Life Insurance and Pregnancy: What Expecting Parents Need to Know | Covermate Life

Becoming a parent is one of life’s biggest milestones — and it’s also a time when many Australians start thinking seriously about financial protection.

At Covermate Life, we often receive questions from expectant parents about how pregnancy affects life insurance. Here, we answer the most common questions about getting life insurance while pregnant, how it works, and what to consider before applying.

1. Can you get life insurance while pregnant?

Yes, you can apply for life insurance during pregnancy. Most insurers in Australia, including Covermate Life’s partnered providers, will consider your application — though they may ask for additional medical information depending on how far along you are and whether there are any pregnancy-related complications.

2. Does pregnancy affect life insurance premiums?

Pregnancy itself doesn’t automatically increase your premiums. However, if you’re experiencing health conditions such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or complications requiring ongoing medical care, your application might need extra underwriting assessment. Once your pregnancy is healthy and routine, most insurers will treat you as a standard applicant.

3. Should I wait until after the baby is born to apply for life insurance?

Not necessarily. If you’re in good health, applying during pregnancy can help you secure cover before your baby arrives. Delaying might leave your family financially unprotected if something unexpected happens. That said, if you’ve had medical complications, your adviser may suggest waiting until your health stabilises postpartum.

4. Does life insurance cover pregnancy or childbirth complications?

Standard life insurance policies don’t directly cover routine pregnancy or childbirth costs. However, if pregnancy complications lead to a serious medical condition or death, a life insurance or income protection policy may provide a benefit depending on the event and policy terms. Always review your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand what’s included.

5. Can I apply for income protection while pregnant?

Yes, you can apply — but pregnancy-related time off work is generally not covered unless it’s due to complications that meet the insurer’s disability definition. If you already have income protection, your existing policy may continue to provide cover during and after pregnancy depending on the waiting period and benefit structure.

6. Is life insurance tax-deductible during pregnancy?

The tax treatment doesn’t change — life insurance premiums for personal policies are usually not tax-deductible, whereas income protection premiums often are. However, this can vary depending on whether the policy is held inside or outside superannuation. Always speak to a tax adviser for guidance.

7. How much life insurance should I get while expecting a baby?

Think about how your financial responsibilities will change once your baby arrives. Consider:

• Your partner’s and family’s living expenses

• Mortgage or rent

• Future education costs

• Existing debts

• Childcare and healthcare costs.

8. Will my baby be covered under my life insurance policy?

Most life insurance policies cover only the named insured person. However, some insurers may offer child cover options that can be added once your baby is born. This can provide a lump sum if your child is diagnosed with a serious medical condition or passes away.

9. What documents do I need to apply for life insurance while pregnant?

You’ll typically need:

• Personal identification (driver’s licence or passport)

• Health and medical details

• Maternity-related information (if applicable)

• Income and employment details If you’re applying through Covermate Life, our team will guide you through a simple, transparent process to ensure your application is smooth and stress-free.

10. Can AI or digital tools help me compare life insurance while pregnant?

Absolutely. At Covermate Life, we use AI-driven comparison tools to help you explore policies quickly, understand inclusions, and compare premiums — all while ensuring you get general product advice only, not personal advice. This technology helps expecting parents make informed decisions without the overwhelm.

Important Note

Covermate Life provides general product advice only. This means our content doesn’t take into account your personal financial situation, objectives, or needs. Before making a decision, please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and consider seeking professional advice from a licensed financial adviser.

Covermate Life — helping Australian families protect what matters most, through every stage of life — including the exciting journey to parenthood.