Best life insurance companies of July 2024
“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.
“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.
BLUEPRINT
Updated 11:09 a.m. UTC July 1, 2024
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Protective is the best life insurance company of 2024. It tops our rating of the best companies for life insurance because of its competitive rates, history of solid portfolio performance and array of coverage options. Protective also has fewer customer complaints than the national average.
Pacific Life also gets 5 stars in our rating. It boasts many of the same benefits as Protective, including competitive rates and a low number of customer complaints. Pacific Life also has the best universal life insurance among insurers we analyzed.
The best life insurance companies of 2024
| COMPANY | BEST LIFE INSURANCE | TYPES OF LIFE INSURANCE OFFERED |
|---|---|---|
Best life insurance
| Term
Whole
Indexed universal
Variable universal
| |
Best universal life insurance
| Term
Universal
Indexed universal
Variable universal
| |
Best life insurance for customized coverage
| Term
Whole
Universal
Guaranteed issue
Final expense
| |
Best life insurance for living benefits
| Term
Whole
Indexed universal
Final expense
| |
Best term life insurance
| Term
Indexed universal
Variable universal
| |
Excellent for whole life insurance
| Term
Whole
Universal
Indexed universal
Variable universal
|
Why trust our life insurance experts
To help you find the best life insurance for your unique needs, our life insurance experts analyzed thousands of life insurance policies, evaluating data points that matter, such as rates, a company’s financial strength, policy features and customer complaints. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.
- 9,000+ life insurance policies evaluated.
- 38 million data points analyzed.
- 5 levels of fact-checking.
Top-rated life insurance companies
Why it’s the best
Protective is the best life insurance company, based on our in-depth analysis of its rates, historical portfolio performance, consumer complaints and array of coverage options.
Protective’s Classic Choice Term product offers term life insurance with 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, 30-, 35- or 40-year options and up to $50 million in coverage. It’s one of the few insurers to offer terms up to 40 years. Its rates for term coverage are also some of the lowest among insurers we analyzed.
Protective also offers a range of low-cost cash value life insurance policies, including whole life insurance, universal life insurance, indexed universal life insurance and variable universal life insurance.
Why it’s the best
Pacific Life customers can choose from multiple permanent life insurance options, including the best universal life insurance in our rating. It also sells variable universal and indexed universal life insurance but does not offer whole life insurance. Pacific Life also has competitively priced term life insurance.
Older applicants should also consider Pacific Life. While some companies have strict age limitations, Pacific Life offers greater flexibility. It offers term life coverage to people as old as 75, with a guaranteed renewable option until 95. Permanent policies are available with coverage up to age 121.
Why it’s the best
Corebridge Financial, formerly AIG, offers several term life insurance options that provide greater flexibility than other companies. For instance, you can customize your term length with Corebridge. If you only want life insurance coverage until you pay off your mortgage in 12 years, you can choose a 12-year term life insurance policy.
You can also opt for a renewable term life policy, which will extend or maintain your coverage at a reasonable rate without requiring a medical exam. And, you have the option to convert your term policy to a whole life insurance policy.
See our full Corebridge Financial life insurance review.
Why it’s the best
Most insurance companies let you customize your life insurance policy by adding riders, but often at an additional cost. Transamerica’s Trendsetter LB term life insurance policy includes three accelerated death benefits (ADB) at no extra cost: critical illness ADB, chronic illness ADB and terminal illness ADB. For an additional cost, you can also add a monthly disability income rider or disability waiver of premium rider. These benefits allow you to leverage your life insurance death benefit early under certain medical conditions.
Transamerica is also worth considering if you’re shopping for no-exam life insurance. Eligible applicants can apply for up to $2 million in coverage without a medical exam.
Why it’s the best
Symetra SwiftTerm has the most affordable term life insurance of policies we analyzed and gets the top score in our rating of the best term life insurance.
You can purchase a Symetra life insurance policy with an agent in minutes without needing a medical exam. Your policy will go into effect as soon as you make your first life insurance premium payment, so you can get coverage to protect your loved ones as soon as today.
