Pregnancy changes everything—and yes, that includes life insurance.
Many expecting mothers wonder:
“Can I still apply for life insurance while pregnant? Will my rates go up? Will I be denied?”
The short answer is: yes, you can absolutely apply.
But there are some important things to know—because pregnancy can affect your approval, your rates, and your coverage options.
Let’s break down exactly how it works, when to apply, and how to protect your growing family no matter where you are in your pregnancy journey.
✅ Can You Apply for Life Insurance While Pregnant?
Yes, you can.
Life insurance companies generally allow pregnant women to apply for term or whole life coverage. In most cases, being pregnant doesn’t disqualify you from getting a policy.
However, the stage of your pregnancy—and any complications—can impact:
- The rates you’re offered
- Whether a medical exam is required
- How fast you’re approved
So while you can apply, how pregnancy affects your application depends on your unique health profile and where you are in the process.
💰 How Pregnancy Affects Your Premiums
Your monthly cost—or premium—for life insurance is determined by:
- Your age
- Your overall health
- Family medical history
- Tobacco use
- Blood pressure, weight, cholesterol
- Any complications in your current or past pregnancies
Pregnancy by itself is not considered a high risk.
But if you’ve experienced:
- Gestational diabetes
- Preeclampsia or high blood pressure
- Placenta previa
- A recent pregnancy-related hospitalization
…your rates may be slightly higher—or your approval may be delayed until after delivery.
💡 Some insurers won’t make a final decision until after your baby is born if you’re already in the 3rd trimester or experiencing complications.
🔍 What Do Insurers Look at During Pregnancy?
Life insurance companies want to get a complete health snapshot.
If you’re pregnant, they will look at:
| Factor | How It Affects Approval |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy trimester | 1st or 2nd is ideal; 3rd may delay decision |
| Weight gain | Normal ranges don’t affect rates, but large jumps might |
| Blood pressure | High BP may raise flags |
| Gestational diabetes | Could lead to postponed approval |
| Delivery risk | Higher-risk pregnancies may be tabled until postpartum |
💡 You may be asked to explain your pregnancy status during a medical exam or in a health questionnaire.
🗓️ Best Time to Apply: Before, During, or After Pregnancy?
The ideal time to apply is before you get pregnant—because your health is stable and predictable.
But if you’re already expecting?
👉 Apply in the 1st or 2nd trimester for the best chances of fast approval.
If you wait until after giving birth, you may need to deal with:
- Postpartum recovery
- Hormonal shifts
- Sleep deprivation
- Possible postpartum depression
- Delayed follow-up from insurers
Many new moms wish they had locked in a policy earlier.
🧠 Common Misconceptions About Life Insurance and Pregnancy
Let’s clear up a few myths:
❌ “I can’t get life insurance while pregnant.”
✔️ You absolutely can, especially in the first two trimesters.
❌ “They’ll deny me just because I’m pregnant.”
✔️ Pregnancy isn’t a disqualifier—complications might delay approval, but not always.
❌ “It’s cheaper to wait until after the baby is born.”
✔️ Not true. You’re getting older and your health may be more variable postpartum.
💡 Tips for Getting the Best Policy While Pregnant
Want to improve your chances of a fast, affordable approval?
✅ Apply early – 1st or 2nd trimester is best
✅ Maintain regular prenatal checkups – shows you’re proactive
✅ Avoid gestational diabetes risk factors (diet, exercise, etc.)
✅ Choose a term length that covers your child’s dependency years (20–30 years)
✅ Consider a no-exam policy if you want fast approval without lab work
✅ Compare quotes from 3+ insurers—some are more pregnancy-friendly than others
🏆 Top Life Insurance Companies for Pregnant Applicants
While most major insurers accept applications from pregnant women, some are more accommodating than others.
Here are a few that are known for their flexibility and speed:
| Company | Known For |
|---|---|
| Haven Life | Fast online process, may waive medical exams |
| Banner Life | Pregnancy-friendly underwriting guidelines |
| Ethos | No-medical exam policies available |
| Protective | Good for healthy applicants under 40 |
| Mutual of Omaha | Offers simplified issue policies for fast approval |
💡 Your best fit depends on your age, health, coverage needs, and how far along you are.
🩺 Do You Need a Medical Exam While Pregnant?
It depends on:
- The insurer
- The amount of coverage you’re applying for
- Your age and health
If you’re under 40, applying for under $500,000 in coverage, and have no complications—you might qualify for no-exam life insurance.
But if you apply for $1 million+, or have a history of high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, or recent weight gain—you may be required to do a paramedical exam (blood, urine, vitals).
🔁 Alternative Options: No-Exam Policies and Riders
If you’re in your 3rd trimester or facing delays, consider:
✅ No-Exam Term Life Insurance
- Fast approvals
- No bloodwork or medical testing
- Coverage up to $1 million in some cases
- Slightly higher premiums—but worth it for speed
✅ Final Expense / Burial Policies
- Smaller coverage amounts ($10K–$25K)
- Meant for funeral costs, not income replacement
- Easy approval, even with health issues
✅ Spousal Riders
- Some policies allow you to add your spouse under your plan
- Might be useful if you’re the non-working parent
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I still get life insurance if I’m in the 3rd trimester?
➤ Possibly—but many companies will postpone approval until after delivery.
Will my premiums go up after I have the baby?
➤ Not directly, but if your postpartum health changes, it could affect future applications.
Should my partner also get covered?
➤ Yes—both parents should be covered, even if one is a stay-at-home parent.
Can life insurance cover complications from childbirth?
➤ Yes. If your policy is active and you pass away due to childbirth-related issues, your beneficiary will receive the full death benefit.
✅ Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait to Protect Your Family
Pregnancy is the start of a new life—and it’s also the perfect time to plan for the unexpected.
Life insurance is one of the most important gifts you can give your child—a safety net that ensures they’re protected no matter what.
If you’re pregnant now, don’t wait.
Apply today. Lock in coverage while you’re healthy. And give your growing family peace of mind for years to come.
