Life Insurance for Union Members: The Complete 2026 Guide to Union Plus Benefits, Rates, and Enrollment

If you’re a union member, you already know the power of collective bargaining — better wages, stronger benefits, and workplace protections that non-union workers simply don’t have. But one of the most overlooked perks of union membership is access to life insurance for union members at group rates that can be significantly lower than what you’d find on the open market. Whether you’re a Teamster, a UAW autoworker, an AFSCME public employee, or a member of any AFL-CIO-affiliated union, there are exclusive life insurance programs designed specifically for you and your family.

In this comprehensive 2026 guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about life insurance for union members: how the AFL-CIO Union Plus program works, what rates you can expect at different ages, which carriers serve the labor movement, how strike protection waivers function, and how to enroll in coverage that protects your loved ones without breaking your budget.

What Is Life Insurance for Union Members?

Life insurance for union members refers to supplemental group-term life insurance policies offered exclusively to active and retired union members through programs negotiated by labor organizations. The most prominent of these is the AFL-CIO Union Plus Benefits Program, which has provided insurance, financial services, and consumer discounts to union families for over 30 years. Because these plans are purchased in bulk on behalf of millions of union households, the premiums are typically 10% to 12% lower than comparable individual policies sold on the standard market.

Unlike employer-provided group life insurance — which you lose if you change jobs, get laid off, or retire — union-sponsored life insurance stays with you as long as you maintain your union membership and pay your premiums. This portability is one of the key advantages that makes life insurance for union members a valuable supplement to any workplace coverage you may already have.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, group life insurance is one of the most common employee benefits in America, but union-negotiated plans often include provisions — like strike waivers and layoff protections — that standard employer plans do not offer.

The AFL-CIO Union Plus Life Insurance Program: An Overview

The flagship offering for life insurance for union members is the Union Plus Term-to-70 Life Insurance Plan, administered through the AFL-CIO’s Union Plus Benefits program. This plan is available to dues-paying members of AFL-CIO-affiliated unions, as well as retired members, their spouses, and dependent children in many cases. Here are the core features that set it apart:

• Coverage amounts from $25,000 to $200,000 — You can choose the level of protection that fits your family’s needs, with no requirement to prove financial need beyond the policy maximum.
• No medical exam required — Unlike many individual term life policies that require blood work, urine samples, and a paramedical exam, the Union Plus plan uses simplified underwriting. Most members qualify based on a short health questionnaire. This is similar to no medical exam life insurance options available on the broader market, but at group-negotiated rates.
• Rates up to 12% lower than standard market rates — Because the AFL-CIO negotiates on behalf of millions of union households, the group purchasing power translates directly into lower monthly premiums.
• Coverage lasts until age 70 — The Term-to-70 structure means your premiums are level and your coverage remains in force until you reach age 70, at which point the policy terminates. This aligns with the period when most families have paid off mortgages, finished funding college, and accumulated retirement savings.
• Strike and layoff waivers — If you’re participating in a union-sanctioned strike or are involuntarily laid off, your premiums may be waived for up to three months while your coverage remains fully in force.
• Spouse and child coverage available — You can extend protection to your spouse (up to $50,000) and dependent children (up to $10,000) under the same program.
• Accidental death benefit included — The plan includes an accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) rider at no additional cost, which pays an additional benefit equal to the face amount if death results from a covered accident.

Union Plus Term-to-70 Life Insurance Rates for 2026

One of the most common questions union members ask is: “How much does life insurance for union members actually cost?” The answer depends on your age and the coverage amount you select. Below is the official 2026 rate table for the Union Plus Term-to-70 plan, showing monthly premiums for the most popular coverage tiers.