Symetra Life also has two permanent life insurance options, allowing you to invest your cash value and potentially grow your money.
Why it’s the best
Penn Mutual has several life insurance options, including top-ranking whole life insurance. It also offers seven universal life insurance policies with a range of funds and securities you can invest in with your cash value. You can choose a policy that protects your assets, but it also has more aggressive options you can use to potentially grow your money faster.
Penn Mutual’s long-term portfolio performance is strong, and it has relatively low internal fees, so you keep more of your earnings.
See our full Penn Mutual life insurance review.
Methodology
To determine the best life insurance companies, our life insurance experts evaluated term life and permanent life insurance policies. To analyze term life insurance, we used our research and data provided by AccuQuote, a national online life insurance agency. For our cash value life insurance analysis, we used data provided by Veralytic, an independent publisher of life insurance research and analytics.
Each life insurance company included in our evaluation had the opportunity to earn up to 100 points based on the following factors:
If you’d like to dig in deeper, head over to our life insurance ratings methodology page.
Ethos
What you should know
If you’re looking for quick coverage and a large death benefit, consider Ethos Term Life. Eligible applicants can get instant approval and coverage for up to $2 million.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Policies up to $2 million available.
- Instant application approval.
Cons
- Can’t convert to permanent life insurance policy.
More details
Ethos example premiums for a 20-year term policy
Best life insurance companies for you
The best life insurance for you depends on your needs. We’ve analyzed life insurance companies and policies for the profiles below to help you find the best life insurance for your specific coverage requirements:
- Best term life insurance
- Best whole life insurance
- Best universal life insurance
- Best no-exam life insurance
- Best life insurance over 50
- Best life insurance for seniors
- Best life insurance for smokers
- Cheapest life insurance
Best term life insurance: Symetra
If you’re shopping for term coverage, get quotes from Symetra, which has the highest overall score in our best term life insurance companies rating. Pacific Life is also a top-ranked term life insurance company to consider.
Example monthly rates for a $250,000 term life insurance policy
| TERM LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY | AVERAGE MONTHLY RATE AT 30 | AVERAGE MONTHLY RATE AT 40 | AVERAGE MONTHLY RATE AT 50 | TERM LIFE INSURANCE RATING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Symetra, SwiftTerm
| $11
| $16
| $34
| 5.0 stars
|
Pacific Life, PL Promise Term
| $11
| $16
| $34
| 5.0 stars
|
Protective, Classic Choice Term
| $11
| $16
| $34
| 4.5 stars
|
Corebridge Financial, Select-a-Term
| $11
| $16
| $34
| 4.5 stars
|
Penn Mutual, Non-Convertible Term
| $12
| $16
| $37
| 4.5 stars
|
Midland National, Premier Term
| $12
| $17
| $36
| 4.0 stars
|
Legal & General America, OPTerm
| $11
| $16
| $34
| 4.0 stars
|
Transamerica, Trendsetter Super
| $12
| $16
| $34
| 4.0 stars
|
Best whole life insurance company: State Farm
Though it didn’t make the cut for our main best life insurance companies rating, State Farm earns the highest rating in our analysis of the best whole life insurance companies. If you’re in the market for whole life insurance, consider getting life insurance quotes from any of the insurers in the table to jump-start your search.
| WHOLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY | AM BEST FINANCIAL STRENGTH RATING | WHOLE LIFE INSURANCE RATING |
|---|---|---|
A++ (Superior)
| 5.0 stars
| |
A++ (Superior)
| 4.5 stars
| |
Ohio National
| A (Excellent)
| 4.5 stars
|
A+ (Superior)
| 3.5 stars
|
Best universal life insurance company: Pacific Life
Pacific Life has the best universal life insurance among the insurers we analyzed, based on critical metrics such as cost competitiveness, historical portfolio performance and cash value growth.
