When does my life insurance policy actually begin?

The exact start date of a life insurance policy will depend on the specific terms of the policy and the insurance company. In general, life insurance policies typically have what is known as a "waiting period" or "incontestability period", which is a period of time after the policy is issued during which the insurer may contest a claim for certain reasons, such as if the insured provided false information on the application. Once the waiting period has expired, the life insurance policy is considered to be in effect and the insurer is obligated to pay out the death benefit if the insured were to pass away. Depending on the policy, the waiting period can be anywhere from 2 years to the entire length of the policy. In some cases, the start date of the life insurance policy may be retroactive to the date of the application or the date the first premium was paid, even if the waiting period has not yet expired. This is known as "backdating" the policy and is typically only allowed in certain circumstances, such as if the insured was in good health at the time of the application but was later diagnosed with a serious illness. It's important to carefully review the terms of your life insurance policy to understand when coverage begins and what the waiting period, if any, is. Additionally, it's important to make sure that you pay your premiums on time and keep your policy in force to ensure that you have the coverage you need when you need it.