Table 1: Union Plus Term-to-70 Monthly Premiums by Age and Coverage Amount (2026 Rates)

Age Bracket	$25,000 Coverage	$50,000 Coverage	$100,000 Coverage	$200,000 Coverage
Under 50	$5.75/mo	$11.50/mo	$23.00/mo	$46.00/mo
50–54	$8.20/mo	$16.40/mo	$32.80/mo	$65.60/mo
55–59	$13.35/mo	$26.70/mo	$53.40/mo	$106.80/mo
60–64	$21.45/mo	$42.90/mo	$85.80/mo	$171.60/mo
65–69	$33.95/mo	$67.90/mo	$135.80/mo	$271.60/mo

Note: Rates shown are for non-tobacco users. Tobacco users typically pay approximately 20–25% more. All rates are subject to change and should be verified at the time of application. Coverage terminates at age 70.

To put these numbers in perspective, a 55-year-old union member can secure $100,000 in coverage for just $53.40 per month — roughly the cost of a weekly takeout dinner. Compare that to standard individual term life insurance rates in 2026, where a healthy 55-year-old might pay $65 to $75 per month for the same coverage amount. The union discount is real and measurable.

How Union Life Insurance Works: Enrollment, Underwriting, and Claims

Understanding the mechanics of life insurance for union members helps you make an informed decision. Here’s how the process works from start to finish:

Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility

To qualify for the Union Plus Term-to-70 plan, you must be a dues-paying member in good standing of an AFL-CIO-affiliated union. This covers the vast majority of labor unions in the United States, including the United Auto Workers (UAW), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), United Steelworkers (USW), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and hundreds of others. Retired members who maintain their union affiliation are also eligible. Spouses and dependent children can be covered under a member’s policy, even if they are not union members themselves.

Step 2: Choose Your Coverage Amount

You can select any coverage amount between $25,000 and $200,000 in increments of $5,000. When deciding how much coverage to buy, consider your outstanding debts (mortgage, car loans, credit cards), your children’s future education costs, your spouse’s income needs, and final expenses. Many union members use this supplemental coverage to fill the gap between their employer-provided life insurance (often 1–2x annual salary) and their actual family protection needs.

Step 3: Complete the Simplified Application

Unlike traditional individually underwritten policies, the Union Plus plan uses a simplified issue process. You’ll answer a handful of health questions — typically about serious conditions like cancer, heart disease, or stroke within the past two to five years — but you won’t need to submit to a medical exam, blood draw, or urine test. Most healthy union members are approved within days. This streamlined process is one reason why life insurance for union members is so accessible compared to the standard market.

Step 4: Pay Premiums and Maintain Coverage

Premiums are typically paid monthly via automatic bank draft or credit card. As long as you continue paying, your coverage remains in force until age 70. If you miss a payment, there’s usually a 31-day grace period. And critically, if you’re on a union-sanctioned strike or involuntarily laid off, you can apply for a premium waiver of up to three months — a benefit virtually unheard of in standard life insurance policies.

Step 5: Beneficiaries File a Claim

When the insured member passes away, the designated beneficiary contacts the plan administrator, submits a certified death certificate, and completes a claim form. The death benefit is typically paid within 30 days of receiving all required documentation. The benefit is generally income-tax-free to the beneficiary under current federal law.

Top Carriers Providing Life Insurance for Union Members in 2026

Several insurance carriers specialize in serving the labor movement. While the Union Plus program is the most widely recognized, it’s not the only option. Here’s a comparison of the major carriers offering life insurance for union members in 2026:

Table 2: Comparison of Carriers Serving Union Members (2026)

Carrier	Program Name	Max Coverage	Medical Exam?	Strike Waiver?	AM Best Rating
Union Plus (AFL-CIO)	Term-to-70	$200,000	No	Yes (3 months)	A (Excellent)
American Income Life	Union Member Term	$100,000	No	Yes (varies)	A (Excellent)
Ullico Select	Union Secure Term	$250,000	Yes (over $100K)	No	A (Excellent)
Voya Financial	NCL Group Term	$150,000	No	No	A (Excellent)

Financial strength ratings sourced from AM Best, the leading insurance credit rating agency. An “A” (Excellent) rating indicates a strong ability to meet ongoing policyholder obligations.