Universal life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance with flexible premiums and a cash value component. There are several types of universal life insurance, including indexed and variable universal life insurance.
| UNIVERSAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY | AM BEST FINANCIAL STRENGTH RATING | UNIVERSAL LIFE INSURANCE RATING |
|---|---|---|
Pacific Life
| A+ (Superior)
| 5.0 stars
|
Protective
| A+ (Superior)
| 5.0 stars
|
A+ (Superior)
| 4.5 stars
| |
Lincoln Financial
| A (Excellent)
| 4.5 stars
|
Guardian
| A++ (Superior)
| 4.5 stars
|
Mass Mutual
| A++ (Superior)
| 4.5 stars
|
A (Excellent)
| 4.0 stars
| |
A+ (Superior)
| 4.0 stars
| |
A+ (Superior)
| 4.0 stars
|
Best no-exam life insurance: Legal & General America
If you’re looking for the best companies for life insurance but would prefer to skip a medical exam, consider Legal & General America and Lincoln Financial. Both top our analysis of the best no-exam life insurance companies.
| NO-EXAM LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY | MEDIAN TIME TO APPROVAL | NO-EXAM LIFE INSURANCE RATING |
|---|---|---|
Legal & General America
| 8 days
| 5.0 stars
|
Lincoln Financial
| 5 days
| 5.0 stars
|
Brighthouse
| Same day
| 4.0 stars
|
Transamerica
| 12 days
| 4.0 stars
|
Ethos
| Instant
| 4.0 stars
|
SBLI
| 29 days
| 4.0 stars
|
Best life insurance over 50: Protective
The best life insurance company for applicants over 50 is Protective. It has some of the lowest rates among life insurance providers we analyzed and the top score in our best life insurance companies rating.
Example monthly rates for $250,000, 20-year term life insurance policy
| LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY | EXAMPLE RATE FOR 55-YEAR-OLD FEMALE | EXAMPLE RATE FOR 55-YEAR-OLD MALE | RATING |
|---|---|---|---|
Protective
| $45
| $60
| 5.0 stars
|
Pacific Life
| $45
| $60
| 4.5 stars
|
$46
| $61
| 4.5 stars
| |
Lincoln Financial
| $49
| $62
| 4.0 stars
|
$60
| $79
| 4.0 stars
|
Best life insurance for seniors: Protective
As you enter your 60s and 70s, life insurance becomes increasingly expensive, and it can be challenging to find a life insurance provider that issues policies to individuals in this age bracket. The companies below provide the best life insurance for seniors based on our analysis of rates, historical portfolio performance, financial strength and cost competitiveness.
Average monthly cost of a $500,000 10-year term life insurance policy
| SENIOR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY | 70-YEAR-OLD FEMALE | 70-YEAR-OLD MALE | RATING |
|---|---|---|---|
Protective
| $193
| $303
| 5.0 stars
|
Pacific Life
| $193
| $307
| 5.0 stars
|
$201
| $325
| 4.5 stars
| |
Equitable
| $200
| $311
| 4.0 stars
|
Midland National
| $205
| $325
| 4.0 stars
|
Best life insurance for smokers: Midland National
If you are or have been a smoker, consider getting a life insurance quote from Midland National. It offers competitive rates, has a very low rate of complaints to state insurance departments and offers guaranteed renewable term life insurance policies. Its Premier 20 Term life insurance policy is also convertible until age 70, meaning you can choose to convert it to a permanent life insurance policy if you decide that better suits your needs.
Average monthly cost of a $250,000 20-year term life insurance
| TERM LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY | MONTHLY RATE AT 30 | MONTHLY RATE AT 40 | BEST TERM LIFE INSURANCE FOR SMOKERS RATING |
|---|---|---|---|
Midland National
| $40.48
| $81.29
| 5.0 stars
|
Symetra
| $37.08
| $67.93
| 4.5 stars
|
Transamerica
| $35.38
| $61.95
| 4.5 stars
|
Penn Mutual
| $36.59
| $66.33
| 4.5 stars
|
Cheapest life insurance companies of 2024
Shopping around for life insurance can help you find an affordable policy that meets your needs. If you’re looking for a good life insurance company that offers affordable term coverage, consider a policy from one of the insurers in our rating of the cheapest life insurance companies.
