Life insurance for single mums
Key takeaways
- Single mothers can apply for life insurance, which may help support loved ones by covering expenses such as a home loan, car debts, education and ongoing family costs
- Different types of cover protect against different situations, so compare the policy details rather than price alone
- Your cover amount should reflect your financial commitments, available assets and the needs of your children
- Read the policy terms, including exclusions and limits, before you make a decision
When you’re raising a family on your own, you make plenty of decisions with both today and tomorrow in mind. Life insurance could be one of them.
Like anyone applying for life insurance, you’ll need to meet the insurer’s eligibility requirements for the cover you choose. Understanding your options now can make the decision feel a lot more manageable.
Here’s what life insurance for single mums could look like, what to consider when choosing insurance and the questions worth asking. You can also explore life insurance options from Real Insurance to learn more about how cover works.
Why do single mums need life insurance?
Life insurance can be worth considering when children or other family members depend on you financially. Moneysmart also suggests considering life cover where you have significant debts like a mortgage.
Some of the main considerations for a single mum include:
- Financial support for children: A life insurance benefit could help the people caring for your children meet ongoing costs if you die
- Debt and mortgage support: When your beneficiaries receive a payout, the money can go towards a mortgage or other debts, reducing the financial commitments your family needs to manage
- Planning for future costs: Childcare, schooling and everyday living expenses can continue for years, so these costs may form part of your calculation when considering an appropriate level of cover. A life insurance calculator can help you estimate your needs by considering factors such as debts, your mortgage, education expenses, ongoing living costs and available assets
- Peace of mind: Having a plan in place may give you greater confidence that financial support could be available to your family if a covered event occurs
Keep reading:
Types of life insurance options available for single mums
Life insurance for single parents, including single mums, doesn’t require a special type of policy. You can consider all types of cover available and compare the features and benefits that matter to you.
- Real Life Insurance: This cover provides a lump-sum benefit if you pass away or are diagnosed with a terminal illness, subject to the policy terms. You can apply for between $100,000 and $2 million of cover, depending on your circumstances
- Term Life Insurance: This fixed-term policy expires after 20 years or at age 85, whichever comes first, with cover amounts available from $10,000 up to $100,000
- Serious Illness Insurance: This optional cover can provide financial support if you’re diagnosed with a defined serious illness, such as certain cancers, heart attack or stroke. You can add this optional insurance to your Real Life Insurance policy if you’re an Australian resident aged between 18 and 59
- Children’s Insurance: This optional cover can be added to your Real Life Insurance policy for children aged 2–17. It can provide a lump-sum benefit if an insured child experiences a defined illness or injury, or passes away
- Life Cover for Self Managed Super Funds (SMSF): Australian residents aged 18 to 64 who are members of an SMSF can apply for this cover
Keep reading:
What other insurance cover could single mums consider?
Life insurance generally addresses death or terminal illness, while other insurance products cover different financial risks. For example, income protection insurance may replace part of your income if illness or injury prevents you from working, subject to the policy’s eligibility requirements, waiting period and other conditions. Moneysmart recommends comparing these features carefully.
Choosing the right life insurance policy as a single mum
Choosing cover as a solo parent involves more than comparing the benefit amount or starting premium. Begin with what your family may need, then compare how each policy works.
Keep reading: What may affect life insurance premiums and eligibility?
Decide how much life insurance cover you need
A useful starting point is your mortgage or rent, other debts, ongoing household costs, education expenses and how long your children may rely on financial support. Then factor in existing savings, superannuation, investments and other insurance.
Learn more: Life insurance calculator
Compare your preferred life insurance policies
Once you have an idea of what you may need, look at how different policies could suit your circumstances.
Consider the benefit amount, premiums, length of cover, what’s covered, exclusions, benefit limits and any optional cover available. Check how premiums may change over time and what options are available if your circumstances change.
Review policy exclusions and waiting periods
Before choosing a policy, take time to understand any exclusions or limitations that could affect when a benefit is payable.
For example, Real Life Insurance excludes death or terminal illness caused by intentional self-inflicted injury within the first 13 months of cover. Certain Serious Illness and Children’s Insurance claims also have exclusions relating to conditions that first become apparent during the first three months of cover.
These conditions vary between policies, so check the current Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand what applies to the cover you’re considering.
Other considerations for single mums
Beyond the type and amount of cover, it’s also worth thinking about who would receive the benefit and how premiums could change over time.
Choosing your beneficiary
A beneficiary is the person you nominate to receive the applicable benefit if you pass away. With Real Life Insurance, a policyowner can nominate up to five beneficiaries. If a beneficiary is under 18 when payment is made, that payment will be made to the minor’s legal guardian or a trust for their benefit.
Family and estate arrangements can be complex, so consider legal or financial advice where needed.
Life insurance costs and premiums
Life insurance premiums can be influenced by factors such as age, smoking status, benefit amount, and health and lifestyle factors. Some policies use stepped premiums, which rise as you get older. The way premiums change will vary by policy.
When comparing policies, look at how premiums may change over time, not just what they cost when you first take out cover.
Explore cover options for you and your family
Life insurance for single mums starts with understanding the financial commitments that matter to your family and considering the level and type of cover that may suit your needs.
Real Insurance offers several life insurance options for Australians. Explore life insurance options or request a quote today.
Frequently asked questions
Can single mums get life insurance?
Yes. Being a single mum doesn’t prevent you from applying for life insurance. As with any applicant, you’ll need to meet the eligibility requirements of the policy you apply for.
Why should single mums consider life insurance?
Life insurance may help provide financial support for your children or other dependants if you pass away or are diagnosed with a terminal illness. A benefit could help support your loved ones with costs such as housing, debts, education and ongoing living expenses.
How much life insurance cover might a single mum need?
The amount of cover you may need will depend on factors such as your mortgage or rent, other debts, household expenses, education costs and how long your children may rely on financial support. It can also help to consider savings, superannuation, investments and any other insurance you already have.
Is life insurance different for single mums?
No special type of life insurance is required for single mums or single parents. You can consider the same types of cover available to other eligible Australians and compare the features, benefits and policy terms that suit your circumstances.
What should single mums compare when choosing life insurance?
Look beyond the benefit amount and starting premium. Compare factors such as the length of cover, events covered, exclusions, benefit limits, optional cover and how premiums may change over time.
23 Sept 2026