A flat extra is an additional per-thousand premium charge applied in underwriting to cover a specific, measurable hazard not fully captured by standard mortality tables-such as recent cancer history, hazardous avocations, or foreign travel to high-risk regions. Flat extras are typically temporary (e.g., five years) but may be permanent. They stack on top of the base rate class and are quoted as dollars per $1,000 of face amount. Flat extras allow carriers to issue coverage on otherwise borderline risks by pricing the incremental hazard directly, rather than declining or assigning a very high table rating.

Advisors pre-screen for hazards that might trigger a flat extra and shop careers with friendlier niches. They time applications after surveillance periods or treatment milestones. When a flat extra is applied, advisors explain cost and duration, anddiarize reconsideration once the temporary hazard abates to reduce premiums.