I’m sure life insurance was the last thing on your mind when you found out you were pregnant; however; the question of can you get life insurance while pregnant is definitely going to cross your mind.

But here’s the thing:

The process to buy life insurance has never been more painless and the process to get approved has never been easier.

In this post, we will help you answer the question – can i get life insurance while pregnant – and if pregnancy affects your life insurance rates, if you can get life insurance for an unborn baby, and much more.

Can You Get Life Insurance While Pregnant?

Yes, if you are pregnant you can still qualify for life insurance while pregnant on a case by case basis.

How Soon Should You Apply For Life Insurance For An Unborn Baby?

Applying during your second or third trimester could postpone your application until after you give birth. This of course is all based on the insurance company you choose.

Some companies will cover you during any stage of your pregnancy as long as you aren’t experiencing any complications.  You should do your best to get coverage as soon as you find out about the pregnancy because the longer you wait the higher the probability you have to go through your pregnancy uninsured.

Can You Get Life Insurance For An Unborn Baby?

No, you can’t get life insurance for an unborn baby. While the fetus is considered “alive,” insurance companies don’t see them as “insurable.” But the good news is that you can get coverage for a newborn baby. You can have them added to your current life insurance policy with a child term rider, or you can purchase a separate child policy.

Does Pregnancy Affect Life Insurance Rates?

Pregnancy usually won’t raise your life insurance rates, but complications like gestational diabetes can make coverage more expensive depending on how the insurer underwrites your situation.

In most cases, being pregnant won’t affect your insurance premiums. However, if you develop complications later in your pregnancy and then try to get life insurance, it will probably be more expensive. Conditions like gestational diabetes won’t always affect your premiums. Still, your rates will be determined based on how the insurance company will underwrite your pregnancy and how much life insurance you need.

How Much Life Insurance Do You Need While Pregnant?

Aim for at least 10 times your annual income in coverage, though 15 to 20 times is better if your budget allows it.

You should have at least 10 times your annual income in life insurance, regardless if you are pregnant or not. However, I would recommend going for 15 to 20 times your yearly income if you can afford it. The more coverage you have, the longer it will protect your family. If you make $50,000 per year, you should look into a policy for $500,000 up to $1,000,000.

Can I Get Life Insurance After Pregnancy?

Yes, you can get life insurance immediately after your pregnancy, and some insurers actually prefer to wait until after the baby is born to offer you a policy.

Yes, you can get life insurance immediately after your pregnancy. This may be necessary depending on which trimester you are in when you decide to apply for coverage. Some companies may choose to wait until after the baby is born to offer you insurance.  I can’t stress enough how important it is to start the life insurance application process as soon as you find out that you are pregnant.

How To Name Your Baby As A Beneficiary

Naming your child as a beneficiary can be done in two ways, at policy issue or after the policy is issued.

  • At Policy Issue – If you already have your child’s name, you can add them to the policy or simply state that your children would be the beneficiary.

  • After Policy Is Issued – Once the policy is issued, you will need to submit a change of beneficiary form to add a specific child to the policy. You will need to submit their name, date of birth, address, phone number (if applicable, and social security number.

There are some instances where you won’t be able to name your child as a beneficiary, like people who live in “community property” states. It will vary by the state you live in, so you should reach out to your state’s insurance department or a local attorney to get more specifics.

Will My Life Insurance Needs Change If I Am A Single Parent?

Being a single parent doesn’t change the core rule: you still need 10 to 20 times your annual income in coverage, and you may actually need more to protect your kids’ future guardian.

No, it doesn’t matter if you are a single parent or not. You will still need between 10 to 20 times your annual income in life insurance. If your kids have been surviving on a $50,000 annual salary, regardless if you are there or not, they will need money to help them live. In fact, you might end up needing even more insurance as a single parent to account for the financial burden your kids could become to whoever becomes their guardian.

Taking Action

There isn’t any reason for you to wait around, if you are pregnant, congratulations on both becoming a parent and for taking the steps necessary to protect your family’s future. We have companies that can approve you for coverage in 5 minutes and you can click here or any of the above buttons to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does life insurance cost more if you’re pregnant?

If you are in the first trimester, usually, life insurance doesn’t cost more if you are pregnant; however, if you have any complications during your pregnancy before you apply for coverage, you might see an increase in your costs.

Is pregnancy a pre existing condition for life insurance?

Pregnancy is not considered a pre-existing condition for life insurance; however, if you have gone past your first trimester or had any pregnancy complications, you might get charged higher premiums.

Which life insurance plan is best for pregnancy?

The best life insurance policy for pregnant women is going to be between:

  • Bestow life – Bestow is an insurance carrier that offers instant life insurance up to $1 Million in as little as 5 minutes.

  • Ethos– Ethos offers up to $2 Million in immediate issue life insurance and has one of the fastest processes for fully underwritten life insurance.

  • Fabric life – Fabric has a focus on new families and offers a free will along with instant and affordable life insurance up to $1 Million.