Life Insurance for
Private Pilots

Can private pilots get life insurance?
Yes. Most private pilots can qualify for life insurance. The rate depends on how often you fly, the type of aircraft, your certifications, and whether you fly for pleasure, business, or commercial purposes. Many pilots still qualify for standard or even preferred rates.

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Do life insurance companies charge more for pilots?
Sometimes, but not always. Many private pilots (especially those flying for recreation with a Private Pilot License and reasonable flight hours) can qualify for normal rates. Higher-risk flying—like stunt flying, crop dusting, or frequent charter flying—may result in an extra fee (called a flat extra) or an aviation exclusion.

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Can I get life insurance without an aviation exclusion?
Yes. Many companies will offer full coverage that includes aviation. In some cases, you may pay a small additional premium instead of accepting an exclusion. We help you compare both options before you apply so you can choose what makes the most sense.

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How does LifeStein know which company will offer me the best rate?
We do the work upfront. Before submitting a formal application, we send your pilot profile (anonymously) to multiple underwriters to get tentative offers.
That means:

• We know which companies are competitive for your exact flying profile

• We know if an aviation exclusion or extra fee will apply

• We know your likely rate class

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By the time you apply, we already know which company is most likely to give you the best price and approval.

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What is a tentative offer and why does it matter?
A tentative offer is an informal underwriting opinion from a life insurance company based on your profile. It allows us to:

• Avoid unnecessary declines

• Prevent you from applying with the wrong company

• Lock in the most favorable underwriting path

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This is especially important for pilots, where underwriting varies significantly between companies.

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Does having an IFR rating help with life insurance underwriting?
Yes, it can. An Instrument Flight Rating (IFR) often shows additional training and safety, which some insurance companies view favorably. It won’t guarantee better rates, but it can help in borderline cases.

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Does flying for business affect my life insurance rates?
It can. Occasional business flying is usually treated similarly to recreational flying. However, frequent flying, charter work, or commercial aviation may increase underwriting risk and lead to higher costs or additional requirements.

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Do student pilots pay more for life insurance?
Sometimes. Student pilots are considered less experienced, which can increase risk. However, many companies still offer reasonable rates—especially if flight hours are low and training is structured.

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What types of flying are considered high risk by insurance companies?
Higher-risk aviation activities include:

• Crop dusting / aerial spraying

• Stunt or exhibition flying

• Flying experimental or home-built aircraft

• Charter or non-scheduled commercial flying

• Military combat or war zone flying

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If you fall into one of these categories, we can still shop your case—this is where working with a broker matters most.

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Can I qualify for non-smoker rates if I use nicotine products?
Yes, in many cases.

Some companies will offer non-smoker rates for:

• Unlimited cigar use

• Nicotine pouches (Zyn, VELO, On!)

• Dip or chewing tobacco

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Each company treats nicotine differently. We know exactly which carriers are more lenient and match you accordingly.

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Will nicotine use affect my pilot life insurance quote?
It can—but not always as much as you think. The key is choosing the right company.

For example:

• Some carriers automatically classify all nicotine users as smokers

• Others allow certain products and still offer non-smoker pricing

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We specialize in matching pilots who use nicotine with the right carriers to avoid unnecessary rate increases.

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What information do life insurance companies need from pilots?
Underwriters typically look at:

• Total flight hours

• Type of license (Private, Commercial, ATP, etc.)

• Type of aircraft flown

• Frequency of flying (past and future)

• IFR rating and additional certifications

• FAA medical certificate status

• Type of flying (pleasure, business, commercial, etc.)

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The more accurate your information, the more precise your quote will be.

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Why should pilots use LifeStein instead of going directly to a company?
Because pilots are not “standard” cases.

LifeStein:

• Shops your case across multiple top-rated companies

• Secures tentative offers before you apply

• Matches you with carriers that treat your flying (and nicotine use) favorably

• Helps you avoid declines, exclusions, and overpriced policies

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Bottom line: We already know which company is going to give you the best offer before you ever submit an application.