For more on this part of the insurance industry:
Air crew insurance is a type of cover that protects pilots, cabin crew, and other airline staff from risks related to their jobs. It may cover:
The UK aviation industry employs around 230,000 people, which makes this insurance essential for air crew safety and financial security.
A flight attendant at East Midlands Airport suffered serious injuries in 2024 after falling from a plane due to missing stairs. The accident led to an investigation and raised concerns about crew safety.
If the right insurance had been in place, it could have helped cover medical costs and lost wages during recovery. Cases like this highlight why insurance for air crew members is a must-have.
With stricter medical rules, more pilots are getting cover for income loss due to health issues. Airlines are adding mental health support to insurance plans for crew members.
The growth of drone aviation has also increased demand for liability and loss-of-licence cover for remote pilots. Brokers must also pay attention to rising air crew insurance hazards such as:
Brokers should consider how AI and automation may impact pilot jobs and increase demand for redundancy protection. Social media risks also create a need for legal cover against defamation and privacy claims.
The following professionals generally require coverage:
From pre-flight preparation to landing, along with other supporting operations, their roles often require specialised air crew insurance to cover unique threats.
Yes, loss of licence (LOL) insurance helps pilots and crew if they lose their medical certification. It provides financial support and covers lost income when they can no longer fly.
This insurance pays a lump sum or monthly payments if a pilot or crew member loses their licence because of medical reasons. It allows them to manage living costs and career changes.
Pilots and crew can lose their licence due to:
Regular medical checks make sure that the crew meets strict health standards.
Pilot income protection is a policy that provides financial support if a pilot cannot work due to illness or injury.
It typically pays 55% to 70% of the pilot’s gross annual salary on a monthly basis, helping to cover living expenses during recovery.
The comparison between the two safeguards is outlined below:
|
Feature |
Income protection |
LOL insurance |
|---|---|---|
|
purpose |
covers lost income during illness or injury |
pays a lump sum if a licence is revoked |
|
payment type |
monthly payments (55%-70% of salary) |
one-time lump sum payout |
|
licence status |
pays out regardless of licence status |
only applies if the licence is revoked |
|
who can get it |
salaried and freelance pilots, cabin crew |
pilots and aircrew with medical licences |
|
duration |
benefits continue until recovery or policy limit |
one-time payout upon licence loss |
This table shows how these air crew insurance options provide support for airline staff in different situations.
Pilots are not legally required to buy personal insurance. But aircraft operators, those who control and manage an aircraft, must legally have liability cover. These include companies or individuals who own and operate aircraft.
Pilots who own their aircraft must ensure it meets these rules and regulations.
Aside from LOL insurance and income protection, air crew members insurance may also include:
These air crew insurance policies support pilots and flight crew in staying economically secure in case of illness, injury, or job loss.
