Coverage calculator
Your pay, your loans, your work plan. See the gap in 30 seconds.
OpenIf you die at work
What workers comp, work plans and Social Security pay, and what they don't.
OpenWhy it matters
Firefighters can get life insurance. Insurers mostly look at your age, health and tobacco use. Some also ask whether you fight fires inside buildings, work wildland fires or volunteer.
BLS says the work can be dangerous at the scene of a fire or other emergency, and the gear is heavy and hot. BLS counts about 355,300 firefighter jobs, and 87 percent are in local government.
A federal benefit pays survivors when a firefighter dies in the line of duty. Department coverage usually ends when you leave or retire. A policy you own stays with you.
- The federal Public Safety Officers' Benefits program pays death and education benefits to survivors of officers who die in the line of duty. The death benefit was $461,656 for deaths in fiscal year 2026 (Oct 1, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026).
- 87 percent of firefighters work for local government. Coverage through a job usually ends when you leave it.
- Life insurance from work usually ends when you leave the job. A basic work plan often pays only one or two times your yearly pay.
Can firefighters get life insurance? What insurers ask
Have these ready. Being honest up front gets you a real price and avoids problems at claim time.
- Interior, wildland or volunteer firefighting
- Full time, part time or volunteer
- Your age, health and tobacco use
- Any lung or heart problems
Common questions
Can firefighters get life insurance?
Yes. Most can. Your health and age matter most. Some companies also ask about interior or wildland work.
Are volunteer firefighters covered by PSOB?
PSOB can cover volunteer firefighters who die in the line of duty. Check the program rules for your case.
Does my department plan cover me after I retire?
Usually not in full. Ask what you can keep before you leave.
Should I buy more than my work plan?
Think about your mortgage, debts and kids. Many families need more than one or two years of pay.
