Money Expert > Life Insurance > Life Insurance and Pregnancy

Life Insurance when Pregnant

Click the button below to start comparing life insurance policies for expecting parents

Last updated: 23/05/2025 | Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

Taking out life insurance while you are pregnant is an important step in securing your family’s financial future, and many people choose to buy life insurance during this tim .

Pregnancy is often a time when people start to think more seriously about their responsibilities and the need to protect their loved ones.

If something were to happen to you due to pregnancy complications , life insurance can provide a vital safety net, ensuring that your partner, child, or other dependants would not struggle financially. It offers peace of mind during a time that is full of change and preparation for the new arrival, helping to alleviate financial stress .

Key points

  • Applying for life insurance when pregnant is pretty much the same as when you apply any other time.
  • Taking out a life insurance policy when you are pregnant is very common and straightforward to do.
  • With a new dependant on the way more life insurance options will become available to you though. It is worth researching your options before opting taking out a new policy.

In This Guide:

Why Consider Life Insurance During Pregnancy?

Another reason to consider life insurance during pregnancy is that the younger and healthier you are, the cheaper your life insurance premiums are likely to be.

In Britain, most life insurance companies consider pregnancy to be a normal and healthy condition, so it should not cause any problems when applying for cover.

However, if you wait and develop pregnancy-related medical conditions like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or other pregnancy complications, your life insurance cost could increase, or your application might be postponed.

By applying early, before any medical issues arise, you can lock in lower monthly premiums for years to come.

A woman holding a positive pregnancy test

Benefits of having life insurance whilst you are pregnant:

Life insurance can also help cover essential household costs that your family might face if you were no longer around. This could include childcare expenses, everyday living costs, and future education fees.

Having a policy in place means your family would be able to maintain their everyday living expenses and plan for the future even in difficult circumstances.

Many new parents also choose to link their life insurance to their mortgage, ensuring that the family home would be protected as well.

Finally, taking out life insurance while pregnant sets a strong foundation for wider financial planning. It encourages you to think about making a will, considering guardianship for your child, and organising other aspects of your family’s financial security.

Starting this process early ensures that, as your family grows, you already have important protections in place. It is a simple but powerful way to make sure your loved ones are looked after, no matter what the future holds.

Mother and kids in studio

Can I get life insurance when pregnant?

Yes, you can absolutely buy life insurance while you are pregnant, and it’s advisable to shop around for the best life insurance quotes . In Britain, pregnancy on its own is not considered a medical condition by insurers, so it usually does not affect your ability to apply for or secure life cover.

Most insurance companies will view a healthy pregnancy as part of normal life and will assess your application based on:

  • General health status
  • Medical history
  • Lifestyle factors (like smoking history, alcohol consumption, or hobbies)

It’s important to answer all questions honestly, including details about your pregnancy if asked, but being pregnant should not prevent you from being offered a policy. As long as your pregnancy is progressing normally and there are no high risk factors, your application will likely be accepted at standard rates.

However, if you are experiencing pregnancy-related complications, such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure, insurers may either postpone your application until after the birth or apply higher premiums depending on the situation.

Each provider has their own underwriting process, so it’s a good idea to shop around or speak to a specialist adviser if you’re unsure.

In many cases, if there are no health issues, you can go through the normal application process and secure life insurance at standard rates, helping to protect your family without unnecessary delays.

Are there any conditions on pregnant women taking out life insurance?

In general, there are no specific conditions placed on pregnant women with pre existing medical conditions when considering life insurance options in Britain. Pregnancy itself is typically seen as a normal part of life and should not impact your ability to get cover.

Most insurers will focus on your overall health, medical history, and lifestyle rather than the pregnancy alone. If you are experiencing a straightforward, healthy pregnancy, you are likely to be treated the same as any other applicant of a similar age and health profile.

However, if there are complications related to the pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, or high blood pressure, including other risk factors and health complications, insurers may look at your application more closely.

In some cases, they might choose to postpone making a decision until after you have given birth, or they might offer cover but with slightly higher premiums to account for the increased risk.

Each insurance company has its own approach to underwriting, so outcomes can vary. Being open and honest with your life insurance provider about any pregnancy-related health issues, particularly during medical underwriting, when applying is essential to ensure your policy remains valid.

It is worth noting that life insurance policies typically cover death from any cause, including complications arising during pregnancy and childbirth, once the policy is active.

As a result, securing cover while you are pregnant can offer important financial protection for your growing family.

It’s often a good idea to arrange life insurance as early as possible in pregnancy, particularly while you are still in good health, to avoid any potential delays or complications in the application process. 

The importance of full disclosure

It is always absolutely crucial that you are completely transparent about any health of lifestyle issues that might affect the cost of your life insurance policy.

There are certain issues related to pregnancy, namely smoking and consumption of alcohol, that can become complicated here.

If you were a smoker and quit only when you discovered that you were pregnant, then you should be careful about what you put down on your insurance form when asked if you smoke.

Often, in order to declare that you are not a smoker, an insurance provider will require that you have been free of tobacco and all nicotine products for at least 12 months. Bear in mind that this includes e-cigarettes, given the lack of knowledge regarding the long term effects thereof.

The same goes for alcohol consumption – even if you have stopped drinking altogether during the course of your pregnancy, you should be careful to give an accurate representation of your normal annual consumption when starting your policy.

If you are found to have given any inaccurate information, or to have withheld any information altogether when filling in your insurance application, you may find the whole policy invalidated and any pay out may be withheld.

Does life insurance cost more if you are pregnant?

The cost of a life insurance policy shouldn’t be affected by your pregnancy but rather will depend on various aspects of your lifestyle and health status generally.

If you have a family history of a certain condition like diabetes, or if you have or have had any serious medical condition in the past, you will likely find the cost of your premiums increased.

The same goes if your lifestyle lends itself to health issues. This may be because you smoke or it may be because your job or hobbies are particularly dangerous, if you regularly partake in sky diving for example.

Again, full disclosure is crucial here if you don’t want to invalidate your policy so please mention this when getting your life insurance quote.

Woman climbing in the mountains

How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?

It depends on your situation. Many people base their cover on:

  • Annual income
  • Family income benefit
  • Lost income for your partner
  • Childcare and future education
  • Paying off a repayment mortgage

Whether you choose term life insurance, level term life insurance, or another life insurance plan, the key is to ensure you have enough life insurance to protect your loved ones.

Final Thoughts: Why Buying Life Insurance While Pregnant Matters

Taking out a life insurance policy while pregnant is more than just a financial decision, it’s a loving act of financial protection for your growing family, providing a lump sum for their future needs .

It gives you peace of mind now and lays a strong foundation for the future. You’re planning for more than just a birth, you’re planning for your family’s future.

Life Insurance,

easier than ever.