---
title: Life Insurance for Union Members | Coverfolk
url: https://coverfolk.com/jobs/union-members
updated: 2026-10-08
---

# Life insurance for union Members

Many unions give members a life benefit through a benefit fund. That is a big plus.

[Find my coverage gap](/jobs/union-members/calculator)

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

**14.7 million**14.7 million union members, 10.0% of wage and salary workers (2025)[Source: Union Members Summary, 2025](https://www.bls.gov/news.release/union2.nr0.htm)

[### union members coverage calculator

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## Why it matters

But that coverage is tied to the fund. If you leave the trade, retire, or lose fund coverage, it can end or shrink.

You often get a short window to keep it, about 31 days. A plan you own is a backup that does not depend on your hours or your local.

* BLS says the union membership rate was 10.0% in 2025. There were 14.7 million union members.
* For full time workers, the union membership rate was 10.9% in 2025.
* MetLife says your group life coverage ends when you leave your job. You can sometimes keep it by porting or converting it.
* MetLife says you generally have 31 days from when your benefits end to keep your coverage.
* One Teamsters benefit fund pays $25,000 when an active member dies, but only $5,000 for a retired member.
* That same fund lets members who lose fund coverage convert to their own MetLife policy within 31 days. No health proof is needed, but you pay the full price.

## What an insurer may ask you

Have these ready. Being honest up front gets you a real price and avoids problems at claim time.

* How much life coverage does your union fund give you?
* What happens to it if you retire or stop working in the trade?
* Do you know your 31 day window rules?
* Is the fund amount enough for your family and your debts?
* Who depends on your income?

## Common questions

Does my union life insurance end if I leave?

It can. Group life is tied to the fund or job. When you lose it, you often get about 31 days to port or convert it.

What is porting vs converting?

Porting keeps it as term coverage, and the price can change over time. Converting turns it into whole life with no health questions, and the price stays the same.

Is my union benefit enough?

Check the amount. One Teamsters fund pays $25,000 for active members. Many families need more to cover a home loan and years of lost pay.

Why get my own plan if I have union coverage?

Your own plan stays with you no matter your hours, local or job. It can sit on top of what the fund gives you.

## Coverage people in this job pick

[**Term life: The most coverage for the least money, for 10 to 30 years.**](/coverage/term-life)[**Mortgage protection: Life insurance sized to your home loan, so the house stays paid.**](/coverage/mortgage-protection)[**Final expense: Small whole life plans that pay for a funeral and last bills.**](/coverage/final-expense)[**Does my job change what I pay for life insurance?**](/answers/does-my-job-affect-life-insurance)[**Is the life insurance from my job enough?**](/answers/work-life-insurance-enough)[**How much life insurance do I need?**](/answers/how-much-life-insurance-do-i-need)

## Sources

1. [Union Members Summary, 2025 (BLS, released Feb 18, 2026)](https://www.bls.gov/news.release/union2.nr0.htm)
2. [Union Members Table 1, 2025 (BLS)](https://www.bls.gov/news.release/union2.t01.htm)
3. [Portability and Conversion for Life Insurance (MetLife)](https://www.metlife.com/info/wf/life-insurance/)
4. [Life Insurance Benefit (Teamsters Local 478 Benefit Funds)](https://local478.org/health/life-insurance-benefit)

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