High Risk Life Insurance covers those who are at a higher risk of death. Life Insurance is paid out on death, and the more likely you are to pass away, the higher risk you are, making the policy more expensive.

Insurance companies ask a range of detailed questions when you apply for Life Insurance to assess whether you are classified as high risk. They consider factors such as whether you currently suffer from life-threatening illnesses like cancer, lifestyle choices including smoking or being overweight, the type of career you have and whether it is considered dangerous, and the kinds of activities you participate in, such as high-risk outdoor sports.
Before shopping around for Life Insurance, consider ways to reduce your risk profile before applying. By lowering risk factors associated with you, you may reduce potential premium costs.
For example, if you are overweight, adopting a healthier lifestyle through improved diet and regular exercise can help. Once you have minimised as much risk as possible, compare prices to find the best policy for your needs. After choosing a policy, the most important step is to be completely honest with your insurer. Providing full and accurate information reduces the risk of an invalid policy or declined claim.
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Clear answers to help you understand High Risk Life Insurance, why premiums can be higher, and how to improve your chances of getting cover.
High Risk Life Insurance is Life Insurance for people who are considered more likely to pass away during the policy term. Because Life Insurance pays out on death, a higher risk profile typically means higher premiums.
Insurers price policies based on the likelihood of a payout. If you’re seen as more likely to claim (due to health, lifestyle, occupation, or high-risk activities), premiums are usually higher to match the insurer’s risk.
Insurers ask detailed questions to assess your risk profile. They may consider serious medical conditions (for example, life-threatening illnesses such as cancer), lifestyle factors like smoking and weight, whether your job is considered dangerous, and whether you take part in high-risk activities like extreme outdoor sports.
Focus on reducing the risk factors you can control before you apply. For example, if you’re overweight, improving your diet and exercising regularly may help improve your overall risk profile over time. Minimising high-risk behaviours can also help reduce potential costs.
Being fully honest helps ensure your policy is valid. If information is left out or answered inaccurately, it can increase the risk of claim disputes later. Full and honest disclosure helps reduce the chance of an invalid policy.
Compare multiple Life Insurance quotes and find cover that matches your risk profile and budget.
Even if you’re classified as high risk, comparing options can help you find the best available deal.
Explore our Life Insurance guides, from basic policy explanations to specialised cover like Mortgage Life Insurance, joint cover and high-risk options.
What is a Life Insurance policy? Find out how Life Insurance works, what it covers, and how to choose a policy that fits your needs.
Life Insurance for Parents Learn how to take out cover for your parents when they can’t do so themselves, or add them to your existing policy.
Life Insurance for Children Understand how cover for children works, how value builds over time, and when these policies pay out.
Life Insurance for Over 50 Explore Life Insurance options for people over 50, including cover that pays a lump sum to your beneficiaries.
High-Risk Life Insurance See how insurers assess higher-risk jobs, hobbies and health profiles, and what that means for your premiums.
Joint Life Insurance See how one policy can cover you and your partner under shared terms, and when a joint policy makes financial sense.
Traditional Whole Life Insurance Learn about lifelong cover (often up to age 95), fixed premiums and guaranteed payouts to your beneficiaries.
Term Life Insurance Understand fixed-term cover, how it works for temporary needs, and what happens when the term comes to an end.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Find out how existing health conditions affect your Life Insurance application, waiting periods and exclusions.
Mortgage Life Insurance See how this type of cover protects your bond by paying off the outstanding home loan if you pass away.
Critical Illness Cover Learn how Critical Illness Cover works, what conditions may be covered, and how payouts can help with treatment and recovery costs.
Universal Life Insurance Explore flexible life cover that can adjust over time, and learn how premiums and benefits may change based on your needs.