Do it yourself Life Insurance

There was an interesting article on NPR regarding life insurance for the Apollo 11 astronauts.  Apparently, traditional life insurance companies were charging such a high premium that the astronauts decided to do something on their own...they signed hundreds of envelopes (aka "covers" to those who collect these things) to be postmarked on the day that launched, stepped on the moon, etc.  They were to be sold if they didn't make it back as a way of supporting their families.  They obviously made it back, but the covers made their way out into the market...they're selling for up to $30K each.

Clever, but begs the question why NASA didn't pay for coverage.  It does seem a bit cheesy.