When Does A Life Insurance Policy Become Effective? 
The timing of life insurance becoming effective depends on a few things . If you apply for life insurance and submit the minimum initial premium with the application , the company 's `` conditional receipt '' will determine when the coverage begins . Each company 's terms will be a little different . If you applied for the insurance without submitting any premium , the coverage usually would n't begin until after the application is approved and you submit the initial premium . 