American Income Life Insurance Company has been the largest provider of supplemental life insurance to labor union members for decades, with a distribution model built around in-home presentations by union-endorsed agents. Ullico Select (Union Labor Life Insurance Company) was founded by the AFL-CIO itself and offers products tailored specifically to the union workforce, including higher coverage limits for those willing to undergo a medical exam. Voya Financial serves union members through the National Congress of Labor (NCL) enrollment platform, offering group-term coverage with simplified underwriting.

When evaluating carriers, always check their financial strength rating through AM Best and review the policy’s full terms before enrolling. For a broader look at top-rated insurers across all categories, see our guide to the best life insurance companies of 2026.

Strike Protection and Layoff Waivers: A Union-Exclusive Benefit

One of the most powerful features of life insurance for union members is the strike and layoff protection built into many union-sponsored plans. Here’s how it works and why it matters:

Strike Waiver Provisions

Under the Union Plus Term-to-70 plan, if you are participating in a union-sanctioned strike that lasts more than 30 days, you can apply to have your life insurance premiums waived for up to three consecutive months. During this waiver period, your full death benefit remains in force — meaning your family is still protected even while you’re on the picket line and not receiving a paycheck.

This is a critical protection. During major labor actions — like the 2023 UAW stand-up strike against the Big Three automakers, which lasted over six weeks — striking workers faced significant financial pressure. Knowing that their life insurance wouldn’t lapse because of missed premium payments provided genuine peace of mind during an already stressful time.

Involuntary Layoff Protection

Similar waiver provisions apply if you are involuntarily laid off from your job. If the layoff extends beyond 30 days, you can request a premium waiver for up to three months. This ensures that a temporary job loss doesn’t create a permanent gap in your family’s financial safety net.

These protections are rooted in the core mission of the labor movement — ensuring that workers and their families aren’t left vulnerable during the very moments when collective action or economic downturns put them at risk. The National Labor Relations Board protects workers’ rights to engage in concerted activities, and union-negotiated benefits like strike waivers are a direct extension of those protections into the insurance realm.

Types of Life Insurance Plans Available to Union Members

While the Term-to-70 plan is the most popular option, life insurance for union members comes in several forms. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right coverage:

1. Group Term Life Insurance (Term-to-70)

This is the core Union Plus offering. It provides pure death benefit protection with level premiums until age 70. There is no cash value accumulation — you’re paying strictly for the death benefit. This is the most affordable option and the best choice for most union members who need maximum coverage at minimum cost during their working and child-rearing years.

2. Whole Life Insurance for Union Members

Some carriers, including American Income Life, offer small whole life policies (typically $5,000 to $25,000) to union members. These policies accumulate cash value over time and provide lifetime coverage — they don’t expire at age 70. However, the premiums are significantly higher per dollar of coverage compared to term insurance. These smaller whole life policies are often used as burial insurance or final expense coverage, ensuring that end-of-life costs don’t burden surviving family members.

3. Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D)

Many union life insurance plans include an AD&D rider at no extra cost. This pays an additional benefit (often equal to the base policy amount) if the insured’s death results from a covered accident. Some plans also pay a portion of the benefit for specific injuries, such as loss of a limb or eyesight. While AD&D is not a substitute for comprehensive life insurance, it’s a valuable add-on — especially for union members in physically demanding trades like construction, manufacturing, and transportation.

4. Dependent Life Insurance

Union Plus and other programs allow members to purchase smaller policies on their spouses (typically up to $50,000) and dependent children (up to $10,000). Spouse coverage is particularly important for dual-income households where the loss of either partner’s income would create financial strain. Child coverage, while modest, can help cover funeral expenses and provide a financial cushion during an unimaginably difficult time.

