In a world where no one is safe from death, dismemberment, or destitution, who would be willing to extend life insurance coverage to some of the most powerful members of the ruling class?
That’s the question Allison Longdon sought to answer when she considered the costs of insuring some of the characters in HBO’s popular series, “Game of Thrones.”
Longdon, head of product at life insurance provider Staysure, assessed some of the risks and calculated the costs in a light-hearted look at underwriting the May issue of Wired.
Here are some of her findings:
Daenerys Targaryen
"Daenerys would need to take out some cover for herself in case one of her beloved dragons turns on her, as well as psychiatric cover if she succumbs to the Targaryen madness," says Longdon.
The 21-year old's biggest risks were noted as dragons and regicide. The rightful Queen of the Andals has proven her resilience and was estimated to cost $55 a month to insure.
Tyrion Lannister
"I would recommend that Lannister should go for a private health-insurance policy with full inpatient cover for injuries and a worldwide travel option while he's in Meereen," says Longdon.
Tyrion's lifestyle of vice was seen as a greater risk, and Longdon estimated it would cost $88 a month to cover him. The exiled heir to Lannisport faces great danger in a foreign land – and health complications related to his frequenting of brothels.
Cersei Lannister
"Cersei should look for private health insurance with access to the exclusive hospitals in King's Landing," Longdon suggests. "She should add Jaime on to it, though they'll need reminding he can't be listed as her spouse."
Cersei's greatest risk comes from possible assassination attempts. While she has survived this long, it would be inadvisable to sell her life insurance for her family members.
Longdon’s other findings are available to subscribers of the Wired magazine.
