Risky avocations are hobbies or recreational activities that significantly increase an individual's chance of injury or death compared with everyday life. Examples include skydiving, scuba diving, rock climbing, racing, aviation as a private pilot, and certain extreme sports. Life insurance underwriters evaluate risky avocations to determine whether additional premiums, exclusions, or coverage limits are needed to compensate for the higher risk. In some cases, particularly hazardous activities may render applicants uninsurable with certain carriers or products. Detailed information about frequency, training, safety measures, and history of incidents is essential for accurate assessment.

On applications, advisors must ask clients about risky avocations and complete supplemental questionnaires that address specifics such as depth and certification levels for divers, flying hours and ratings for pilots, or competition types for racers. Underwriters use this data, along with actuarial tables, to apply appropriate flat extras or ratings or to exclude certain activities from coverage. Advisors can help clients understand why premiums increase or why some carriers decline particular avocations. In larger cases, wholesalers might shop risky avocations across multiple carriers to find more favorable terms. Honest disclosure of risky avocations is critical to avoid claim disputes and policy rescission.