Life insurance when pregnant is absolutely possible and often advisable. This comprehensive guide explains how pregnancy affects life insurance applications, premiums, and what expectant parents need to know when securing financial protection for their growing family.
Many expectant parents worry about whether they can get life insurance during pregnancy, or if it will cost more. The good news is that uncomplicated pregnancies typically don't prevent you from securing affordable cover.
Below we explain everything you need to know about life insurance when pregnant, including eligibility, pricing, and the best time to apply.
Yes, you can absolutely get life insurance when pregnant. Pregnancy is a normal life event and doesn't prevent you from securing life insurance coverage.
Many expectant parents choose to take out life insurance during pregnancy to ensure their growing family is financially protected from day one. Most UK insurers treat uncomplicated pregnancies as standard applications with no additional premiums or restrictions.
However, there are a few things to be aware of when applying for life insurance while pregnant:
You must disclose your pregnancy during the application (non-disclosure can invalidate your policy)
Some insurers may request additional medical information about your pregnancy
If you have pregnancy-related complications, this may affect your application or premiums
Most insurers treat uncomplicated pregnancies as standard with no premium increase
Your policy will cover pregnancy-related causes of death just like any other cause
You can apply at any stage of pregnancy, though earlier is often easier
The key is honesty and timing. Applying early in an uncomplicated pregnancy gives you the best chance of securing standard rates without delays or additional medical requirements.
In most cases, a straightforward pregnancy won't affect your life insurance premiums. You'll pay the same as a non-pregnant person of your age and health status.
If your pregnancy is progressing normally without complications, you should be able to secure life insurance at standard rates. UK insurers recognise that pregnancy is a natural life event, not a medical condition requiring special pricing.
However, certain pregnancy-related conditions may lead to increased premiums, medical underwriting, or temporary postponement:
Gestational diabetes (may increase premiums by 25-50%)
Pre-eclampsia or eclampsia (may require postponement until after delivery)
Previous pregnancy complications or losses (assessed case-by-case)
Multiple pregnancies - twins, triplets (may require additional medical evidence)
High-risk pregnancy requiring specialist care (may increase premiums)
Severe morning sickness requiring hospitalization (may delay application)
Even with complications, it's often still possible to secure cover. Some insurers specialise in high-risk cases and can offer competitive rates. You may need to provide additional medical information or wait until after delivery for the best terms.
Working with a broker like LifePro is particularly valuable if you have pregnancy complications, as we know which insurers are most likely to offer favorable terms for your specific situation.
When Is the Best Time to Get Life Insurance During Pregnancy?
The best time to get life insurance is before you become pregnant, or during early pregnancy before any complications arise.
Taking out life insurance before pregnancy ensures you secure the most straightforward application process and guaranteed standard rates, with no risk of complications affecting your cover or premiums.
Benefits of securing cover before or early in pregnancy:
Guaranteed standard rates with no pregnancy-related premium increases
No pregnancy complications can affect your application
Your family is protected from the moment you start trying for a baby
Faster application process with less medical underwriting
Peace of mind knowing cover is in place before delivery
Avoid any delays if complications develop later in pregnancy
**If you're already pregnant**, don't delay - it's still a good time to secure cover, especially if your pregnancy is uncomplicated. The second trimester (weeks 14-27) is often ideal as morning sickness has typically subsided and major complications haven't yet developed.
**If you're in late pregnancy or have complications**, you may still be able to get cover, though some insurers may suggest waiting until after delivery for the best terms. A broker can help you find insurers willing to provide immediate cover even in complex situations.
Life Insurance Pricing Examples for Expectant Parents
Understanding what life insurance costs during pregnancy helps you budget and make informed decisions. The good news is that uncomplicated pregnancies don't typically increase premiums.