How to Enroll in Life Insurance for Union Members

Enrolling in life insurance for union members is straightforward, but the process varies slightly depending on which program you choose. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Confirm your union affiliation. Make sure you’re a dues-paying member in good standing. You’ll typically need your union name, local number, and membership ID to complete the application.
2. Visit the Union Plus Benefits website or contact your union’s benefits administrator. Many unions have dedicated benefits coordinators who can walk you through the available plans and help you compare options.
3. Determine your coverage needs. Use a needs analysis approach: add up your outstanding debts, future obligations (like college tuition), and income replacement needs, then subtract any existing coverage you already have through your employer or individual policies.
4. Complete the online or paper application. For the Union Plus plan, you’ll answer a short set of health questions. Be honest — material misrepresentation can result in a denied claim later.
5. Designate your beneficiaries. Name primary and contingent beneficiaries. You can name multiple beneficiaries and specify the percentage each receives. Review these designations annually or after major life events (marriage, divorce, birth of a child).
6. Set up premium payments. Most plans use automatic monthly bank drafts. Ensure your payment method is reliable to avoid coverage lapses.
7. Receive your policy documents. Once approved, you’ll receive a policy certificate outlining all terms, conditions, exclusions, and beneficiary designations. Store this in a safe place and share the details with your beneficiaries.

Union Life Insurance vs. Standard Market: What Makes It Different?

If you’re weighing life insurance for union members against buying a policy on the open market, here are the key differentiators that tilt the scales in favor of union-sponsored plans:

• Group purchasing power = lower rates. The AFL-CIO negotiates rates on behalf of millions of members. Individual buyers don’t have that leverage. The 10–12% discount is real and compounds over the life of the policy.
• No medical exam. Most individually underwritten term policies for coverage above $50,000 require a paramedical exam. Union plans use simplified underwriting, which is faster, less invasive, and more accessible for members with minor health conditions. For more on this topic, see our guide to no medical exam life insurance.
• Strike and layoff waivers. No standard individual policy offers premium waivers for labor strikes or involuntary layoffs. This is a union-exclusive protection that reflects the realities of working-class life.
• Portability. Unlike employer-provided group life insurance, union coverage stays with you when you change jobs, get laid off, or retire — as long as you maintain your union membership.
• Solidarity and mission alignment. Carriers like Ullico and American Income Life are labor-friendly institutions. Ullico was literally founded by the AFL-CIO. Your premium dollars support organizations that align with labor values.

That said, union-sponsored plans do have limitations. The $200,000 maximum on the Union Plus Term-to-70 plan may not be sufficient for high-income earners or those with large mortgages. In such cases, you might use the union plan as supplemental coverage and purchase additional individually underwritten term insurance on the open market. For help deciding between term and permanent coverage, try our whole life vs. term break-even calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions About Life Insurance for Union Members

Below are answers to the most common questions union members have when researching their life insurance options:

Do union members automatically get life insurance?

No. Life insurance for union members is not automatic — you must actively enroll. Union membership makes you eligible for exclusive group-rate plans, but coverage doesn’t begin until you complete an application, answer the health questions, and start paying premiums. Some unions do provide a small amount of free or low-cost life insurance as a membership benefit (often $2,000 to $5,000 in AD&D coverage), but meaningful protection requires voluntary enrollment in a plan like Union Plus Term-to-70.

How much does union life insurance cost?

Costs vary by age and coverage amount. For the Union Plus Term-to-70 plan in 2026, a member under age 50 pays approximately $5.75 per month for $25,000 in coverage, while a member aged 60–64 pays $21.45 per month for the same amount. For $100,000 in coverage, monthly premiums range from about $23.00 (under 50) to $135.80 (ages 65–69). These rates are typically 10–12% lower than comparable individually underwritten term policies. See the full rate table above for detailed pricing by age bracket.

What makes the Union Plus plan different from regular life insurance?

Three features set the Union Plus plan apart: (1) group-negotiated rates that are up to 12% below standard market pricing, (2) no medical exam requirement — you qualify through a simplified health questionnaire rather than blood work and a physical, and (3) strike and layoff premium waivers that protect your coverage for up to three months during union-sanctioned strikes or involuntary job losses. Standard individual policies offer none of these protections.

Can I keep my union life insurance if I change jobs?

Yes. This is one of the major advantages of life insurance for union members. Unlike employer-provided group life insurance — which typically ends when your employment ends — union-sponsored coverage is tied to your union membership, not your job. As long as you remain a dues-paying member of your union (or a retired member maintaining affiliation), your coverage continues. This portability is especially valuable in industries like construction and manufacturing, where workers frequently move between employers.

