Your home, your car, your health, your life… these are just some of the everyday things that people help protect with insurance policies. But what about things that are a bit more unusual, the events that are truly out of the ordinary? Chances are, there’s a policy for these, too!

Here’s a look at five types of unique insurance that actually exist:

1. Body-part insurance

What do Merv Hughes’ moustache, Julia Roberts’ smile and Kylie Minogue’s bum have in common? All three were covered by very special insurance policies! Insuring a celebrity’s body part is often a publicity stunt, but entertainment companies do insure their biggest money makers in case an injury puts them out of work. Sometimes this includes unique features—a singer’s vocal chords, a food critic’s taste buds or even a model’s legs.

2. “Hole-in-one” insurance

Officially known by the less catchy “prize indemnity insurance,” this type of policy is taken by event sponsors offering expensive prizes. Instead of keeping heaps of cash on hand to cover any million-dollar wins, companies get an insurance policy. If someone wins big, they’re reimbursed! The most common type of this policy covers promotional golf tournaments, explaining the “hole-in-one” nickname.

3. Bed bug insurance

Skip this entry if you don’t want to feel itchy for the next hour! Bed bug insurance can help landlords and renters get rid of these creepy crawlies. Since many renters’ and homeowners’ insurance policies don’t cover bed bugs, getting separate cover might make sense in places where they thrive. The payout could cover things like hiring an exterminator, cleaning the property, and replacing furniture and mattresses.

4. “Change of heart” insurance

Runaway brides (and grooms) take note: One American company offers wedding insurance with an option to cover getting cold feet. But, there are a couple catches to help sniff out insurance fraud. Policies must be purchased at least a year before the wedding, they’re only sold to the people paying for the event and expect a very in-depth interview if you make a claim!

5. Alien abduction insurance

Yes, you can get cover in case you’re ever abducted by little green men! These policies aren’t common, and scammers do target possible customers. However, there are legit companies who sell real alien abduction insurance—and have even paid claims! These products often cover things you’d expect, like medical bills or death. But you might find a few surprises, like paying both women and men who fall pregnant by a Martian.

Dollar Insurance doesn’t cover the things on this list (maybe someday!), but we do offer affordable life and funeral cover designed for everyday Kiwis. Take a peek at our website to learn more!

Sources

Slate, Does the Explainer Have Billion-Dollar Legs? June 2006

Investopedia, Hole-In-One Insurance

Fudge Insurance, Bed Bug Insurance, March 2018

ABC News, Left at the Alter at Your Wedding? Now You Can Collect, January 2014

The Balance, Alien Abduction Insurance Information, March 2018

About the author: Dollar Insurance is all about making insurance as painless as possible, so everyday Kiwis can make life cover and funeral cover a part of their plan.