Funding Cryonics with Insurance
The upfront costs of cryonics can seem prohibitive. Alcor charges $220,000 for whole-body preservation. Even the Cryonics Institute, the budget option, costs $28,000 to $45,000 before standby services.
Life insurance makes these costs manageable. About 90% of cryonics members fund their arrangements this way. Instead of paying hundreds of thousands of dollars upfront, you pay monthly premiums of $30 to $100 depending on your age and health.
In This Article
How It Works
You purchase a life insurance policy with your cryonics provider named as the beneficiary. When you die, the insurance company pays the death benefit directly to the provider, which uses it to fund your preservation and long-term storage.
The policy should be irrevocable to prevent family members from contesting the payout or changing the beneficiary. Check with your provider for specific requirements on policy structure.
Most cryonics organizations have relationships with insurance agents who understand these arrangements. Contact your preferred provider first, as they can recommend agents familiar with the specific requirements.
Expected Costs
Term life insurance premiums depend on age, health, and coverage amount. These are rough estimates for healthy applicants:
- Age 25, $50,000 coverage: $10 to $20 per month
- Age 30, $250,000 coverage: $30 to $50 per month
- Age 35, $200,000 coverage: $25 to $45 per month
- Age 45 to 50, appropriate coverage: under $100 per month
Premiums increase significantly if you have health conditions, smoke, or are older. However, even people with significant health issues can often find coverage, though at higher rates.
Provider Requirements
Cryonics Institute
- Basic: $28,000 to $35,000
- With standby (Suspended Animation): $88,000+
- With standby and field cryoprotection: $106,000 to $128,000
Alcor
- Neuro: $80,000
- Whole body: $220,000
Tomorrow Biostasis
- Neuro: €75,000 (~$82,000)
- Whole body: €200,000 (~$220,000)
I recommend purchasing coverage that exceeds the current price by at least 50% to account for future cost increases and inflation.
Insurance Types
Term Life
Coverage for a specific period (10, 20, or 30 years). Lowest premiums, but coverage ends if you outlive the term. Premiums increase significantly upon renewal.
Whole Life
Guaranteed coverage for your entire life with fixed premiums. Builds cash value that you can borrow against. Higher premiums than term, but provides lifetime security. This is what I recommend for cryonics if you can afford it.
Universal Life
Flexible premiums and adjustable death benefit. Builds cash value based on interest rates. Requires more management than whole life.
Guaranteed Universal Life
Lower cost than whole life with lifetime coverage guaranteed. Minimal cash value component. Functions essentially as permanent term insurance.
Guaranteed Issue
No medical examination required. Acceptance regardless of health status. Higher premiums and lower coverage amounts. Usually includes waiting periods. The coverage limits will likely not be sufficient for most organizations except CI without standby.
Getting Started
Contact your preferred cryonics provider first. They will have recommendations for insurance agents familiar with their specific requirements. Not every insurance company will cover cryonics beneficiaries, so working with an agent who has experience in this area saves significant time.
The younger and healthier you are when you apply, the lower your premiums will be. If you are considering cryonics seriously, securing insurance early locks in favorable rates even if you delay completing your membership.