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Life insurance is as complicated as the policyholders and beneficiaries who use it. That means there's no single "best" life insurance company. Instead, you can find the best option based on what you want or what you prioritize.
Summary of the Best Life Insurance Companies
- Best for customer satisfaction: State Farm Life Insurance
- Best for older adults: Prudential Life Insurance
- Best for agent support: New York Life Insurance
- Best for long-term care: Columbus Life
- Best for high returns: Allianz Life
- Best for term life: North American Company
Best Life Insurance Companies of 2024
While there is no such thing as the objective best life insurance policy, you will be able to find the best insurance policy for your specific needs. Here are our picks for the best life insurance companies, whether you want to use your life insurance policy to build wealth through cash value or you're just looking for a term life insurance policy.
Best Life Insurance for Customer Satisfaction
State Farm Life Insurance
State Farm Life Insurance gets the best life insurance ranking in J.D Power's Individual Life Insurance Study, with a score of 843/1,000. The company is also ranked A++ with AM Best for its financial stability with term, universal, and whole life insurance options.
All State Farm policies have to be purchased through a State Farm agent. Your agent can help you bundle and save or buy one policy. State Farm is also among the companies offering "survivorship universal life insurance," which means the policy covers two people, and it kicks in after the second person dies. Couples looking to maximize their death benefit for beneficiaries with one premium payment each month may enjoy lower overall costs.
State Farm agents can run quotes and compare options to find the right plans for each applicant. The range of options, discounts, and familiar name all contribute to the popularity of State Farm's life insurance.
Read our State Farm Life Insurance review.
Best for customer satisfaction
State Farm Life Insurance
with Policygenius
Perks
Bundling is standard, and agents often quote with multiple discounts.
JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating
843
AM Best Financial Strength Rating
A++
Pros
- Best in JD Power customer service ratings
- Company offers a range of different insurance products to meet buyer needs
- Agents are knowledgeable about its products
Cons
- Life insurance products are conservative and limited
- Buyers may be subject to multi-year waiting periods before they qualify for full payouts on life insurance policies
- State Farm agents cannot offer alternative options if State Farm is unable to bind a life insurance policy
Insider’s Take
State Farm is one of the insurance industry's most prominent insurers offering auto, home, and other insurance. Bundling is standard, and agents often quote with multiple discounts. Its term, universal, and whole life insurance products are no exception.
State Farm review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- Life insurance products include term and permanent life
- Ranks highly for customer satisfaction
Best Life Insurance for Older Adults
Prudential VUL Protector Life Insurance
Prudential Life Insurance is available in all states except New York. New York residents can buy the Pruco Life of New Jersey VUL Protector plan. This plan allows buyers to pull money out of their plan to pay for nursing home expenses. Cash value policy premiums are fixed, so you won't have to worry about extra costs later on. Internal costs are low, which minimizes risk. Due to age, many older adults want a safe investment option for their money. Prudential VUL Protector invests to avoid loss. That also means you're not as likely to see big increases in your available funds outside of what you deposit.
Read our Prudential Life Insurance review.
Best for older adults
Prudential Life Insurance
with Policygenius
Perks
Offers aggressive financial plans.
JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating
779
AM Best Financial Strength Rating
A+
Pros
- Available in all 50 states (New York residents may have different plans)
- Buyers can withdraw money to pay for nursing home bills due to severe illness or disability
- Knowledgeable agents who can walk you through your options
Cons
- Financial returns are limited
- Limited policy options for seniors and other groups who might struggle to find life insurance
Insider’s Take
The aggressive financial plans offered by Prudential may appeal to many younger buyers and those with a stable income. However, those with lower income or buyers who aren't sure about the financial system may be more hesitant to engage with Prudential. Like many other industry giants, Prudential is working to change this perception.
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Best Life Insurance for Long-Term Care
Columbus Life Insurance
Columbus Life offers a wide range of riders to customize your policy with affordable premiums. The company also allows you to convert term policies to whole life insurance policies until the end of your term (generally around age 70). For this and many other reasons, customer satisfaction is high.
