Life insurance for tree surgeons and arborists
Tree surgery is one of the UK's highest-risk occupations — working at height with chainsaws and heavy equipment. Life insurance is an essential financial safety net for tree surgeons with families and mortgages. Many tree surgeons are self-employed, with no employer death-in-service benefit, making personal life insurance the primary protection for their loved ones.
How much does life insurance cost for tree surgeons and arborists?
Tree surgeons are classed as higher-risk by some UK insurers due to working at height with chainsaws. Cover is available, but premiums may be higher than standard trades. A healthy non-smoking 35-year-old tree surgeon can typically get £200,000 of level term cover for £12–£22/month.
How much life insurance do tree surgeons and arborists need?
A common starting point is 10 times annual salary, plus enough to cover your outstanding mortgage. Consider your dependants, any outstanding debts, and whether a partner's income alone would cover household costs.
Should tree surgeons and arborists also consider income protection?
Yes — life insurance only pays on death. Income protection covers you if illness or injury prevents you from working while you're alive. For most tree surgeons and arborists, the probability of a long-term illness during your working life is significantly higher than dying. Both products are important parts of a complete financial plan.
Writing your policy in trust
Always consider writing your life insurance in trust. This ensures the payout reaches your beneficiaries quickly without going through probate, and keeps it outside your estate for inheritance tax purposes. It's free to set up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tree surgeons are classed as higher-risk by some UK insurers due to working at height with chainsaws. Cover is available, but premiums may be higher than standard trades. For most tree surgeons and arborists, premiums are primarily driven by age, health, and smoking status.
Yes — always disclose your occupation accurately. Some high-risk roles may affect premiums or exclusions.
Most people choose a term that lasts until their mortgage is paid off and their children are financially independent — typically 20–30 years.