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Firefighters & Fireman Life Insurance & Critical Illness Cover

Elaine Brookes Steve Case

Author: Steve Case - Insurance Expert

Reviewed & Fact Checked By: Elaine Brookes

Updated: 21st February 2024

firefighters life insurance

One of the many myths associated with Life Assurance & Critical Illness Cover is that certain occupations are excluded from being eligible for cover by all insurers and always have been and always will be.

One such profession that many believe falls into this category is that of a fire service member.

While it is true that not all insurers treat an individual applicant’s occupation in the same way, it is worth knowing that there are insurers out there who will grant what is called ‘standard terms’ to a person whose job is that of a firefighter or fireman.

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  • A comprehensive range of life insurance policies, including cover for firefighters
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life insurance for volunteer firefighters

Types of Life Insurance Available to Firefighters

Type of InsuranceDescriptionKey Benefits
Term Life InsuranceProvides coverage for a specified term (e.g., 10, 20, 30 years).Affordable premiums, straightforward coverage.
Whole Life InsuranceOffers lifetime coverage with an investment component.Fixed premiums, cash value growth, lifelong protection.
Critical Illness CoverPays out a lump sum upon diagnosis of a specified critical illness.Financial support during illness covers medical expenses or lost income.
Income ProtectionProvides a regular income if you cannot work due to illness or injury.Supports living expenses and adjustable coverage based on salary.
Death in ServiceA benefit from some employers that pays out if you die while employed.Often a multiple of your salary, no need for individual policy.

Considerations for Firefighters When Choosing Life Insurance

ConsiderationDescriptionImportance
Occupational RisksFirefighting is considered a higher-risk profession.Insurers may adjust premiums or coverage terms.
Health and LifestylePersonal health and lifestyle choices can impact insurance rates.Important for underwriting and determining premiums.
Coverage AmountThe amount of money your family or dependents will receive.It should reflect living costs, debts, and future needs.
Policy TermsLength of the policy and conditions of coverage.Must align with personal and family financial planning.
Additional BenefitsExtras that can be added to the policy, like critical illness cover.It enhances protection but may increase premiums.

Frequently Asked Questions About Firefighter’s Life Insurance

QuestionAnswer
Can firefighters get life insurance without penalties for their profession?Many insurers offer policies specifically designed for high-risk professions, including firefighters.
Is life insurance more expensive for firefighters?It can be due to the higher risks associated with the profession, but shopping around can help find competitive rates.
Do firefighters need critical illness coverage?It’s advisable, as it provides additional protection beyond what life insurance offers, covering serious health conditions.
What’s the difference between ‘death in service’ and a personal life insurance policy?‘Death in service’ is an employer-provided benefit and may offer less coverage than a personal life insurance policy designed to meet individual needs.
benefits of fireman's life insurance

So What Are Standard Terms?

‘Standard terms’ is insurance industry jargon meaning a person is offered cover after a health and lifestyle questionnaire without any alterations to the terms of the policy (e.g. that no exclusions are applied for anything that may happen whilst at work), or indeed the price (an increase in the price of a policy due to a perceived increase in risk to the insurer is known as a ‘rating’).

As mentioned above, not all insurers make the same decisions on circumstances. There is a significant degree of variation from one provider to another.

We have access to a full market range of life assurance providers and can tailor a plan that fits your circumstances as a firefighter and your pocket.

We’ll Help Every Step Of The Way

We will guide you through the application process that will ask for details about your occupation, medical history, and immediate family medical history to enable you to pick the right plan for you and if you choose your partner.

You will also benefit from our discounted rates when you apply via Insurance Hero. Our consultants have vast experience and knowledge of our insurers underwriting criteria.

What this means to you is that when you inquire about Life Assurance &/or Critical Illness cover through us, we will do all the research for you and present you with all the options available as a fireman.

This means you will be equipped with a market appraisal complete with accurate prices and be fully aware of all the differences between one insurer’s products and the next without trawling through the providers and their applications yourself to make a fully informed decision.

firefighter and child

Is Life Insurance For Retired Firefighters Available?

In the UK, retired firefighters can access specialised life insurance policies that cater to their specific circumstances post-service.

These policies can include whole life insurance coverage, offering lifelong cover and financial security for their families.

Additionally, there’s the option for critical illness cover, which provides a lump sum upon diagnosis of certain serious illnesses.

For those seeking flexibility, adjustable term insurance allows retirees to match the duration of their coverage with their financial planning needs, ensuring they’re not over-insured or facing unnecessary costs.

Each option is designed with the retired firefighter’s long-term well-being and family’s financial stability in mind.

Volunteer Firefighter Life Insurance

Life insurance for volunteer firefighters in the UK is specifically crafted to address the unique risks and challenges faced by those who serve their communities voluntarily.

These policies provide essential financial protection and support for the families of volunteer firefighters, ensuring that in the event of an unforeseen tragedy, loved ones are not left with financial burdens.

Coverage options are designed to be flexible, accommodating volunteer firefighters varied needs and circumstances, from term life insurance for temporary coverage to whole life policies for longer-lasting security.

Turned Down In The Past? We Can Still Help You

It is also worth noting that the quotes on price comparison sites do not consider details such as occupation, so they can sometimes be inaccurate and misleading.

Suppose you have been turned down for Life Assurance &/or Critical Illness Cover or had your premiums increased because of your occupation as a firefighter. In that case, it does not necessarily mean that Insurance Hero will not be able to help.

When you contact us, we will be more than happy to discuss your requirements or, indeed, give you details about the types of cover and products that are available, allowing you to make an informed decision as to what is the right Life Assurance &/or Critical Illness Cover policy for you.