Planning basics
Leaving your job? What happens to your work life insurance
Before you leave a job, get the date your group life insurance ends and any portability or conversion paperwork.
Those rights have deadlines of their own, separate from any decision to apply for new coverage.
Who this is for
- Employees changing jobs or retiring
- People leaving to start a business
- Anyone whose group policy satisfies a divorce order or a loan
Portability and conversion aren’t the same
| Option | What it generally means | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Portability | Keep group-style term coverage after leaving, paying the premium yourself | Availability, cost, how long it lasts |
| Conversion | Convert group coverage to an individual policy, often permanent | Product options, pricing, election deadline |
| New individual policy | Apply for fresh coverage | Health and financial underwriting; timing |
Applying for new coverage doesn’t pause the group deadline
If you’re applying for an individual policy, still meet any portability or conversion election deadline until the new policy is issued and in force.
Before your last day
| Get this | From |
|---|---|
| Coverage end date | HR / benefits |
| Portability and conversion forms | HR or the insurer |
| Election deadlines | The notice or certificate |
| Current beneficiaries | Benefits portal |
| New employer’s coverage details | New employer |
What to bring to the review
- Your group certificate
- Employer termination notice and election forms
- Deadlines
- Current beneficiaries
- Any order or loan that relies on this coverage
Mistakes that cost people later
- × Assuming an individual application extends the group deadline.
- × Missing the election window.
- × Forgetting that a divorce order or loan relies on the group coverage.
Questions people ask
Does my work life insurance end when I leave?+
Usually, yes. Check the end date in your certificate or termination notice.
Is portability the same as conversion?+
No. Portability continues group-style term coverage; conversion moves you to an individual policy.
Can I keep it without another exam?+
Conversion often doesn’t require new medical evidence, but your plan decides.
What happens if I miss the election deadline?+
You may lose the right to port or convert. Ask HR immediately.
Should I buy individual coverage before leaving?+
Often it’s worth starting while you still have group coverage to fall back on.
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Kevin Brown, licensed New Jersey insurance producer (#3003694894)
Kevin Brown Insurance Agency, South Plainfield, NJ. You work with Kevin directly on every life case. Updated November 2026.
Coverage, policy features, premiums and underwriting requirements depend on the insurer, product, applicant and state availability. Approval is not guaranteed. Illustrations are not promises of future performance. Kevin Brown Insurance Agency does not provide medical, legal or tax advice. Consult your attorney or CPA about your circumstances.