---
title: Life Insurance for Pilots | Coverfolk
url: https://coverfolk.com/jobs/pilots
updated: 2026-10-08
---

# Life insurance for pilots

Pilots carry a big load. You follow strict FAA rules and pass regular medical exams. BLS counts about 155,000 airline and commercial pilot jobs.

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

Updated October 8, 20264 sources[Fact checked](/editorial-standards)

**155,000**About 155,000 airline and commercial pilot jobs (154,900) (2025)[Source: BLS OOH: Airline and Commercial Pilots](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/airline-and-commercial-pilots.htm)

**31.3**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)

**8.9x**the average risk at work, based on the BLS rates

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What workers comp, work plans and Social Security pay, and what they don't.

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## Why it matters

In 2023, aircraft pilots and flight engineers had a fatal injury rate of 31.3 per 100,000 full time workers. The rate for all workers was 3.5. That is about nine times higher.

Pilots can get life insurance. Some policies may limit pay for deaths while flying as a pilot or crew. Ask about any aviation clause before you buy.

* State law lets life policies limit the amount paid for a death from flying when the insured is a pilot, crew member, or in training.
* Pilots must pass regular medical exams, often every year or every other year. Federal law makes airline pilots retire at 65.

## What an insurer may ask you

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

* Your pilot certificates and ratings
* Flight hours per year
* Type of flying: airline, cargo, charter, crop dusting, or private
* Kind of aircraft you fly
* Your FAA medical certificate status
* Any accidents or FAA actions

## Common questions

Can pilots get life insurance?

Yes. Your flying may change the price or terms. Insurers look at how much and what kind of flying you do.

What is an aviation exclusion?

It is a clause that limits pay if you die while flying as a pilot or crew. State law allows it. Ask if your policy has one.

Does flying as a passenger count?

It depends on the policy. Read the aviation terms and ask the insurer.

Does my airline give me coverage?

It might. Work coverage usually ends when you leave the job. A policy you own stays with you.

## 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: Airline and Commercial Pilots](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/airline-and-commercial-pilots.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. [Minnesota Statutes 61A.06: Life insurance policy provisions](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/61A.06)
4. [Texas Department of Insurance: Life insurance guide](https://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/consumer/cb018.html)

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