Life Insurance For Those Working in Oil & Gas

Simon Huften

Simon Huften is the President of Life Insurance Canada.com Inc.

Working in the oil and gas industry in Canada can be a rewarding and lucrative career path, but it also comes with its fair share of risks. With high-risk jobs such as drilling, exploration, and pipeline work, it’s essential to consider life insurance as a way to protect your loved ones in case of an accident or unexpected death. In this blog post, we’ll discuss life insurance for those woking in oil and gas in Canada.

In This Article:

• The Risks of Working in the Oil and Gas Industry
• Why Life Insurance is Essential for Oil and Gas Workers
• Types of Life Insurance for Oil and Gas Workers
• Factors to Consider When Choosing a Life Insurance Policy
• Conclusion

The Risks of Working in the Oil and Gas Industry

The oil and gas industry is one of the most dangerous industries in the world, with a high number of fatalities and injuries each year. Workers in this industry face a variety of hazards, including exposure to chemicals and hazardous materials, heavy equipment accidents, fires and explosions. According to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), the oil and gas industry accounted for 29% of all workplace fatalities in Canada in 2019, despite only making up 2% of the total workforce.

Why Life Insurance is Essential for Oil and Gas Workers

Given the risks associated with working in the oil and gas industry, you will definitely want to consider life insurance as an easy way to protect your family’s financial future in the case of an unexpected death. Life insurance can help cover major expenses such as ongoing living costs, outstanding debts, funeral costs and children’s education, ensuring that your loved ones are taken care of even if you are no longer able to provide for them.

Types of Life Insurance for Oil and Gas Workers

When it comes to life insurance for oil and gas workers, there are a few options to consider. Here are some of the most common types of life insurance policies:

Term Life Insurance: Term life insurance is suitable for most people who work in the oil and gas industry. Term provides insurance coverage for a specific period of time, such as 10, 20 or 30 years. This type of policy is almost always the most affordable option and can provide the coverage you need during your working years.

Permanent Life Insurance: Permanent life insurance provides coverage for your entire life. The two main types of permanent life insurance are whole life insurance and universal life insurance. These types of policies may offer the opportunity to earn dividends or have a built-in investment component. You should speak with an experienced broker if you are considering a permanent life insurance policy as there are many options available and they should only be used in unique situations.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Life Insurance Policy

If you work in the oil and gas industry and are considering purchasing a life insurance policy, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind when reviewing your options:

Amount of Coverage: The amount of coverage you need will depend on your individual circumstances, such as your income, debts, and living expenses. It’s important to consider both your short-term and long-term needs when choosing a policy. Be sure to consult with a broker to understand your current situation and what coverage amount is right for you.

Premiums: The cost of life insurance premiums can vary widely depending on factors such as your age, health, occupation, policy type and coverage amount. As an oil and gas worker, you may face higher premiums due to the risks associated with your job. Again, consult with a broker to ensure that you understand your options and find out what company will offer you the best rate.

Exclusions: It’s essential to understand the exclusions of a life insurance policy before purchasing it. Some policies may exclude coverage for certain high-risk activities or occupations so it’s important to read the fine print carefully.

Coverage Period: If you only need coverage for a specific period of time, such as during your working years or to protect your young family, a term life insurance policy may be the best option. Understanding how long you require coverage for will help you figure out which policy you should be considering.

Choosing a Life Insurance Provider: Working in the oil and gas industry can make selecting a life insurance company very important. With the risks involved in some of the occupations in the oil and gas industry, certain companies will offer better rates than others. You will want to work with a broker who has the knowledge and experience dealing with a wide variety of companies and understands which companies will offer the best rates for occupations in the oil and gas sector.

Conclusion

Life insurance is an essential financial planning tool to consider for anyone working in the oil and gas industry. Depending on the tasks of the specific occupation, the nature of the job in this industry can be risky and it is important to ensure that you have a plan in place to protect yourself and your loved ones in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

By securing a life insurance policy, you can have peace of mind knowing that your family will be taken care of financially if you are no longer around. Remember, choosing the right life insurance policy for your needs and situation can be a complicated process, so it is crucial to consult with an experienced life insurance broker who can guide you through the process and help you make the best decision for you and your loved ones.