Can I get life insurance while I’m pregnant?

Without a doubt, a new pregnancy is a very exciting time for any family. It’s a time full of new experiences and lots of questions including whether you can get life insurance while you’re pregnant. After all, you may be wondering if it’s too late, if it’s even worth looking into, or if it’s best to wait until you have your child.

Here’s what you need to know: in most scenarios, women can get life insurance while pregnant. However, getting life insurance while pregnant may be problematic if there are medical complications, or if you apply later in the pregnancy.

We’re breaking down the answers to all of your life insurance questions about pregnancy below. The questions we’ll answer include:

• Can I get life insurance before a baby is born?
• Can I switch insurance companies while pregnant?
• What are the symptoms of a man when the woman is pregnant?
• Where can I go if I’m pregnant without insurance?

Since you want to do all you can do to protect you and your baby, now is the perfect time to start comparing the best life insurance quotes by entering your ZIP code in our free insurance comparison tool.

If I’m pregnant, can I get life insurance?

First thing’s first: if mom is in relatively good health, there should be no problems in coverage during her first trimester. That’s because during the first three months or so of the pregnancy, physical changes tend to be minimal.

However, it’s in the second and third trimesters where physical changes and problems can become an issue in terms of acquiring life insurance. So much so, they can complicate the underwriting process.

When it’s all said and done, some life insurance companies will prefer to defer coverage until after the baby is born. Yet, there will be many companies that have no problem with insuring a pregnant mother, even with certain pre-existing conditions.

Enter your zip code below to view companies that have cheap life insurance rates.

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

What health conditions can affect life insurance coverage for pregnant women?

Expectant mothers will want to know what health issues can potentially stand in the way of getting life insurance while pregnant. Below, we’re taking a closer look at some of the more common medical conditions that will have the greatest impact on pregnant women looking to purchase life insurance policies.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure during pregnancy can be troublesome, especially if it is difficult to treat. If it remains high too high for too long, preeclampsia – a pregnancy complication tied to high blood pressure – can develop.

Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can turn into a life-threatening illness. This video breaks down the signs, symptoms, and risk factors:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB5s85xDshA

Something else to keep in mind? Some blood pressure medications can be harmful to the mother and the baby when taken during pregnancy. Needless to say, this would be a real red flag for a life underwriter as they weigh out the risks in whether to insure you.

Excessive Weight Gain

If a pregnant woman gains too much weight during her pregnancy, this can lead to problems with her own health, as well as the baby’s health.

A weight gain of no more than 25 to 35 pounds is optimal. But more than that could be problematic.

Extra pounds just mean that the mother’s heart is going to have to work harder, and that can be a difference-maker if the mother has any heart issues at all. Blood pressure is also a problem if there is extra weight as well, which can further complicate things.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs when the mother’s body (the pancreas) cannot keep up in processing the blood sugar that is needed for her and for the baby. This type of diabetes only happens during pregnancy, and if it is not monitored, it can be dangerous for the mother and the baby.

You can learn more about how pregnant women develop this condition in this American Diabetes Association video:

The U.S. National Library of Medicine goes on to say this: “If diabetes is not well-controlled, the baby is exposed to high blood sugar levels in the womb. This can cause birth defects and other health problems in babies.”

Here’s where it can get a bit tricky: some insurers will consider women who are pregnant and diagnosed with gestational diabetes as high risk. That’s because women who have gestational diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing Type 2 Diabetes later on in life.

As a result, some insurance companies will not approve life insurance for pregnant women with gestational diabetes. Others may approve you, but at higher rates. Your next best option may be postponing coverage until after you’ve had your baby.

Enter your zip code below to view companies that have cheap life insurance rates.

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

  

Purchasing Life Insurance on the Mother During Pregnancy

If a family is considering the purchase of life insurance on a pregnant mom, they should take a deep breath and consider some facts. First of all, hire a good life insurance broker who can choose between several companies, as they may all treat the situation differently.

