---
title: Life Insurance for Commercial fishers | Coverfolk
url: https://coverfolk.com/jobs/fishermen
updated: 2026-10-08
---

# Life insurance for commercial fishers

Commercial fishing is hard and risky. Trips can keep you away from port for weeks or months. BLS counts about 28,000 fishing and hunting jobs.

[Find my coverage gap](/jobs/fishermen/calculator)

Updated October 8, 20263 sources[Fact checked](/editorial-standards)

**28,000**About 28,000 fishing and hunting worker jobs (28,200) (2025)[Source: BLS OOH: Fishing and Hunting Workers](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/farming-fishing-and-forestry/fishers-and-related-fishing-workers.htm)

**86.9**fatal injuries per 100,000 workers in 2023, vs 3.5 for all jobs[Source: BLS CFOI: Civilian occupations with high fatal work injury rates, 2023](https://www.bls.gov/charts/census-of-fatal-occupational-injuries/civilian-occupations-with-high-fatal-work-injury-rates.htm)

**24.8x**the average risk at work, based on the BLS rates

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## Why it matters

In 2023, fishing and hunting workers had a fatal injury rate of 86.9 per 100,000 full time workers. The rate for all workers was 3.5. That is about 25 times higher.

About a third of fishers are self employed. Many do not have a work life plan. Life insurance can protect your family while you are out on the water.

* NIOSH says commercial fishing is one of the most dangerous jobs in the US. Top hazards are boat sinkings, falls overboard, and deck machinery.
* About 32 percent of fishing workers are self employed, so many have no employer plan.

## What an insurer may ask you

Have these ready. Being honest up front gets you a real price and avoids problems at claim time.

* Type of fishing and where you fish
* How long your trips last
* Size and type of boat
* Whether you own the boat or work as crew
* Your age, health, and tobacco use

## Common questions

Can commercial fishers get life insurance?

Yes. Your job may raise the price. Insurers ask what kind of fishing you do and where.

Does the type of fishing matter?

It can. Insurers often ask about the area, the season, and how long you are at sea.

I am crew on someone else's boat. Do I have coverage?

Ask the boat owner. Many fishers are self employed and have no work plan.

Why is fishing so risky?

NIOSH says the top dangers are boats sinking, falls overboard, and deck machines.

## Coverage people in this job pick

[**Term life: The most coverage for the least money, for 10 to 30 years.**](/coverage/term-life)[**Mortgage protection: Life insurance sized to your home loan, so the house stays paid.**](/coverage/mortgage-protection)[**Final expense: Small whole life plans that pay for a funeral and last bills.**](/coverage/final-expense)[**Does my job change what I pay for life insurance?**](/answers/does-my-job-affect-life-insurance)[**Is the life insurance from my job enough?**](/answers/work-life-insurance-enough)[**How much life insurance do I need?**](/answers/how-much-life-insurance-do-i-need)

## Sources

1. [BLS OOH: Fishing and Hunting Workers](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/farming-fishing-and-forestry/fishers-and-related-fishing-workers.htm)
2. [BLS CFOI: Civilian occupations with high fatal work injury rates, 2023](https://www.bls.gov/charts/census-of-fatal-occupational-injuries/civilian-occupations-with-high-fatal-work-injury-rates.htm)
3. [NIOSH: Commercial Fishing Safety](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fishing/about/index.html)

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