20th July, 2026

When you think of insurance, you will think of health and life insurance – designed to protect yourself and your family. But do you know there are interesting policies that go beyond the usual coverage. Here are some of the unique insurances that we found that actually exist!

1. Uninsurability in High-Risk Professions

 

Take Jackie Chan and his team of stuntmen, for instance. Due to the high-risk activities involved in the production of his films, they are deemed “uninsurable.” Insurance companies simply can’t provide coverage for Jackie Chan’s movie company. Nevertheless, he compensates his stuntmen for medical costs incurred due to work-related injuries.

Life insurance companies assess an individual’s occupation and lifestyle while deciding whether to provide insurance coverage. Even if a person is in excellent health with no family medical history, they might be required to pay an additional premium or face exclusion if they’re engaged in high-risk professions or hobbies. Occupations like handling explosives, working at heights, stunting, or diving are considered high-risk. Similarly, recreational activities like scuba diving, motor racing, and flying can also raise red flags for insurers.

2. Game Show Winnings as Insurance Payouts 

 

Did you know that the prize money from “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” is actually an insurance payout? The show’s producer secures a prize indemnification insurance, which operates based on the probability of a contestant winning and the value of the prize. This insurance allows producers to offer exciting prizes without bearing excessive financial risk while providing contestants the chance to win life-changing rewards.

One common variant of this is “Hole in One” insurance, used in golf tournaments. It allows event organizers to offer attractive prizes while delegating the financial risk of prize disbursement to insurance companies.

3. Quirky Insurance Policies

 

According to a 1984 study by Dr. Peter Brass, roughly 150 people die each year due to falling coconuts. In response, a UK travel agency took out an ‘injury by coconut’ insurance.

Unforeseeable or extraordinary natural events are usually termed ‘Acts of God’, ‘force majeure,’ or ‘acts of nature.’ Two companies offering the same type of insurance might have different scopes of coverage. Therefore, it is essential to choose a policy that best suits your needs rather than seeking the best monetary value.

4. Celebrity Body Part Insurance

 

Many celebrities take extreme measures to protect their valuable “assets.” Model Heidi Klum revealed that her legs are insured for $2 million. Similarly, British food critic Egon Ronay insured his taste buds, while footballers David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly have insurance policies covering their legs.

In Singapore, disability income policies pay a monthly income when a person can’t work due to a disability. These policies cover income loss due to severe injury or disability.

5. Insurance and Civil Unrest

 

Events like the US Capitol riot, Ukraine war, Arab Spring, COVID-19 protests in Thailand, and movements like MeToo and Black Lives Matter can have serious insurance implications. Many policies limit the insurer’s liability, excluding benefits for participation in criminal acts, civil commotion, riot, strike, war, or acts of terrorism.

However, most travel and personal accident policies provide restricted coverage, such as reimbursement for medical expenses and emergency evacuation in the event of riots and civil commotion. This typically applies as long as you are not an active participant in the event. As always, it’s prudent to read through your policy carefully to understand its terms and conditions.

Understanding insurance isn’t always a straightforward task, and the existence of these unique policies adds another layer of intrigue. From covering stuntmen in high-risk professions to insuring the most unexpected events, these policies underscore the sheer breadth and versatility of the insurance industry. Whether it’s covering game show prizes, insuring celebrities’ body parts, or providing a safety net amidst civil unrest, insurance has a far wider reach than most people realize.

So, the next time you’re exploring insurance options, remember that there might be more to it than meets the eye. Be aware, be informed, and always choose the policy that best fits your unique needs and circumstances.