When using living health benefits (otherwise known as accelerated death benefits), buyers are allowed to pull money from policies early to pay for medical bills, living costs, etc. under certain circumstances. Most companies use a discounted death benefit, which reduces your final payout using two models. Columbus uses the lien method, which makes it easier to calculate the financial impact of pulling money out early.
Best for long-term care
Columbus Life
with Everyday Life Insurance
Perks
Offers lien method to makes it easier to calculate the financial impact of pulling money out early.
AM Best Financial Strength Rating
A+
Pros
- Buyers can pull money out for medical and other bills in the event of disease or disability
- Columbus uses lien method to simplify accelerated death payments
- Company offers a wide range of riders to customize policies
Cons
- Premiums may be higher than competitors
- Term policies are not guaranteed to be converted to whole
Insider’s Take
Best for long-term care and accelerated death benefits.
Best Life Insurance for High Returns on Income
Allianz Life Insurance
Allianz Lifeplans are geared towards high-income adults looking for more tax-free income. Allianz offers a 40% multiplier bonus with a 1% annual assets charge. In short, the professionals managing your investments take 10%. Overall, your investments would pull in an extra 14%-1% asset charge. This means you end up with 3% more than what you deposit every year your life policy is active. This plan offers strong returns when using a life policy to supplement your retirement savings. Allianz also offers specialized plans to grow your income by as much as 20% according to some estimates.
Of note: Allianz also offers plans for foreign nationals, including those with H-1B visas.
Best for high returns on income
Allianz Life
with Everyday Life Insurance
Perks
Offers life insurance policies for foreign nationals with H-1B visas.
AM Best Financial Strength Rating
A+
Pros
- Plans offer high returns on investment
- Great for investment and long-term retirement planning
- May increase your income by as much as 20%
- Allianz offers plans for foreign nationals including H-1B visas
Cons
- Plans are meant specifically for high-income adults,alternatives may not be offered
Insider’s Take
Best for investing and high returns on income.
Best Life Insurance for Agent Support
New York Life Insurance
New York Life Insurance agents go through extensive training before they ever hit the sales floor. What does this get you? Policies vary widely, and New York Life offers both large and small payouts. Some policies have significant penalties for early withdrawal, but taking a loan offers more options. Whatever your questions, New York Life agents are trained to offer comprehensive support giving you accurate information about its policies every time. The company comes in at position eight in J.D. Power's latest life insurance customer satisfaction study.
Read our New York Life Insurance review here.
Best for agents
New York Life Insurance
with Policygenius
Perks
Offers aggressive financial products and extensively trained agents.
JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating
794
AM Best Financial Strength Rating
A++
Pros
- Strong life insurance options for financial planning and wealth building
- Policies available nationwide
- Knowledgeable life insurance agents
Cons
- May require a medical exam
- Buyers looking for more modest policies may not find the most competitive pricing
Insider’s Take
If you're preparing for a comfortable retirement or looking to build generational wealth, New York Life is one of the strongest options. If you have questions or genuinely want to understand your life insurance options, New York Life agents are among the most qualified professionals in the business.
New York Life review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- Life insurance provider with policies available across the US
Best Life Insurance for Term Life
North American Life Insurance
North American Company offers term policies alongside accelerated death benefits for critical, chronic, and terminal illnesses and more. The company allows one conversion on a 20-year policy at 15 years or 70 years old (whichever is earlier). The conversion cannot happen later than the five-year marker regardless of which policy you choose or the length. North American Company also offers a term policy with a lower premium renewable up to the age of 95 for qualifying insureds.
Best for term life
North American Company
with Everyday Life Insurance
Perks
Offers term policies alongside accelerated death benefits for critical, chronic, and terminal illnesses and more.
AM Best Financial Strength Rating
A+
Pros
- Offers accelerated death benefits for critical, chronic, and terminal illnesses
- Offers conversion for life policies up to 70 years old
- Term policies can be renewed up to age 95 for qualifying applicants
Cons
- Not all term policies qualify for renewal or conversion
Insider’s Take
Best Term Policy.
Types of Life Insurance
While there's many different types of life insurance policies, broadly speaking, there are two types of life insurance: temporary and permanent. Let's go over each in detail.
