With over 20 years of experience providing life-insurance advice to professionals, small business and sole proprietors, Lawrence Kennedy is a seasoned adviser specialising in personal and business risk protection. Here he shares some hard-won experience relating to tree-care professionals.
Arborists play a vital role in the preservation, safety, and sustainability of natural and built environments. From managing hazardous trees to providing expert consultation on vegetation and tree health, arborists operate in a physically demanding and high-risk industry.
Surety Life specialises in tailored life-insurance solutions for professionals in high-risk trades, including arboriculture. With over 20 years’ experience providing expert insurance advice, Surety Life understands both the occupational hazards and the coverage needs specific to Australian arborists.
The daily risks
Whether climbing, cutting, or consulting, arborists are frequently exposed to physical danger. Falls from height, chainsaw injuries, electrocution, and machinery-related incidents are just a few of the risks encountered on the job. According to Safe Work Australia, arboriculture consistently ranks among the most hazardous professions in terms of serious injury and fatality rates.
Yet despite the high level of risk, many arborists – particularly those who are self-employed – operate without adequate personal-insurance coverage, leaving themselves and their families financially exposed in the event of an accident, illness, or death. What types of insurance should arborists consider?
1. Life Insurance: a core policy that pays a lump-sum benefit to beneficiaries in the event of a fatality or diagnosis of a terminal illness, ensuring families or dependents are financially supported and able to cover debts, mortgages, or future costs.
2. Trauma Cover: also known as critical illness insurance. This cover provides a lump sum payment if there’s a diagnosis of a serious medical condition such as cancer, stroke, or heart attack. For arborists whose livelihood depends on physical ability, trauma cover is vital for recovery and maintaining financial stability during periods of serious illness.
3. Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Cover: TPD insurance pays a lump sum in the event of permanent disability leaving an arborist unable to work again in their current, or any other, occupation, depending on the policy. For arborists whose careers depend heavily on physical capability, this cover can provide essential financial relief and support long-term care or retraining.
4. Income Protection: this provides a regular income for someone unable to work due to illness or injury. Income protection is particularly important for self-employed arborists who rely solely on their ability to perform physical tasks to generate income.
Why specialist advice matters
Generic insurance policies often fail to account for the unique demands of high-risk industries like arboriculture. Surety Life takes the time to understand an individual’s occupation, business structure, and personal circumstances before recommending a solution. The goal is to ensure a policy is fitfor- purpose and that you’re not underinsured or paying for unnecessary cover.
Surety Life also assists with policy structuring for tax efficiency and can liaise with accountants or financial advisers if needed.
Life insurance that grows with you
As your career evolves – whether a business expands, takes on employees, or specialises in consultancy work – insurance needs will change. Surety Life provides ongoing reviews and advice to ensure cover remains aligned with your goals and lifestyle.
Start with a conversation
If you’re an Australian arborist and haven’t reviewed your personal insurance recently – or if you’re unsure whether your current policy truly protects you – it’s time to talk. Your work protects communities. Let Surety Life help protect you.
Visit arboristinsurance.com.au or call 03 7053 0792 to arrange a confidential consultation with a specialist.