Occupations that are commonly placed in the high-risk category include those that involve:
*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 |
Finding life insurance for high risk individuals can be difficult and time consuming. We've made it much easier. Enter your details below and a broker will get in touch with you about your high risk insurance options.
You pay the same price as buying directly from the life insurer.
We're not owned by an insurer (unlike other comparison sites).
We've done 100+ hours of policy research to help you understand what you're comparing.
Each insurer will vary in the way it assesses the risk of your job. However, as a general guide, it usually depends on:
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:
| 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 |
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:
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.
Read our comprehensive guide to finding the best life insurance policy for your situation.
Read on to find our how you can receive a terminal illness benefit from your life insurance policy.
Get help working out which type of life cover best fits your needs.
On average, those born today are likely to live past 80 years of age.
Not everyone needs to get life insurance when they buy a home – but that doesn't mean you shouldn't strongly consider it.
Here are some of the health reward programs and discount schemes available from Australian life insurance brands.
Discover the benefits and drawbacks of using a life insurance broker.
Find the latest life insurance deals and discounts from Australian brands.
Are you thinking of cancelling your life insurance policy? There are a few things that you need to be aware of before surrendering an important protection cover for you and your loved ones.
A guide to life insurance and mental illness.