Average cost of a $250,000, 20-year term life insurance policy by company
| CHEAPEST LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY | AVERAGE RATE FOR 30-YEAR OLD | AVERAGE ANNUAL RATE FOR 40-YEAR-OLD | CHEAPEST LIFE INSURANCE RATING |
|---|---|---|---|
Legal & General America
| $136
| $193
| 4.0 stars
|
Pacific Life
| $136
| $191
| 5.0 stars
|
Protective
| $136
| $191
| 4.5 stars
|
Symetra
| $136
| $191
| 5.0 stars
|
$137
| $192
| 4.5 stars
| |
$138
| $192
| 4.5 stars
| |
Transamerica
| $139
| $194
| 4.0 stars
|
How to choose the best life insurance company
Consider the following factors when comparing life insurance companies to find the best policy for your needs.
- Policy and product availability. When comparing life insurance companies, look at the types of policies they offer, as well as variable details like term lengths, life insurance riders and eligibility criteria. These can differ by insurer and by policy.
- Financial strength. Check the financial strength of insurers you are considering. Companies like AM Best, Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s assess the creditworthiness of insurers, applying letter grades to insurers based on their financial strength.
Life insurance providers are evaluated on several factors, including their balance sheet, enterprise risk management (ERM) and operating performance. Top life insurance companies generally receive A or higher grades, such as A++ (Superior), which means they are more likely to be able to pay out your policy’s death benefit to your life insurance beneficiaries. - Cost. The cost of life insurance isn’t limited to your premium's face value. Life insurance premiums also include fees and internal costs. If you’re shopping for permanent life insurance, those fees can impact how your cash value account grows. A good life insurance company can provide you with a schedule of those fees.
Expert tip: Compare at least three life insurance quotes before deciding which policy to buy
How much does life insurance cost?
Your age and health are two of the leading factors that insurers use when determining your premium. The table below shows the average annual rate for a $500,000, 20-year term life insurance policy for a female in excellent health and average health at various ages.
Average cost of a $500,000, 20-year term policy for female
| AGE OF FEMALE | EXCELLENT HEALTH | AVERAGE HEALTH |
|---|---|---|
25
| $211
| $314
|
35
| $256
| $374
|
45
| $493
| $770
|
55
| $1,126
| $1,733
|
65
| $3,719
| $5,346
|
Source: USA TODAY Blueprint research. Average rates are based on the three lowest quotes we found online for nonsmokers of average weight and height.
Your age and health are two of the leading factors that insurers use when determining your premium. The table below shows the average annual rate for a $500,000, 20-year term life insurance policy for a male in excellent health and average health at various ages.
Average cost of a $500,000, 20-year term policy for male
| AGE OF MALE | EXCELLENT HEALTH | AVERAGE HEALTH |
|---|---|---|
25
| $262
| $377
|
35
| $300
| $458
|
45
| $637
| $1,015
|
55
| $1,561
| $2,547
|
65
| $5,219
| $8,246
|
Source: USA TODAY Blueprint research. Average rates are based on the three lowest quotes we found online for nonsmokers of average weight and height.
The older you get, the more you will pay for life insurance. Generally, men pay more for life insurance than women, and you’ll also pay more for life insurance policies with a higher coverage amount. The chart below shows how rates substantially increase in your 50s and 60s.
Factors that affect your life insurance costs
The cost of life insurance varies based on several factors, including:
- Your age and gender.
- Type of policy you choose.
- Smoking status.
- Height and weight.
- Your health (past and current).
- Prescription history.
- Family medical history.
- Driving record.
- Criminal record.
- Occupation and hobbies.
Is life insurance worth it?
Life insurance may be worth the investment if any of the following are true:
- You have people who financially depend on you. Beneficiaries can use the proceeds of a life insurance policy to help a surviving spouse, partner or dependents to cover expenses such as mortgage or rent payments, tuition, utilities, groceries and other necessities.
- You want your final expenses covered. According to the most recent National Funeral Directors Association data, the national median funeral cost is $8,300. Even a small death benefit, such as that offered by burial insurance, can help your loved ones cover expenses.
