worked with thousands of individuals, families and businesses to provide them with the financial protection they need at the right price.

We understand your needs as well as being able to identify which Life Insurance provider will be best for you based on your extreme sports or hobbies. Our many years of experience means that we know what information is required to effectively underwrite Life Insurance for extreme sports or professional sports.

Through our knowledge and understanding you are in safe hands so can be assured that we will aim to find you the best cover and save you money on your premiums.

Your age

Your lifestyle

Your family’s medical history

Smoker Status

The length of your policy

Your occupation

Medical conditions

For a clearer idea of the average cost of life insurance, visit our Guide.

Life insurance cost, case study.

James is looking for life insurance to cover his mortgage and to give a lump sum to his wife and two children. James had a stroke ten years ago but doesn’t suffer from any symptoms.

We found James the increasing policy below:

Total Cover
Amount:

£750,000

Monthly Premium
Cost:

£41.57

Duration of
Policy:

Until age 70

Why are some insurance providers different for Extreme Sports Life Insurance?

Where there is a risk involved and some underwriting is required for life insurance then there will generally be a difference between insurance providers. Each life insurance provider has their own underwriting rules (criteria) for risks such as Extreme Sports, Professional Sports, Health / Medical Conditions and Occupations.

It is our job at The Insurance Surgery to understand the different extreme sports life insurance underwriting criteria to be able to make sure that we apply to the best provider for you. We aim to save you money and find you the best cover for your individual circumstances regardless of what Extreme Sport or Professional Sport you do.

It can be easy to assume that all providers are the same when underwriting life insurance for extreme sports but unfortunately that isn’t the case. You could find that there is a dramatic difference between insurance providers underwriting which could end up costing you significantly more than you need or should be paying.

Any outstanding debts

Mortgage/rent

Number of dependants

Take-home pay or income from other sources

Speak to our team of experts for FREE
specialist advice today.

Monday to Thursday:

9:00am – 8:00pm

Friday:

9:00am – 3:00pm

Facts About Life Insurance.

Life insurance can serve multiple purposes, including income replacement, wealth transfer, estate planning, and business succession. But how does life insurance shape up with the UK population?

7.5 million families

in the UK have no life insurance or critical illness cover.

£40,000

The average life insurance policy in the UK covers only about £40,000.

28%

of UK adults believe life insurance is too expensive.

96.9%

of all protection case claims were paid in 2024

What Are the Different Types of Life Insurance Policies?

A term life insurance policy...

Term life insurance policy covers a specified duration, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. Should the insured individual pass away during this period, the policy pays a lump sum to their designated beneficiaries.

Whole-of-Life Insurance.

Whole-of-life insurance covers a person’s entire lifespan, provided premiums are consistently paid. It delivers a lump sum to beneficiaries upon the insured’s death.

Over 50s Life Insurance.

Over 50s life insurance guarantees acceptance without a medical report. With lower cover amounts and fixed premiums, it is used to cover funeral costs or leave a modest inheritance.

How different policies payout over time.

Benefit from Our Life Insurance Policies Today.

Relax, knowing that your family can receive the financial support that they need after you pass, and trust The Insurance Surgery to guide you through the life insurance process. With 25 years behind us, we are a trusted broker known for our expertise, prioritising transparency, and providing excellent customer service. So, rely on us to ensure you receive the cover you need at a fair and affordable price.

For a life insurance quote, contact us today on 0800 083 2829 to schedule a free consultation and take the first step towards protecting yourself and your loved ones financially.

Understanding Inheritance Tax (IHT) and Life Insurance

Understanding how IHT works and the ways to mitigate its impact can help you plan and ensure that your loved ones don’t face unexpected tax bills.

Price Promise.

Obtain a cheaper quote elsewhere, we’ll beat<br>the price and also give you a £50 gift card!*

We are committed to offering unbeatable prices. Our
Price Promise ensures that we will find you the right
cover for your circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need life insurance for a mortgage?

No, when it comes to getting a mortgage in the UK, having life insurance is by no means a necessity. It is a time, however, when many people begin to look into life insurance quotes to protect their family’s financial security. Whilst majority do not, you may find that some mortgage lenders do stipulate that life insurance is required.

How much life insurance do I need?

Your personal life insurance needs are completely unique to your circumstances. For a clearer idea of your life insurance needs, get a quote from one of our experts or submit your information into our Life Insurance Calculator.

Can you have more than one life insurance policy?

Yes, you are able to have more than one ongoing life insurance policy. If you have doubts about your previous policy, however, and are looking for an updated one please speak to a member of our team – we can look at your current policy details and compare them to newer quotes.

If we can find you a better life insurance deal that offers better cover, or lower premiums we will make our recommendations. We will only ever suggest a switch to a new life insurance provider if we think that it is the right option for you.

Can I get life insurance while pregnant?

Yes, you can take out life insurance when you’re pregnant. In fact, starting a new family is one of the main reasons that people consider life insurance.

Do you have to pay taxes on life insurance payouts?

Most life insurance payouts are not taxed in the UK. You may, however, have to consider inheritance tax following the passing of a loved one.

What age should you get life insurance?

There is no correct age to begin considering life insurance. Everyone has their own needs and reasons when it comes to life insurance. Life insurance tends to be cheaper the younger you are, but most people begin to seek out life insurance quotes when they have a long-term partner, children, or a home.

Life insurance is unique – just like you.

Life Insurance for Parents

Life Insurance for Dads

Life Insurance for Sports & Hobbies

Life Insurance for Self-Employed

Income Protection

Life Insurance for Smokers

For More Information, Check Out Our Latest Blogs

Stay informed with the latest updates in the insurance industry for 2025 here.

We aim to provide clear advice, breaking down the jargon, so you understand the importance of protection insurance.

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