What happens to my union life insurance when I retire?

If you retire and maintain your union membership (many unions offer retired member status with reduced dues), you can typically keep your Union Plus Term-to-70 coverage until age 70. After age 70, the term policy expires. At that point, you may want to consider a small burial insurance or final expense policy to cover end-of-life costs, since your mortgage may be paid off and your children likely financially independent by then.

Is union life insurance enough, or do I need additional coverage?

For many union members, the $200,000 maximum available through Union Plus is sufficient supplemental coverage — especially when combined with employer-provided group life insurance (often 1–2x annual salary). However, if you have a large mortgage, multiple children heading to college, or a non-working spouse who depends on your income for decades to come, you may need more. In that case, consider using the union plan as a foundation and layering additional individually underwritten term insurance on top. A good rule of thumb is to aim for total coverage equal to 10–12x your annual income.

Can my spouse and children get coverage through my union plan?

Yes. The Union Plus program allows you to purchase coverage for your spouse (up to $50,000) and dependent children (up to $10,000 per child). Spouse coverage uses simplified underwriting similar to the member application. Child coverage is typically guaranteed issue — no health questions asked. These dependent policies are an affordable way to extend your family’s protection under the same group-rate umbrella.

Watch: Understanding Life Insurance Basics

Before making any life insurance decision, it helps to understand the fundamentals. The video below provides a clear, straightforward explanation of how life insurance works, the difference between term and permanent coverage, and how to determine how much protection your family needs.

Key Takeaways: Is Life Insurance for Union Members Right for You?

After reviewing all the details, here’s a summary of who stands to benefit most from life insurance for union members and when you might want to look elsewhere:

Union Life Insurance Is an Excellent Fit If:

• You’re a dues-paying union member looking for affordable supplemental coverage beyond what your employer provides.
• You want to avoid the hassle and invasiveness of a medical exam — the simplified underwriting process is fast and straightforward.
• You value the strike and layoff protections that no standard policy offers.
• You need coverage in the $25,000 to $200,000 range, which is the sweet spot for the Union Plus Term-to-70 plan.
• You want portable coverage that stays with you regardless of job changes.
• You’re between ages 30 and 60, when the rates are most competitive and the need for income replacement is highest.

You May Need Additional or Alternative Coverage If:

• You need more than $200,000 in total coverage — consider layering an individually underwritten term policy on top of your union plan.
• You want lifetime (permanent) coverage that doesn’t expire at age 70 — explore whole life or universal life options, though they’ll cost significantly more.
• You have serious health conditions that may not pass even simplified underwriting — in that case, guaranteed issue policies (which accept everyone but have lower benefits and higher premiums) may be your best path.
• You’re not a union member — these programs are exclusively for union-affiliated individuals. Non-union workers should explore standard term life insurance rates or no-exam policies on the open market.

Final Thoughts on Life Insurance for Union Members in 2026

The labor movement has fought for generations to secure dignity, safety, and economic security for working people. Life insurance for union members is a direct extension of that mission — it’s collective bargaining applied to family financial protection. The Union Plus Term-to-70 plan, along with offerings from American Income Life, Ullico, and Voya, gives union households access to affordable coverage with features that simply don’t exist in the standard insurance marketplace.

If you’re a union member without life insurance — or with only the basic coverage your employer provides — now is the time to act. Rates are locked in at the age you apply, so every year you wait means higher premiums. A 45-year-old union member can secure $100,000 in coverage for around $23 per month. That same member at age 60 would pay nearly four times as much for the same benefit.

Take 15 minutes this week to check your eligibility, calculate your coverage needs, and submit an application. Your family’s financial security is worth it. For help comparing all your options — union-sponsored and otherwise — explore our guide to the best life insurance companies of 2026 and use our whole life vs. term break-even calculator to make an informed decision.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice. Rates, terms, and eligibility requirements are subject to change. Always verify current plan details directly with the program administrator before enrolling. Life insurance policies contain exclusions, limitations, and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. Consult with a licensed insurance professional for personalized guidance.