Having a Baby Insurance Checklist

A new baby is a major life event that requires updating your insurance coverage. Use this checklist to ensure your growing family is properly protected.

Before Baby Arrives (During Pregnancy)

Health Insurance Review

• Verify your health plan covers maternity care
• Understand your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum
• Check which hospitals and OB-GYNs are in-network
• Review what prenatal care is covered (ultrasounds, tests, classes)
• Understand coverage for complications or NICU care
• Ask about breast pump coverage (required under ACA)

Life Insurance (Most Critical)

• Get term life insurance NOW (you’re younger and healthier)
• Calculate coverage needed: 10-12x income, plus childcare costs
• Both parents should have coverage, even non-working parent
• Compare rates from multiple insurers
• Note: Pregnancy doesn’t disqualify you, but delivery complications might

Disability Insurance

• Review short-term disability for maternity leave coverage
• Ensure long-term disability protects your family if you can’t work
• Check employer coverage limits and consider supplemental policy
• Understand elimination periods and benefit duration

Within 30 Days of Birth

Add Baby to Health Insurance

• Birth is a qualifying life event - you have 30 days to enroll baby
• Contact HR or insurance company immediately after birth
• Have baby’s name and Social Security Number ready (if available)
• Coverage is typically retroactive to birth date
• If parents have separate plans, compare and choose the best one

Update Beneficiaries

• Add child as contingent beneficiary on life insurance (after spouse)
• Update 401(k) and IRA beneficiaries
• Consider setting up a trust for minor children’s inheritance
• Name a guardian in your will for insurance purposes

Hospital Bill Review

• Request itemized hospital bill before paying
• Verify charges match your insurance explanation of benefits (EOB)
• Dispute any errors or unexpected charges
• Set up payment plan if needed (hospitals often offer 0% interest)

First Year Adjustments

Coverage Updates

• Review homeowners/renters insurance for baby equipment value
• Consider increasing liability coverage (you now have more to protect)
• Check if car seats and strollers are covered under auto or home policy
• Review umbrella insurance if you have significant assets

Childcare Considerations

• If using daycare, verify they have liability insurance
• If hiring a nanny, consider household employer insurance
• Understand workers’ comp requirements for domestic employees

Financial Planning

• Open 529 college savings plan
• Update budget for increased insurance costs
• Consider increasing emergency fund (6 months of expenses)
• Review and update will and estate documents

Life Insurance Specifics for New Parents

Coverage Amount Guidelines

• Replace income for 18-22 years of child-rearing
• Add $150,000-$300,000 for childcare if stay-at-home parent dies
• Include future college costs ($100,000-$250,000 per child)
• Cover outstanding debts (mortgage, student loans)
• Factor in funeral costs ($10,000-$15,000)

Policy Recommendations

• 20-30 year term life (until child is independent)
• Coverage on both parents (even if one doesn’t work)
• Consider return-of-premium term if budget allows
• Lock in rates now while young and healthy

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t miss the 30-day enrollment window for baby’s health insurance
• Don’t assume employer life insurance is sufficient (usually only 1-2x salary)
• Don’t delay getting life insurance (rates increase with age)
• Don’t forget the non-working parent needs coverage too
• Don’t neglect to name a guardian in your will

Related Insurance Types

• Health Insurance - Ensure family coverage
• Life Insurance - Protect your child’s future
• Disability Insurance - Replace lost income

Related Guides

• Insurance for Young Families - Family coverage planning
• Insurance for New Parents - Adding children to coverage
• Life Insurance Mistakes to Avoid - Common coverage pitfalls

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about insurance when having a baby answered below.

This checklist is for educational purposes. Consult with a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.