Avocation questionnaire is a supplemental underwriting form used to gather detailed information about higher'risk hobbies and recreational activities, such as scuba diving, rock climbing, motor sports, skydiving, backcountry skiing, or private aviation. The questionnaire asks about frequency, locations, training, safety practices, equipment used, and any history of accidents or injuries. Its purpose is to differentiate casual, well'managed participation from extreme or reckless behavior that materially increases mortality risk. Because base applications provide only limited space for avocation details, the questionnaire allows underwriters to price or exclude the risk appropriately rather than defaulting to worst'case assumptions.

Underwriters request an avocation questionnaire when an applicant discloses certain hobbies or when medical records hint at activity'related injuries. Advisors help clients complete the form accurately, encouraging them to emphasize training, certification, safety protocols, and risk'mitigating choices such as avoiding solo climbs or deep dives. With a strong questionnaire, some risks can be accepted at standard terms, while others may warrant flat extras or exclusions. BGAs often collect the questionnaire early, before formal submission, to obtain tentative underwriting feedback. Understanding avocation questionnaires helps advisors avoid surprises and demonstrate to underwriters that they are proactively managing non'occupational risk disclosures.