If you’re flying for an airline that provides Loss of License (LoL) insurance, you might think you’re covered end of story. But what if that coverage isn’t enough? Or what if you simply want extra peace of mind? That raises a common and important question:
Can pilots be double insured and have both airline-provided and private Loss of License insurance? The short answer is yes, in most cases but with some key considerations.

What Is Double Insurance?

“Double insurance” means you hold two policies that cover the same risk in this case, the loss of your Class 1 medical certificate and the resulting inability to fly. One policy might be provided by your employer, while the other is a private policy you pay for yourself.

You’re not alone in thinking about it. Many pilots especially those with families, loans, or high financial responsibilities choose to supplement their airline’s basic coverage with a more flexible, personal LoL policy.

Is It Legal and Allowed?

Yes, having multiple policies is legal and often allowed. There’s nothing in most aviation or insurance regulations that prevents you from being covered by both your airline and a private insurer.

However, how benefits are paid out will depend on the terms of each policy. Some important distinctions:

Airline Group Policies:

• Typically standardized, with fixed payouts (e.g., €100,000 lump sum)
• Often limited to permanent loss only
• May not cover freelancers, short-term employees, or post-retirement scenarios
• Usually non-negotiable and limited to current employment

Private Policies:

• Can be customized to your needs (higher payouts, add-ons, temporary loss coverage, etc.)
• Often portable  you keep the policy even if you change jobs
• May offer monthly income support, not just a lump sum
• Useful if your airline plan is limited or insufficient for your lifestyle

How Are Claims Handled with Two Policies?

How Are Claims Handled with Two Policies?

In most cases, both insurers can pay out, as long as:

• Both policies explicitly allow for other insurance
• The insured event (i.e., medical disqualification) meets the terms of both policies
• You disclose the existence of multiple policies (transparency is key)

Note: Some policies include a coordination of benefits clause to avoid overcompensation. This means the total payout might be capped, or one insurer pays only the portion not covered by the other.

Tips If You’re Considering Double Coverage

1. Read the fine print on both policies
   Look for coordination clauses or exclusions related to overlapping coverage.
2. Check payout limits
   Some private policies will reduce your benefit if another insurer has already paid out others will not.
3. Make sure both are independent
   If your airline LoL coverage is linked to a union or retirement fund, a personal policy ensures continuous coverage if you leave.
4. Ask an aviation insurance advisor
   They can help you structure both policies so you’re fully protected without duplication issues.

Last words

Just because your airline offers Loss of License coverage doesn’t mean it’s enough and it definitely doesn’t mean you can’t add more. If you’re carrying high debt, have dependents, or want control over your own safety net, private LoL insurance is a smart complement to employer-based policies.

Yes, you can have double loss of license insurance. And for many pilots, especially those who’ve seen colleagues grounded unexpectedly, that extra layer of protection is well worth it.