Life insurance for women: what's different and what to know

Why do women often pay less for life insurance?

Life insurance prices are based largely on how likely an insurer thinks it is to pay a claim during the policy's term. Life expectancy is part of that picture.

In the U.S., life expectancy at birth in 2024 was 81.4 years for women and 76.5 years for men, according to the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics. Because of that gap, many insurers use sex as one pricing factor alongside things like:

• Your age when you apply
• Your health and medical history
• Tobacco or nicotine use
• The coverage amount and term length

That means a woman may get a lower quote than a man of the same age and health. It's not a guarantee, though. Your price depends on underwriting. You can read more in what affects the cost of life insurance.

Are women underinsured?

Many are. LIMRA's 2026 Insurance Barometer Study found that 49% of women say they have life insurance, compared with 55% of men. LIMRA notes this gender gap has shown up throughout the 16 years of the study (LIMRA).

The same research found:

• 41% of women say they need life insurance or need more than they have, which LIMRA estimates is about 50 million adults.
• 25% of women feel very or extremely knowledgeable about life insurance, compared with 38% of men.
• 48% of women without coverage say they think it's too expensive, the top reason given.

That last one matters. Many people guess that life insurance costs far more than it does, especially term coverage. If price is what's holding you back, our article on why life insurance is often cheaper than you think is a good place to start.

Why might a woman need more coverage than she has?

A few patterns come up again and again:

• Relying on work coverage. LIMRA reports that nearly half (47%) of Americans who own life insurance have coverage through their workplace (LIMRA). Group policies are often a fixed amount and may end if you change jobs. Here's more on whether employer life insurance is enough.
• Undervaluing unpaid work. If you handle most of the childcare, household management or caregiving, replacing that work would cost your family money. Our guide to life insurance for stay-at-home parents explains how to put a number on it.
• Thinking "my partner's policy covers us." Your partner's coverage protects the family if they die. It doesn't help if you do.

How do life events change what you need?

Your needs shift as your life does. Here's a quick guide:

A few notes on the bigger moments:

Marriage. Joining finances often means joining responsibilities, like a shared mortgage or debts your partner would be left with.

Kids. This is when many women first think seriously about coverage. Raising children takes years of costs, and a term policy can be matched to those years. See life insurance for new parents.

Divorce. Review your beneficiaries soon after a divorce. Some divorce agreements include life insurance requirements, so talk to your attorney before you change anything. If you're raising kids on your own, our guide to life insurance for single parents covers guardians and how to leave money to minors.

Business ownership. If you own a business, your family may depend on its income, and it may carry debts tied to you. Learn more in life insurance for business owners.

How much life insurance should a woman have?

The same way anyone figures it out: by adding up what your family would need without you.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners notes that some insurance experts suggest five to eight times your income as a rule of thumb, but it recommends working through your actual needs for a more accurate amount. Consider:

• Years of income your family would need replaced
• The cost to replace unpaid work like childcare and caregiving
• Debts such as a mortgage, car loan or student loans
• Future goals like college
• Final expenses

Then subtract savings and any existing coverage. Our step-by-step guide on how to calculate your life insurance needs can help. When you have a number in mind, you can check your price in a few minutes.

Can I get life insurance while pregnant or with a health condition?

It may be possible, and it depends on the insurer and on underwriting. Some insurers look closely at pregnancy-related health details, and some health conditions can affect your price or the coverage offered. A licensed agent can help you understand what to expect before you apply.

How do you get covered online?

Evoro Life helps people get term life insurance online and connects them with licensed insurance agents. Policies are applied for through Symetra's SwiftTerm online application and issued by Symetra Life Insurance Company, which has an A.M. Best financial strength rating of A (Excellent).

You can apply for up to $5 million in coverage, and there's no medical exam for most applicants. The application takes about 18 minutes, and quotes are held for 30 days. Coverage isn't available in New York or South Carolina, and approval depends on underwriting.

Curious what it would cost? See what coverage could cost you, or call a licensed agent for free help at (732) 630-1963.

Key takeaways

• Women often pay lower premiums because they live longer on average (81.4 years vs. 76.5 for men in 2024).
• Fewer women (49%) than men (55%) report owning life insurance, and 41% of women say they need more.
• Unpaid work like childcare and caregiving has real value and is worth insuring.
• Marriage, kids, divorce, caregiving and business ownership are all good times to review coverage.
• Your coverage amount should be based on your family's needs, not your gender.

Frequently asked questions

Do women pay less for life insurance than men?

Often, yes. Women in the U.S. live longer on average, and many insurers use sex as one of several pricing factors along with age, health and tobacco use. Your actual price depends on underwriting, so two women the same age can still get different quotes.

Should a woman get life insurance if she doesn't earn the most in her household?

Often, yes. If anyone depends on your income, your care or the work you do at home, losing you would cost your family money. Coverage is based on the financial gap you'd leave behind, not on who earns more.

Does group life insurance through work cover enough?

It's a helpful start, but it may not be enough on its own. Workplace coverage is often a set amount, and it usually doesn't follow you if you leave the job. Many people pair it with an individual term policy that they own.

Should I update my life insurance after a divorce?

Yes, review it soon. You may want to change your beneficiaries, and your divorce agreement may include requirements about life insurance. Talk to your attorney before making changes so you stay within the terms of your agreement.

Can I get life insurance while pregnant?

It may be possible, but it depends on the insurer and on underwriting. Some insurers look closely at pregnancy-related health details. A licensed agent can tell you what to expect before you apply.