The table below shows example monthly premiums for different types of life insurance according to age. All quotes are for a non-smoking woman in good health with an uncomplicated pregnancy, taking out £150,000 of cover:
Life Insurance Pricing by Age and Policy Type
**What these prices mean:**
**Level Term** - Fixed payout amount throughout the policy term, ideal for covering mortgage and family expenses
**Decreasing Term** - Payout reduces over time, typically used to cover a repayment mortgage
**Whole of Life** - Covers you for life with a guaranteed payout, significantly more expensive but builds cash value
Most expectant parents choose Level Term life insurance as it provides a fixed lump sum to cover mortgage, childcare costs, and living expenses for your family if the worst happens.
Remember: It's essential to compare multiple quotes before taking out a policy. Use our comparison service to get free quotes from 50+ UK insurers and find the best deal for your circumstances.
Joint Life Insurance for New Parents
Joint life insurance can be a cost-effective option for couples expecting a baby, offering protection for both parents under a single policy.
Joint life insurance covers two people under one policy, typically paying out when the first person passes away. This can be cheaper than two separate policies and is particularly popular with couples starting a family who want to ensure their partner and child are protected.
The table below compares monthly premiums for joint term life insurance vs two single policies, showing the potential savings. Quotes based on non-smoking couples in good health taking out £100,000 of cover over a 20-year term:
Joint vs Single Life Insurance Pricing Comparison
**Pros of joint life insurance for new parents:**
Usually cheaper than two separate policies (savings of 10-25%)
Simpler to manage with one policy and one set of paperwork
Both parents covered under a single premium payment
Ideal if one parent is the main earner and the payout would support the surviving partner and children
**Cons to consider:**
Joint policies typically only pay out once (when the first person dies)
The surviving partner is left without cover after the payout
If you separate or divorce, the policy becomes complicated to split
Two single policies might be better if both parents' incomes are essential
Many financial advisors recommend two single policies for new parents, despite the higher cost, as this ensures both parents remain covered even after one passes away. This provides ongoing protection for your children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will life insurance pay out during pregnancy?
Yes, if you pass away during pregnancy and have a valid life insurance policy in place, your beneficiaries will receive the full payout. Life insurance policies don't exclude pregnancy as a cause of death - they cover all causes of death (subject to standard policy exclusions like suicide within the first 12 months). This is why it's so important to have cover in place before or during pregnancy.
Should I wait until after birth to get life insurance?
It's generally better not to wait until after birth. If you develop complications during pregnancy or birth, these may affect your application afterwards and could result in higher premiums or exclusions. Taking out cover during an uncomplicated pregnancy usually results in standard rates. Additionally, having cover in place during pregnancy means you and your baby are protected from day one.
Can I increase my life insurance cover when pregnant?
Yes, you can apply to increase your existing cover or take out an additional policy when pregnant. As long as your pregnancy is uncomplicated and progressing normally, you should be able to secure additional cover at standard rates. Many parents choose to increase their cover when expecting a baby to account for additional childcare costs, school fees, and other expenses associated with raising a child.
Do I need to tell my insurer I'm pregnant when applying?
Yes, you must disclose your pregnancy when applying for life insurance. Failing to disclose this information is considered non-disclosure and could invalidate your policy, meaning your beneficiaries wouldn't receive a payout. However, an uncomplicated pregnancy shouldn't affect your premiums or eligibility. Insurers ask about pregnancy to understand your current health status, not to penalize you.
What happens to my life insurance if I have pregnancy complications?
If you already have a life insurance policy in place before complications arise, your existing cover continues unchanged and will pay out regardless of pregnancy complications. If you're applying for new cover and have current complications like gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia, insurers may postpone your application until after delivery, offer cover with increased premiums (typically 25-50% more), or require additional medical evidence. Some specialist insurers can still offer competitive rates even with complications.
Is joint life insurance better than two single policies for new parents?
It depends on your circumstances. Joint life insurance is typically 10-25% cheaper and pays out when the first person dies, but then the surviving parent has no cover. Two single policies cost more but ensure both parents remain covered even after one passes away, providing ongoing protection for your children. Most financial advisors recommend two single policies for families with young children, despite the higher cost, as it provides more comprehensive long-term protection for your family's future.
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