There are 1.8 million people suffering from a work-related illness, and while only a small number of those are work-related accidents, it's important to be aware of the risks1

Having a high-risk job means it’s even more important that you not only have a protection policy, but you have the right protection policy in place for your circumstances. 

High-risk jobs 

Here are some examples of high-risk jobs that may require extra consideration when it comes to insurance:

    • Emergency services:
      Police officers, firefighters, and paramedics all work in jobs that can be dangerous and stressful. These jobs require a great deal of physical and mental stamina and can result in situations that put workers at risk of injury or death.
    • Construction:
      Construction workers often work with heavy machinery and at great heights, which can be hazardous. Falls from heights, accidents with heavy equipment, and exposure to hazardous materials are all potential risks.
    • Transportation:
      Drivers of commercial trucks, buses and taxis all face significant risks on the road. They may be more likely to be involved in accidents due to the amount of time they spend on the road and the size of the vehicles they operate.
    • Agriculture:
      Farmers and farm workers face a number of hazards, including exposure to chemicals, heavy machinery, and animals. They may also work in remote locations, making emergency medical care more difficult to access.

For high risk jobs, you should consider taking out certain insurance policies to put you and your families mind at ease that should the unexpected happen, they would be  looked after financially. 

Income protection

Income protection provides income replacement if you’re unable to work. Unlike workers' compensation, which only covers work-related injuries and illnesses, income protection covers any illness or injury that prevents you from working.

In high-risk jobs, income protection  is essential because the likelihood of suffering a work-related injury or illness is greater. If you become disabled and are unable to work, income protection can provide you with financial security until you are able to return to work.

Life insurance

Life insurance is a policy that protects your loved ones financially in the event of your death. While no one likes to think about the worst-case scenario, it is, unfortunately,  a reality for some high-risk jobs. With life insurance, your loved ones can rest assured they’ll have financial security, should the worst happen. 

Read more about life insurance and how it works here. 

Do I need high-risk life insurance?

High risk life insurance is the same as regular life insurance, it’s just tailored more to your needs. If you have a high-risk job and you also have dependents who rely on your income, then we recommend you take out a life insurance policy.

Insurance is critical for those with high-risk jobs to ensure that you and your loved ones are protected. While the cost of insurance may be higher for high-risk jobs, the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are protected is priceless.

It's important to remember that every job has some degree of risk associated with it, and the level of risk will vary depending on a number of factors. If you work in a high-risk job, it's important to speak to our protection advisers who can help find the right insurance for your needs.

1HSE, 2021-2022.

Important information

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend on your circumstances. The fee is up to 1% but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed.

Ready for some advice? - arrange a call back