Understanding High-Risk Life Insurance

How do companies determine whether you are high risk?

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.

What to do if you think you may be classified as high risk

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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Frequently Asked Questions

What is High Risk Life Insurance?

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.

Why is High Risk Life Insurance more expensive?

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.

How do insurers determine whether you’re “high 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.

What can I do to reduce my Life Insurance costs if I think I’m high risk?

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.

Why do I need to be honest when applying for High Risk Life Insurance?

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.

Expert Tools, Tips and Guides

Explore our Life Insurance guides, from basic policy explanations to specialised cover like Mortgage Life Insurance, joint cover and high-risk options.

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*Based on independent research by Kaufman Levin & Associates 2025.

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