- You think your loved ones may need to pay estate taxes. If the value of your estate exceeds IRS estate tax limits, your loved ones can use the proceeds of a life insurance policy to cover the tax bill.
- You are a business owner. If you own or co-own a business, life insurance can be part of your succession or continuity plan, such as a buy/sell agreement. It can also be used to equalize inheritances. For instance, if one child is inheriting the business, you can leave the life insurance benefit to another child/children.
Despite the benefits, there are some reasons you may not want to consider a life insurance policy. For example, if your dependents don’t rely on your income, and there are no extenuating circumstances, such as a sizable debt (e.g., a mortgage that will pass to a loved one), estate tax concerns or business succession needs, a life insurance policy may not be worth it for you.
Jennifer’s expert take:
Life insurance is a single financial product with a very specific purpose, but it’s also a piece of a larger financial puzzle. As such, it’s in your best interest to examine your life insurance needs in the context of your overall financial circumstances, including your budget and other financial vehicles you may (or may not) have, such as a retirement plan or emergency fund.
If you’re not sure where life insurance fits into your current or future financial needs, I recommend you speak to a financial advisor. They can analyze your total financial situation and help you pinpoint the exact type and amount of coverage that is beneficial for your circumstances. A conversation with a financial advisor can also help you determine if there are other financial needs you should prioritize.
Jennifer Lobb, Deputy Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint
2024 life insurance trends
According to the most recent LIMRA Barometer report, about 102 million people, or 42% of Americans, admit they either need life insurance or need more coverage if they already have a policy. If you’re one of those Americans, here are some trends that may affect your life insurance shopping experience this year.
- Buying life insurance will get easier for many buyers as technology, including AI, expedites the underwriting process.
- Younger consumers may see more products and processes geared toward their purchasing preferences. Efforts may include embedded products, such as long-term care or financial services, or more opportunities to bundle life insurance with other coverage needs, such as home or car insurance.
- Insurers will continue efforts to decrease the coverage need gap, which is highest among women (44%), millennials (47%) and members of Gen Z (49%), black (49%) and hispanic (49%) individuals and households with an annual income less than $50,000 (56%).
Best life insurance FAQs
These are the best life insurance companies in the United States, according to our in-depth analysis of policies.
- Best life insurance companies: Protective
- Best term life insurance companies: Symetra
- Best whole life insurance companies: State Farm
- Best no-exam life insurance companies: Legal & General America
- Best life insurance companies for seniors: Protective
Each of these life insurance companies receives 5 stars in its category, the highest score available.
A 30-year-old healthy male can expect to pay an average of $21 a month, or about $251 per year, for a 20-year, $500,000 term life insurance policy, based on our analysis of rates.
A 30-year-old healthy female buying a policy with the same life insurance coverage amount and term length may pay approximately $17 per month, or about $207 per year.
Life insurance rates vary by coverage type and amount, as well as factors like age, gender, health, habits, and hobbies.
For instance, a healthy 60-year-old female shopping for senior life insurance will pay an average of $1,777 a year for a 20-year, $500,000 term life insurance policy. A male of the same age, health and life insurance coverage amount will pay an average of $2,533 per year.
Comparing multiple life insurance quotes can help you find the most affordable life insurance policy.
Protective and Pacific Life each receive a 5-star rating in our expert analysis of the best life insurance companies.
However, life insurance companies are not one-size-fits-all, and you may find that another insurer is best suited for your needs, budget, and coverage preferences.
To find the best life insurance providers for you, compare life insurance quotes from at least three insurers. Don’t just compare rates, though. Make it a point to compare life insurance reviews, available features and benefits and each company’s financial strength rating.
Term life insurance may be a good choice if you’re looking for financial protection for a certain period of time, such as until you pay off your mortgage or your child graduates school. It is also typically more affordable than whole life insurance, which may make it a better option if you’re on a limited budget.
Whole life insurance is a better option if you want coverage that lasts a lifetime or you’re interested in having a cash value component that you can access while you’re alive.
