How on Earth did the Apollo 11 crew get life cover?

50th anniversary of moon landing

Adam Saville
clock • 2 min read

Companies offered astronauts life insurance virtually for free however their offers were declined

With the 50th anniversary of the moon landing upon us, it is worth remembering that Neil Armstrong once estimated the Apollo 11 landing mission to have about 50% chance of success. It is perhaps not surprising, then, that only a few life insurers were willing to offer competitive cover to the first astronauts travelling to the moon. According to David Todd, head of space content at satelite launch database Seradata, some life insurance companies wanted to offer the Apollo 11 crew life insurance for next to nothing, in exchange for the publicity they would receive in return. However th...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Individual Protection

The COVER Review: Claims statistics, cancer screening and delays in a life cover pay out

The COVER Review: Claims statistics, cancer screening and delays in a life cover pay out

Week commencing 05 May 2025

COVER
clock 09 May 2025 • 1 min read
Everyday accidents causing a mental health toll: National Friendly

Everyday accidents causing a mental health toll: National Friendly

Frequency of accidents was higher among under-35s

Jaskeet Briah
clock 08 May 2025 • 2 min read
Claims and Underwriting: Delays in a life cover pay out

Claims and Underwriting: Delays in a life cover pay out

“Put yourselves in their shoes, it's not nice”

Jaskeet Briah
clock 08 May 2025 • 7 min read