Just Got Married? 5 Insurance Changes You Need to Make

Getting married is one of the biggest financial shifts you'll ever make. Here are five insurance moves to make now — before life gets ahead of you.

Congratulations — you just got married. Between the honeymoon planning and the thank-you cards, insurance is probably the last thing on your mind. But getting married is one of the biggest financial shifts you'll ever make, and your coverage needs to keep up.

Marriage is a qualifying life event, which means you have 60 days to make changes to your health insurance outside of open enrollment. This is your window to evaluate both plans side by side. Sometimes one spouse's employer plan is significantly better or cheaper. Other times, keeping separate plans makes more sense. Don't assume — compare the deductibles, premiums, networks, and out-of-pocket maximums.

When you were single, life insurance might not have been a priority. Now someone depends on your income. If you're sharing a mortgage, car payments, or any debt, life insurance makes sure your spouse isn't stuck holding the bill if something happens to you. Term life insurance is affordable and straightforward — and the younger and healthier you are when you get it, the cheaper it is.

This is the one almost everyone forgets. If you had life insurance, a 401(k), or an IRA before getting married, your beneficiary might still be a parent, a sibling, or even an ex. Updating your beneficiary designations takes five minutes and ensures your spouse is protected. Check every policy and account — not just insurance.

If you're merging households, it's a perfect time to combine auto policies and look into bundling with renters or homeowners insurance. Most carriers offer multi-policy discounts that can save you hundreds per year. It's also a good time to make sure your coverage limits match your actual assets — a lot of newlyweds are underinsured without realizing it.

Nobody likes talking about this one, but it matters. If either of you were unable to work due to illness or injury, could you cover all your bills on one income? Disability insurance replaces a portion of your paycheck if you can't work. Many employers offer basic coverage, but it's often not enough. It's worth reviewing what you have and whether you need to supplement it.

Start Your Marriage on Solid Ground

You don't have to figure all of this out alone. A quick insurance review can help you and your spouse understand where you're covered, where the gaps are, and what to prioritize first.