Life Insurance for climbers?

Submitted by hellenga_gary on Wed, 12/20/2006 - 17:31
An article on the front page of today's Chronicle, about the 3 guys they're looking for on Mount Hood, quoted Conrad as saying he pays $10K for rescue insurance. This reminded me of a problem I encountered trying to get a new [i]life[/i] insurance policy last year; when I truthfully indicated that I do occasionally take overseas climbing trips, the offered rates came back about eight-fold what they would otherwise have been! The only way I can currently get the insurance I need without emptying the kids' college funds is through my employer's group policy, so I'll be in trouble if I change jobs. Anyone have any suggestions for a [b]climber-friendly[/b] insurer?

Hello, The Chronicle made a slight mistake. The insurance I was referring to is the policy provided by the American Alpine Club. It is for rescue below 6000 m peaks and amounts to 10 K a year. Spending 10 K a year on an insurance premium is way out of line. That is equal to our food budget for a family of five. If any of you climbers are interested in joining the AAC please visit the following site: http://www.americanalpineclub.org/ It costs 75 a year for 28 and over and if you are sub 28 it is a deal at 40 bucks. Happy solstice! Conrad

i just baught quarter of a million dollars of term life insurance. -approx. $400 annually. I disclosed that i do participate in "roped climbing" and had no issues. My sister is my agent and i know she would be happy to talk w/ you. she has lots of options and good ideas. let me know if i can help put folks in touch! in respect to the issues on Mt. Hood... rescue insurance is something different than term-life and what the AAC has to offer sounds like a great deal.

As far as life insurance goes shop around. I found rates for a 100K Whole life policy ranging from $70/month to $200/month. All the companies have different underwriters who view and rate climbing differently. Any broker should be able to look into several companies for you. You'll pay more with AllState, Statefarm and Farmers because they cut prices on auto and property insurance to get you in the door. They subsidize these by charging more for LIfe and health insurance.
Spray