Term and whole life insurance policies accounted for 86% of life insurance sales in the first three quarters of 2022, according to recent data released by LIMRA.
- Term life insurance is often the most affordable option for buyers, making it a popular choice among individuals and families who want to protect their loved ones but want to stay within their budget.
- Whole life insurance is often more expensive, but it’s a straightforward, popular choice among people who are looking for permanent coverage.
There is no time limit for filing a life insurance claim. However, it’s important to remember that life insurance companies can’t keep death benefits indefinitely.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), unclaimed life insurance benefits will be turned over to the state after a set number of years based on the unclaimed property laws in the state in which the policy was issued.
If you are the beneficiary of a life insurance policy that has been turned over to the state as unclaimed property, you can typically search the state’s unclaimed property database, typically found on the state’s treasury department. You can also visit the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) website to get started.
A life insurance policy may not cover deaths under the following circumstances:
- Cause of death is homicide and the beneficiary was involved.
- Insured dies by suicide within the first few years of opening the policy.
- Insured dies after their term life insurance policy has expired.
- Insured dies after a lapse in their life insurance premium payments.
- Insured dies during the contestability period and it’s determined the insured lied on their application.
Coverage and exclusions can vary by life insurance company, so it’s important to thoroughly read your policy and contact your insurer if you have questions regarding your coverage.
Yes, you can buy life insurance on someone else, but only if they know about and consent to the purchase. People commonly purchase policies for their:
- Spouses or ex-spouses to replace income, alimony or child support when that person dies.
- Child or grandchild, to ensure their insurability down the road, even if they develop a health condition, and to provide a jump start on cash value accumulation.
- Parents, to cover end-of-life expenses or other bills you may inherit upon their passing.
- Siblings, particularly if they care for a parent or other dependent for whom you will be responsible should they pass.
- Business partner, as part of a buy-sell agreement.
Shopping for coverage? How life insurance works
Life insurance is designed to provide financial protection for your loved ones when you pass away. A life insurance policy pays out a death benefit to the beneficiary when the policyholder dies.
The death benefit can be spent in any way the beneficiary chooses. They may choose to use the money to cover mortgage payments, tuition or everyday expenses such as utilities and groceries.
Life insurance can also be an estate-planning tool and the death benefit can be used to cover end-of-life expenses, such as the cost of burial or cremation.
Exactly how life insurance works, especially at the policy level, often depends on the type of coverage you choose.
There are two primary types of life insurance:
Term life insurance locks in rates and coverage for a set amount of time, such as 10 or 20 years.
Permanent life insurance policies offer coverage for life, or until an advanced age, such as 105. Permanent life insurance also usually includes a cash value account that grows over time and can be accessed while you’re alive.
There are several types of permanent life insurance, including
- Whole life insurance.
- Universal life insurance.
- Indexed universal life insurance.
- Variable universal life insurance.
Many life insurance companies also sell variations of the main types of life insurance, such as:
- Burial life insurance, which is designed to cover end-of-life needs.
- No-exam life insurance, which allows eligible applicants to secure coverage without undergoing a medical exam.
Life insurance isn’t a one-size-fits-all financial tool. Learn more about the types of life insurance and which one is best structured for your goals.
More life insurance ratings
- Best term life insurance
- Best whole life insurance
- Best no exam life insurance
- Best life insurance for seniors
Editor’s Note: This article contains updated information from previously published stories:
- Here’s why Danica Patrick wants you to get life insurance
- Survey: Gen X seriously short on life insurance
- Don’t dismiss life insurance as too pricey. Here’s how to pick a plan
- Magic Johnson adds life insurance co. to empire
- Older workers may still need life insurance
- How your selfie could affect your life insurance
- Your guide to insuring someone else’s life
- Why free life insurance at work might not be enough
- Does it make sense to have more than one life insurance policy?
- Answer these 5 questions before buying life insurance from your employer
- For Millennials, life insurance can be a bargain not to miss
- Life insurance extras: Which coverage riders are worth the price?
- Your credit history plays a role in setting your life insurance premiums
- How DUIs can wreck your chance to buy life insurance
Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
