---
title: Life Insurance for Children: Is It Worth It? | Coverfolk
url: https://coverfolk.com/coverage/child-life
updated: 2026-10-08
---

# Life insurance for children

Small, cheap and simple. Here is when it helps and when your money works harder somewhere else.

[How much do I need?](/calculator)

Updated October 8, 20264 sources[Fact checked](/editorial-standards)

The short answer

Child life insurance covers a child's life, either as its own policy or as a rider on a parent's policy. A child rider adds term coverage for your kids to your own policy.

## Who it fits

Parents or guardians who want some coverage on a child, often added to their own policy.

Who buys it
:   Parents and grandparents

Medical exam
:   SometimesDepends on age, amount and company

Ages
:   A child rider usually starts at 14 days old and ends at age 21 or 25 (Texas).

## What to know before you buy

**A rider is one easy way**

A children's rider adds term life for your kids. Most companies require the child to be at least 14 days old.

**Rider coverage ends**

Coverage on a child rider usually lasts until the child turns 21 or 25.

**Strict rules on who can buy**

In Washington, usually only parents or legal guardians can insure a child under 17. Others, like grandparents, need written consent from a parent.

**Older kids must sign**

In Washington, children 15 or older must sign the application.

**Coverage limits**

Companies can refuse if the amount is above their limit for children. They also compare it to coverage on siblings.

**Do not forget the parents**

The NAIC says to think about covering both parents, even a stay at home parent, because the family relies on them.

## Common questions

Who can buy life insurance on my child?

In Washington, usually only parents or legal guardians for kids under 17. A grandparent needs written consent from a parent.

How old does my baby need to be?

For a child rider, most companies require at least 14 days old.

Should I name my child as a beneficiary on my policy?

You can. The NAIC says if your kids are under 18, name a trustee to manage the money until they are adults.

Is there a limit on how much I can buy?

Yes. Companies set a top limit for children. New York also limits juvenile coverage by the child's age.

## Learn more

[**Is life insurance for kids worth it?**](/answers/life-insurance-for-kids-worth-it)[**What are life insurance riders?**](/answers/what-are-riders)

## Sources

1. [Texas Department of Insurance: Life insurance guide](https://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/consumer/cb018.html)
2. [Washington OIC: Who can take out a life insurance policy on children](https://www.insurance.wa.gov/insurance-resources/life-insurance/who-can-take-out-life-insurance-policy-children)
3. [NAIC: Baby on board changes insurance needs](https://content.naic.org/article/consumer-insight-baby-board-changes-insurance-needs)
4. [NY DFS: Types of life insurance policies](https://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumers/life_insurance/types_of_policies)

Other coverage

## Compare with the others

[Ages 50 to 85

### Final expense

Small whole life plans that pay for a funeral and last bills.

See final expense](/coverage/final-expense)[Ages 18 to 65

### Term life

The most coverage for the least money, for 10 to 30 years.

See term life](/coverage/term-life)[Any age

### Whole life

Coverage that lasts your whole life and builds cash value.

See whole life](/coverage/whole-life)