Part of our guide: Impaired Risk Life Insurance Underwriting by Condition →
Mountain climbing, scuba diving, auto racing, and private aviation can all add a flat extra to a client’s premium. Some carriers now have programs that can remove it for experienced, careful participants.
Key takeaways
- High-risk hobbies (avocations) are often rated with a flat extra charge per $1,000 of coverage.
- One upgrade program can remove flat extras of up to $2.50 per $1,000 for certain avocations, on term and permanent plans.
- An experienced 37-year-old climber went from a $2.00 permanent flat extra to Standard Non-Tobacco with no flat extra.
Initial offer: a $2.00 per $1,000 permanent flat extra. After the upgrade program: Standard Non-Tobacco, no flat extra.
How avocations are underwritten
Carriers rate risky hobbies based on the activity, the client’s experience, frequency, and specifics such as altitude, depth, or type of aircraft. The usual result is a flat extra: a fixed charge per $1,000 of coverage added to the premium, sometimes for the life of the policy.
The upgrade program
One carrier’s upgrade program may remove a flat extra of up to $2.50 per $1,000 for certain avocation scenarios. It’s available on both term and permanent plans.
Case study: an experienced climber
- 37-year-old male non-smoker seeking $1 million of term
- Healthy, with normal build, blood pressure, and cholesterol; no adverse family history
- 12 years of trail, rock, and mountain climbing; climbs only in groups
- 4–5 climbs a year in the Pacific Northwest; highest elevation 13,000 feet
- Climbing difficulty YDS class 5.0–5.4
Initial assessment: a $2.00 per $1,000 permanent flat extra. Under the program: Standard Non-Tobacco, no flat extra.
How to present an avocation case
Complete the carrier’s avocation questionnaire in detail: years of experience, frequency, certifications, and safety practices such as climbing with a group or diving with a buddy. The more specific the answers, the better the chance of a favorable decision. Our Underwriting Team can tell you which carriers treat each activity best.
Frequently asked questions
Does rock climbing affect life insurance rates?
It can. Carriers may add a flat extra depending on the type of climbing, altitude, and experience. Some programs can remove it for experienced climbers.
What is a flat extra on a life insurance policy?
An additional charge per $1,000 of coverage, added to the premium for a set period or permanently, to cover a specific extra risk such as a hobby or occupation.
Which hobbies can cause a life insurance rating?
Common examples include mountain climbing, scuba diving, auto racing, private aviation, and skydiving.
Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-25
Tim Fuller
President, SRS Inc.
Tim leads SRS Inc., a full-service IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) and BGA (Brokerage General Agency), connecting independent financial professionals with life, annuity, disability income, and long-term care solutions from 60+ carrier partners.
Connect on LinkedIn →We’re Here to Help
Have a question about what you just read, or a case you’re working on? Tell us a bit about what you need, and a member of the SRS team will follow up with you personally — no obligation, no hassle.