Again, the earlier in the pregnancy the insurance is purchased, the better, because all of the situations that might cause a premium rating or a decline occur during the second and third trimesters of the pregnancy.

You’ll also want to do your due diligence and research what life insurance type is best for you and your growing family, and whether that’s term or whole life insurance. The advantage of being able to secure several different life insurance quotes will give everybody a good range of ideas on how much the insurance will cost and what options are available.

Keep in mind that the common issues of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, excessive weight gain, and gestational diabetes can crop up during the pregnancy and the life underwriters will take note.

Without a doubt, it will be in the best interest of pregnant mothers to do what they can to maintain their health throughout their pregnancy.

• Eat well. Work closely with your doctors to ensure you’re eating a balanced and healthy diet
• Take care of your body. Remember, your body is changing. So pay close attention to what you can or cannot handle, and give yourself plenty of room to rest.
• Beware of harmful products. Pay close attention to exposure to chemicals or other products that could harm mom’s health and the baby’s health. Therefore, it doesn’t hurt to explore using products free of toxins, such as natural deodorants for women, natural shampoos, and natural household cleaning agents

When it’s all said and done, taking care of mom (and baby) will be of utmost importance. Anything you can do to keep both in tip-top shape will positively impact all areas, even life insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions: Getting Life Insurance While Pregnant

Still have questions about insurance and pregnancy? We’re answering your frequently-asked questions now:

#1 – Do I need to tell my life insurance provider I’m pregnant?

The sooner you can inform your insurance company of your pregnancy, the better. Just remember that the longer you wait, and if medical conditions arise, your insurer may approach the situation differently.

#2 – Can insurance deny you for being pregnant?

While denying coverage to pregnant women was something that some insurance companies used to do, this is no longer permissible. Insurance companies cannot deny you coverage if you are pregnant.

#3 – Is being pregnant a pre-existing condition?

There was a time that may insurers looked as pregnancy as a pre-existing condition.  However, under Obamacare and the Affordable Care Act, pregnancy is no longer considered a pre-existing condition.

#4 – What kind of insurance do I need for pregnancy?

Also as a result of the Affordable Care Act, maternity coverage became an essential benefit that insurers had to provide to their customers. In other words, if you already have health insurance, coverage for your pregnancy, delivery, and newborn care are mandatory. To learn more about what options are available to you, contact your provider.

#5 – Can I switch insurance companies while pregnant?

The answer to that question is likely dependent on the method by which you have insurance. If you, like many Americans, have insurance through the marketplace, the only time you’re able to change plans and insurance companies is if you have a “qualifying life event.” An event that is considered a “qualifying life event” ranges from moving to losing a job with a lot in-between.

#6 – What are the symptoms of a man when the woman is pregnant?

Although it may seem strange, men can experience symptoms of pregnancy while their partner is pregnant. These symptoms include mood swings, weight gain, nausea, and bloating. This phenomenon is called couvade or sympathetic pregnancy. The man may go through rituals as well, practicing as if he will deliver the child.

#7 – Where can I go if I’m pregnant without insurance?

If you are pregnant without insurance, you can check out a few options that offer free or low-cost medical assistance. These include Planned Parenthood, community services centers, and other community organizations. You may be eligible for insurance through your state or the Marketplace depending on the situation.

Enter your zip code below to view companies that have cheap life insurance rates.

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Getting Life Insurance While Pregnant: Final Thoughts

Getting life insurance as an expectant mother is not a bad thing to do. If done early in the pregnancy, odds are better for a better rating on the premium and the likelihood of securing coverage.

Later in the pregnancy, the rates will probably be higher because of current medical conditions and slightly higher risk. If rated, or declined, a mom can wait until the child is born and reapply, probably at a lower rate.

Pregnancy and preparing for a baby can be overwhelming and intimidating, but finding affordable life insurance should be easy. Get on your way to finding the best policies in your area by typing your ZIP code into our free insurance comparison tool.

Enter your zip code below to view companies that have cheap life insurance rates.

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption