- You can usually get life insurance while you’re pregnant, especially if you apply early.
- A medical exam might be necessary, but pregnancy doesn’t automatically disqualify you.
- Choose enough coverage to help with income, debts and childcare costs.
- Even if you have employer coverage, a separate policy can offer stronger protection.
5 Things to Know About Getting Life Insurance While Pregnant
As you prepare for your baby's arrival, it's also a good time to make sure your baby is financially secure.
Key Takeaways
Life insurance for pregnant women helps protect your growing family financially. If something happens to you, it can help protect your little one for years to come.
As you research policies, you may have a few questions. Pregnancy is a major milestone, but getting life insurance during this time doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are five things you should know about getting life insurance while pregnant to help you navigate the process.
Quick takeaway: Yes, you can typically get life insurance while pregnant. Applying earlier in pregnancy may help make the process more straightforward if your health is otherwise stable.
1. Timing matters
If you’re pregnant now, you can apply for a life insurance policy. Being honest about your health when applying for life insurance is important — this is no different when you’re pregnant. Omitting information when applying for life insurance can impact your family financially should something happen to you in the future.¹
If you’re healthy and don’t have complications due to this or any prior pregnancy, your rate shouldn’t be different than if you weren’t pregnant. “If you can, apply for a life insurance policy in the first trimester, so that you’re protected should something arise later in your pregnancy,” says an Amica Assistant Life Sales Supervisor.
We always tell our customers, the earlier in the pregnancy you apply, the better. Because later in the pregnancy there may be additional medical testing. Locking in a rate during the first trimester can provide peace of mind. Even if a health condition arises later, your rate won’t change.
But life happens, and sometimes you can’t apply for coverage right away. If you’re diagnosed with a pregnancy-related complication, like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, an insurer may ask you to postpone your application until after you give birth.¹ Coverage is always determined by insurers on a case-by-case basis, and all medical conditions can factor into the final decision.
If you wait to secure coverage until after you have the baby, you could face a higher rate, too. That’s because you may experience high blood pressure, postpartum depression and anxiety, or delivery complications. Any of these issues can impact your rate.²
Stages of application
| When you apply | What insurers may consider | What it can mean for you |
|---|---|---|
| Early pregnancy | Current health and medical history | The application process may be more straightforward if there are no complications |
| Later pregnancy | Possible additional medical review or testing | Insurers may need more information before making a decision |
| After pregnancy complications | Recovery and post-delivery health history | Approval timing or pricing may be affected depending on your situation |
2. To get a policy, you may need a medical exam
There are times when you apply for life insurance, whether it’s during pregnancy or not, that the insurer may require a health care professional to perform a medical exam. They’ll check your weight and blood pressure and ask about your medical history. Normally, an underwriter reviews your pre-pregnancy weight – not your current weight. After all, pregnancy-related weight gain is normal and healthy for most people.
Also, you won’t need to take a pregnancy test. Instead, underwriters rely on the results of your own pregnancy test (whether at home or through your physician) and focus on the rest of your medical history.
Need more info? Go in-depth on life insurance, underwriting, and your medical exam to get a better idea of what to expect.
3. You should get enough life insurance to cover your income and assets
The amount of life insurance you need can vary from person to person. Amica’s Assistant Life Sales Supervisor says, “Not only do we look at replacing income but also financial health, including debt.” This means you’ll need enough coverage for your family to handle all of your financial responsibilities, including your home, student loans and other financial obligations.
Whether you work away from home or stay at home, childcare is another substantial cost to families that should be factored into your coverage needs. Life insurance is not just for working parents — stay-at-home parents should consider getting life insurance, too. You’re doing a key job that you’d have to pay someone else to do if you were unable to. If you’re a stay-at-home parent and you pass away, your family could suddenly need to cover childcare costs, which can add up.
Want a look at the bigger picture? Explore a broader planning framework for the amount of life insurance you will need and more detail on what this means for stay-at-home parents as you think through realistic coverage options.
4. You can add your baby as a beneficiary, but there may be better options
Wondering if you can add your baby as a beneficiary? The answer is yes. You can also consider setting up a trust for the benefit of the child if something happens to you while the child is still under 18. Amica recommends consulting with an adviser before making a final decision.
Comparing options? Find out what a beneficiary is and how beneficiary decisions work.
5. Even if you have employer life insurance, it’s smart to get a separate policy
Employer coverage is not always enough. That’s why it’s so important to have your own policy, too. Plus, employer policies often expire if you leave a company.²
Fortunately, it can be fairly straightforward to get life insurance while you’re pregnant, especially if you do so early on. While you’re at it, it’s a good time to review other coverages, too.
Growing families often make upgrades to improve vehicle safety before the arrival of a baby. Those changes may help you save on your premium for auto insurance.
Talk with your insurer if:
- One parent is staying at home and driving fewer miles.
- You’ve just purchased a larger, safer family car.
- You’re willing to raise your deductible to save on monthly costs.
Does part of your coverage come from work? Find out if it’s enough or whether you need more protection.
Securing life insurance is an important part of preparing for a new baby. After all, you want to protect and provide for your family, no matter what happens. A life insurance policy can provide financial protection for your family.
Get a life insurance quote today
FAQs about getting life insurance when you’re pregnant
Yes, especially if you apply before any pregnancy-related complications arise.
Not necessarily. If you’re healthy and your pregnancy is uncomplicated, your rate may be similar to what it would be if you weren’t pregnant. Complications can affect underwriting decisions on a case-by-case basis.
Insurers may review your medical history, blood pressure, pre-pregnancy weight and whether there are any current or past pregnancy complications.
Not always. Applying earlier may help you avoid delays if health conditions develop later in pregnancy or after delivery.
Many families look at income replacement, debt, housing costs and expected childcare expenses when choosing a coverage amount.
Life insurance while pregnant, Bankrate, 2021.
Interview with Amica Life Sales Supervisor.
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ALIC82922 Jan-27