In the UK, certain professions are considered higher risk for critical illness cover due to the nature of the work involved, which might expose individuals to greater physical danger, health hazards, or stressful conditions. Insurance providers assess these risks when determining premiums and coverage terms. Here are some professions that are typically seen as high risk:
1. Construction Workers:
- Risks: Exposure to heavy machinery, heights, hazardous materials, and physical labor.
- Example: Builders, roofers, scaffolders.
2. Military Personnel:
- Risks: Combat exposure, physically demanding training, and deployments to dangerous regions.
- Example: Soldiers, officers, special forces.
3. Emergency Services:
- Risks: High-stress situations, physical danger, exposure to traumatic events.
- Example: Firefighters, police officers, paramedics.
4. Pilots and Aircrew:
- Risks: High altitude, irregular working hours, high stress, and physical strain.
- Example: Commercial pilots, cabin crew, military pilots.
5. Offshore Workers:
- Risks: Hazardous working environment, isolation, exposure to dangerous substances.
- Example: Oil rig workers, deep-sea fishermen, offshore engineers.
6. Miners:
- Risks: Working underground, exposure to dust and hazardous materials, heavy machinery.
- Example: Coal miners, metal ore miners.
7. Professional Drivers:
- Risks: Long hours, high stress, risk of accidents, sedentary lifestyle.
- Example: Truck drivers, bus drivers, taxi drivers.
8. Commercial Divers:
- Risks: Underwater pressure, risk of decompression sickness, hazardous environments.
- Example: Underwater welders, salvage divers.
9. Medical Professionals:
- Risks: Exposure to infectious diseases, high stress, long working hours.
- Example: Surgeons, paramedics, anesthetists.
10. Armed Security Personnel:
- Risks: Physical confrontations, exposure to violence, high-stress environments.
- Example: Security guards, bodyguards, prison officers.
Summary:
Professions considered high risk for critical illness cover typically involve physical danger, exposure to hazardous materials, high stress, or physically demanding work. As a result, individuals in these professions might face higher premiums or more stringent underwriting criteria when applying for critical illness cover. It’s important for individuals in these high-risk professions to shop around and potentially consult with an insurance broker to find the best coverage options available to them.