June has long been known as wedding season. Across Los Angeles, from beach ceremonies in Santa Monica and Malibu to elegant celebrations in Brentwood and Pacific Palisades, thousands of couples are beginning a new chapter together.
Between planning the wedding, taking a honeymoon, combining households, and adjusting to married life, insurance may be one of the last things on your mind. However, getting married is one of the most important qualifying life events when it comes to both health insurance and life insurance.
If you recently got married, you may have a limited time to update your health insurance. Explore new coverage options, and make sure your spouse is financially protected.
What Is a Qualifying Life Event?
A qualifying life event (QLE) is a change in your life circumstances that allows you to enroll in or make changes to your health insurance coverage outside of the annual Open Enrollment period. These events trigger a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), typically giving you 60 days from the date of the event to select or update your coverage.
Marriage is recognized as a qualifying life event by the Health Insurance Marketplace, Covered California, and most employer-sponsored insurance plans. This means that when you get married, you have a window of opportunity to:
- Add your spouse to your existing health plan
- Join your spouse’s employer-sponsored plan
- Enroll together in a new individual or family plan through the Marketplace
- Review and update your life insurance beneficiaries and coverage amounts
Health Insurance Options After Marriage
After your wedding, review the health insurance options available to you and your spouse.
1. Stay on Your Own Plan
If both you and your spouse already have coverage through your employers, you may choose to keep your individual plans. It’s worth comparing the costs and benefits of both plans to determine what makes the most financial sense for your household.
2. Add Your Spouse to Your Employer Plan
Marriage qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period with your employer. You can add your spouse to your plan within 30–60 days of your wedding date. Be sure to check the deadline with your HR department, as employer SEP windows can be shorter than Marketplace windows.
3. Enroll Through Covered California or the Health Insurance Marketplace
If neither of you has employer-sponsored coverage — or if you’re self-employed — marriage allows you to enroll in a Marketplace health insurance plan. Depending on your combined household income, you may qualify for a federal subsidy that significantly reduces your monthly premiums.
4. Explore Supplemental Insurance
Now that you’re building a life together, it may also be a good time to consider supplemental insurance options such as accident coverage, critical illness insurance, or hospital indemnity plans to provide an additional financial safety net beyond your primary health plan.
Why Marriage Is Also a Key Moment for Life Insurance
Marriage isn’t just a trigger for health insurance changes — it’s also one of the most important times to review, update, or purchase life insurance. Here’s why:
- Protect your spouse financially: Life insurance can provide your spouse with financial support if something unexpected happens to you.
- Help cover shared debts and expenses: If you have a mortgage, car loan, credit card debt, or other shared expenses, life insurance can help pay those costs and reduce the financial burden on your spouse.
- Lower premiums when you’re young and healthy: Life insurance premiums are typically lower when you’re younger and in good health. Getting coverage now locks in better rates.
- Update your beneficiaries: If you already have life insurance, marriage is the perfect time to update your beneficiary designations to include your spouse.
Not sure how much life insurance you need? Use our life insurance calculator to get a personalized estimate, or explore our guide to buying life insurance to understand your options.
Don’t Miss Your Enrollment Window
Time is critical when it comes to qualifying life events. For Covered California and Marketplace plans, you generally have 60 days from the date of your marriage to enroll. For employer-sponsored plans, the window may be shorter — often 30 days. Missing this deadline could mean waiting until the next Open Enrollment period, which may leave you or your spouse without adequate coverage.
Key steps to take right away:
- Notify your employer’s HR department of your marriage
- Compare both spouses’ plan options side by side
- Check if you qualify for a federal subsidy through the Marketplace
- Review and update your life insurance coverage and beneficiaries
- Contact an insurance professional to help you compare all your options
Final Thoughts
Marriage is a beautiful new beginning — and making sure you and your spouse are properly covered is one of the best ways to protect that future together. Whether you need to update your health insurance, secure a new life insurance policy, or explore supplemental coverage options, now is the perfect time to act.
Recently married? Don’t wait — your Special Enrollment Period window is limited. Get your free health insurance quote or get your life insurance quote today. You can also contact our team to explore your options and find coverage that fits your new life together.