COVID-19 changed a lot of things in our world—from how we work and travel to how we think about health and finances. One of the areas it really shook up is life insurance. Before the pandemic, many people didn’t give life insurance much thought unless they were already in the market for it. But the arrival of a global health crisis pushed a lot of people to reconsider how protected their families would be if something unexpected happened.

In this article, we’re going to take a deep dive into how COVID-19 affected life insurance. We’ll look at what changed in the industry, how people responded, what you should know if you already have a policy—or are thinking about getting one—and how things are shaping up now that the world has adjusted a bit more to life post-pandemic.

Whether you’re new to life insurance or just want to understand how COVID-19 might affect your coverage or options, this guide will help clarify what you need to know.

How COVID-19 Impacted Life Insurance: A Closer Look

The pandemic left its mark on nearly every aspect of life insurance—from underwriting rules to claims processing. Here’s a breakdown of what changed during the height of the crisis and what’s remained.

What COVID-19 Taught Us About Life Insurance: Key Takeaways

Looking back, the pandemic revealed just how important it is to have a financial safety net in place. Here are some of the biggest takeaways about life insurance from the COVID-19 experience:

• It highlighted the unpredictability of life. No one saw COVID-19 coming. People who were previously healthy and had no concerns found themselves thinking hard about how they’d protect their loved ones if the worst happened.
• It sparked a surge in life insurance applications. As the virus spread, more people applied for life insurance. Providers saw a spike in applications, especially from younger and middle-aged adults.
• It created underwriting delays and stricter rules. Insurers had to factor in additional health risks, and many paused or slowed down applications from people recently diagnosed with COVID-19 or those who had traveled to high-risk areas.
• It proved that digital systems matter. Companies that already had strong online platforms adapted quickly. Others scrambled to catch up. Now, digital applications and electronic medical records are more common than ever.
• It encouraged people to talk more openly about death and finances. As uncomfortable as the topic can be, COVID-19 made it clear that planning ahead isn’t just smart—it’s necessary.
• It increased interest in no-exam life insurance. To reduce contact and speed up the process, many people turned to no-exam policies. These are still a popular option today, especially among younger buyers.
• It underscored the value of group life insurance. Employees started paying closer attention to the life insurance offered through their jobs, and many companies expanded their benefits in response.
• It prompted questions about pandemic exclusions. Some worried that their policies might not pay out if they died from COVID-19. Thankfully, most policies did not have pandemic exclusions and honored valid claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does life insurance cover death from COVID-19?
Yes, most life insurance policies do cover death due to COVID-19, as long as the policy was active and in good standing. The only exceptions might involve fraud or misinformation during the application process.

Can I still get life insurance after recovering from COVID-19?
Yes, but you may face more detailed questions during the underwriting process. Some insurers may ask about long-term symptoms or complications. Others may impose a waiting period if you’ve recently recovered.

Did premiums increase during the pandemic?
For the most part, premiums remained relatively stable. However, some insurers did adjust rates slightly based on age and health risk. Younger, healthier applicants continued to see affordable pricing.

Do I need a medical exam to get life insurance now?
Not always. No-exam policies have become more common, especially for younger applicants or those seeking smaller coverage amounts. That said, traditional policies with medical exams are still widely available and may offer better rates for those in excellent health.

Is group life insurance through work enough?
It depends. Group policies are a great benefit, but they usually provide limited coverage—often just one or two times your annual salary. For many people, that’s not enough to fully protect their families, so they supplement with individual coverage.

What happens if I miss a premium payment during a crisis like COVID-19?
During the pandemic, many insurers offered grace periods or payment flexibility. It’s important to contact your provider right away if you’re facing financial hardship. Policies typically have a built-in grace period (often 30 days), but it’s best not to rely on that unless necessary.

Are there pandemic exclusions in new policies now?
Generally, no. Most life insurance policies do not include specific pandemic-related exclusions. However, underwriting may be more detailed when it comes to travel history, occupation, or underlying health conditions.

What if I get long COVID—will that affect my eligibility for life insurance?
Possibly. Some insurers may want to know more about any lasting symptoms or complications. If your condition is well-managed and doesn’t significantly impact your daily life, you may still qualify for standard rates.

Conclusion

COVID-19 was a wake-up call in many ways, especially when it comes to planning for the unexpected. Life insurance, once seen as something to get “someday,” suddenly became a priority for many people. And rightly so—having a policy in place can give you and your loved ones peace of mind, no matter what life throws your way.

The good news is that the life insurance industry adapted quickly. Application processes have become more streamlined. More options are available for people who want coverage without a medical exam. And providers are more responsive to real-world needs than ever before.

If you’ve been thinking about getting life insurance—or reviewing your existing coverage—there’s no better time than now. The pandemic reminded us all that the future isn’t guaranteed. But a solid life insurance policy is one way to make sure your family is protected, come what may.