A pilot’s career can be fulfilling but also challenging. Being comfortable with varying work schedules, overnight layovers and adhering to strict requirements is all part of the job. But still, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of flying, which is one reason why this industry continues to grow.1
Being able to handle the pressures of safely flying people from point A to point B can be stressful, and that can take a toll on an individual’s health. That’s why maintaining a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical certification is critical. An FAA medical certification provides proof of physical fitness to ensure that a pilot is fit to fly, and must be renewed every six months to five years depending on varying factors.
So what happens if a pilot gets into an accident while on vacation and sprains their wrist? Or what if they start taking a medication that may cause drowsiness? Due to strict FAA regulation, that pilot is prohibited from flying until they’re recertified, bringing on a potentially new type of stress, financial.
What's the solution?
At Symetra, group disability insurance with loss of medical license protection can help provide peace of mind knowing that there is some financial support if a pilot is medically able to work but unable to fly due to FAA safety restrictions.
It’s available for short- and long-term durations, and offers partial income replacement for up to six months after an injury, all the way to normal retirement age.
And because we appreciate the complexities involved in getting back to flying status, all of our policies include access to AeroMedical services and programs to help with things like avoiding unnecessary grounding or certification delays, and FAA recertification advocacy and representation.
To learn more about our unique coverage options for pilots, read our loss of medical license disability insurance brochure (PDF) or email grplif@symetra.com for more information.
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Airline and Commercial Pilots, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/airline-and-commercial-pilots.htm (visited March 23, 2019).
