High risk occupations include working at heights, with heavy machinery or dangerous chemicals.
These occupations often result in higher premiums, policy exclusions, or even being deemed non-insurable.
Insurers consider job duties, experience and personal factors to determine risk, so a broker can assist finding cover.
What sort of occupations and duties are classified as high risk?
Occupations that are commonly placed in the high-risk category include those that involve:
Working at heights, for example, as a window cleaner
Working underground, for example, as a miner
Working with firearms, such as if you are employed as a police officer
Working with explosives or dangerous chemicals, for example, if you work in the demolition industry
Serving in the armed forces
Working in any other occupation in a war zone, for example, as a journalist
Working in an occupation that exposes you to diseases, such as working as a doctor or nurse
Working with heavy machinery, for example, on large construction sites
Working in any occupation that exposes you to danger, such as if you’re a firefighter or an airline pilot
How does a high-risk occupation affect your life insurance premium?
*Risk levels are to be taken as a rough guide. Quotes are based on a 40 year old non-smoking male living in Sydney. Information last checked on November 2021 and are subject to change.
Occupation
Risk level
Average monthly premium*
Office Worker
Low risk
$82.21
Construction supervisor
Medium
$82.21
Train driver
Medium to high
$82.21
Wrecker
High
$82.21
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How do insurers usually determine high-risk occupations?
Each insurer will vary in the way it assesses the risk of your job. However, as a general guide, it usually depends on:
Overall risk of your job title
Your individual duties and the hazards they involve
The environment in which you work in
It's worth pointing out that just because you work in one of these professions it doesn't necessarily mean that you will automatically be classified as high risk.
Insurance providers will instead use further criteria to determine the likelihood of you suffering injury, illness or death as a result of your occupation, some of which include:
How hazardous your individual role is. For example, if you work in the mining industry and this sometimes involves the use of heavy machinery, the insurer will require details on the type of machinery you work with and how often you do so as part of your job. If you work at heights, you'll need to provide details on the average height where work takes place and how long you spend working at that height.
How much experience you have in your position. You may find that someone with ten years of experience pays cheaper life insurance premiums than someone who is only in their first year in the same occupation.
Here's how your occupation could be classified:
Risk
Details
How does this rating impact my policy?
Low
Low to no manual work e.g. office workers, retail supervisors
Likely no effects
Medium
Worker that involves manual labour e.g. a tradesmen
Higher premiums
Medium to high
Heavy manual work e.g. A factory machinist
Higher premiums
High
Jobs that involve dangerous activities and environments eg, a miner
Higher premiums or exclusions
Non-insurable
An extremely risky job e.g. firefighting (for some brands)
No cover
Individual consideration
An occupation that's not listed by the insurer
Further assessment of job required
What other methods (aside from job) will insurers use to determine risk?
Life insurers take several steps to assess whether or not you are a high-risk applicant. Each insurer employs a team of underwriters who determine whether or not your application for cover will be accepted and, if so, whether any terms and conditions will apply to your cover.
To determine whether an individual is high risk, the insurer may:
Ask questions about your health and lifestyle during your cover application
Require you to undergo a medical examination
Require you to provide medical reports
Take into account non-work related factors such as pastimes, lifestyle and smoking status
Once the underwriters have all the information needed to calculate your level of risk, they can then decide whether or not to offer you cover. If cover is provided there may be terms and conditions attached, such as premium loadings or specific exclusions.
Frequently asked questions
If your occupation changes (especially to a less hazardous role) you should always inform your insurer. They may reassess your risk profile and adjust your premiums or policy terms accordingly. A change to a lower-risk job could lead to a reduction in your premiums. Conversely, moving to a higher risk occupation might lead to increased premiums or new exclusions.
Yes, high-risk policies often include specific exclusions related to your occupation or dangerous activities. For example, if you are a pilot your policy might exclude claims arising from flying-related incidents. Insurers may also exclude claims if you participate in extreme sports or engage in certain hazardous hobbies. Always read your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) carefully to understand any exclusions that apply to your cover.
Individuals in high-risk occupations can typically apply for various types of life insurance. These include Term Life Insurance which pays a lump sum upon your death, Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) cover if you become permanently disabled and unable to work, and Critical Illness or Trauma Insurance which pays a benefit if you suffer a serious medical condition. However, the availability and terms for each type of cover may vary depending on your specific risk profile and the insurer.
Using a financial adviser or broker is highly recommended for individuals with high-risk occupations. They have expertise in navigating complex insurance markets and can help you identify insurers willing to offer cover for your specific occupation. A broker can compare policies from multiple providers, negotiate terms on your behalf and explain any exclusions or conditions that apply. This can save you significant time effort and potentially money.
When applying for life insurance with a high-risk occupation, insurers will typically ask for detailed information about your job duties, the equipment you use, your working environment, the hours you work and any safety procedures in place. They will also inquire about your experience in the role, your training and qualifications and any specific hazards associated with your profession. Providing accurate and comprehensive information is crucial for a fair assessment.
If your occupation is classified as non-insurable by one insurer it means they are unwilling to offer cover for the specific risks associated with your job. However this does not mean all insurers will decline your application. It is important to explore options with specialist insurers who may have a greater appetite for high-risk profiles or consider alternative types of cover. A financial adviser can help you navigate these complex situations and find potential solutions.
Gary Ross Hunter has over 6 years of expertise writing about insurance, including life, health, home, and car insurance. Having reviewed hundreds of product disclosure statements and published over 800 articles, he loves simplifying complex insurance topics for everyday readers. Gary has contributed to major outlets like Yahoo Finance, The Sydney Morning Herald, and news.com.au, and holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Literature from the University of Glasgow, along with a Tier 2 General Advice certification, ensuring his work adheres to ASIC’s RG146 standards.
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