Temporary life insurance
Temporary life insurance is often called term life insurance. This type of policy covers you for a set amount of time before expiring, usually between 10-30 years. If you pass away after your policy expires, your family won't receive any benefits. Additionally, your policy won't accrue cash value like a permanent policy. That said, some term life insurance policies offer a conversion from term to whole life insurance, so you can extend your coverage.
Because its benefits aren't guaranteed, term life policies are generally cheaper than permanent life insurance. That said, the vast majority of term life insurance policies never pay out. on
Permanent life insurance
Permanent life insurance is an umbrella term for a variety of life insurance policies that will insure you indefinitely and guarantee a payout as long as you maintain your policy. Policy types that fall under permanent life insurance includes:
- Whole life insurance
- Universal life insurance
- Variable life insurance
- Variable universal life insurance
- Simplified life insurance
- Guaranteed issue life insurance
These policies vary widely in purpose and intended buyers, but all guarantee death benefits to your loved ones. Some permanent life insurance policies, like whole, universal, and variable have a cash value component, which you can use as a savings tool or to leave your heirs a larger death benefit.
How to Pick the Best Life Insurance Policy for You
Finding the right fit in life insurance starts with finding a trusted insurance agent. Because there are so many state regulations, shopping for homeowners or auto insurance can be easily done online. Life insurance is not required. So it's a voluntary purchase. Many buyers don't know what they need or when they need it. Before making your selection, consider a few things:
Age
Some companies will sell you a policy for your child as soon as they're born. While this may seem morbid, early sign-up means lower rates for a policy your child could enjoy in the future. Regardless, early sign-up equates to more policy for lower premiums and a higher likelihood of acceptance. At 20, you may be healthier and be able to pay into the policy for a longer period compared to when you're 50 with more age-related conditions.
Price
As a general rule, never agree to more than you can afford. For the average life insurance agent, their job is to sell you a large policy with a large commission. Consider not only how much you make now, but how likely your current income is to continue. If you work on a project basis and your project is scheduled to end in 12 months, you may want to reconsider a policy premium outside your monthly savings.
Limits
How much are you prepared to buy? Some people only want a small policy to cover funerals and other end-of-life expenses. Others build a life policy into their retirement plan. Whatever direction you're going, involving a financial planner could help you make the right decisions. Depending on the carrier, customers can also compare set limits with index universal life policies, which set no limit. These policies never expire, and the value builds over the entirety of your life.
Living Benefits
Life happens unexpectedly. You could be healthy one day and in the hospital the next. Many life policies offer living benefits. These allow you to draw a limited amount out of your policy to cover medical and other bills you cannot pay while sick.
Penalties
Much like a 401(k), many life insurance policies have penalties for early withdrawal. No matter what policy you want, this question is critical to an informed decision. It's a question of how early you can withdraw and how much you'll lose from the total to have the money in 10 years instead of 30 or after death.
Exclusions
Some policies require insured parties to pay premiums for at least one year before any significant payout would be available. Suicide exclusions are common. Even with no medical exam policies, the company may still do a check for known conditions. An insurance company has to mitigate its risk.
Flexibility
Once you've been denied a life insurance policy, a mark goes on your record. No matter the reasons, other insurance companies may deny you coverage based on the first denial. So consider your whole situation and choose your policy carefully before you submit any applications. Some policies have greater flexibility if you lose your job or otherwise can't make payments. Others will lapse if you miss even one payment.
Payment Type
Even within whole life or term life insurance policies, customers have the option to choose guaranteed fixed or variable rates. Some have guaranteed payouts, but you'll need to ask your agent for details.
Plan
What is your intended use? Why are you shopping for a life insurance policy in the first place, and what are your goals? Many successful financial planners also have a background in life insurance. So while they may not be able to find you a specific life insurance policy, financial planners can help you set out a blueprint for your purchase.
Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed the Best Life Insurance Companies
In life insurance, it's easy to get "sold a bill of goods." Many life insurance agents pass a state test to be thrown into the deep end. Agents sell the company product, but not all know the products. In this vein, we look at the products each company offers. We also look at agent training.
A good life insurance agent may not volunteer all facts upfront. But a company's agents should answer questions about its products accurately and in a way the average consumer can digest. Agents should be able to inform you about the long-term benefits and limitations. This will help customers find the right policy for their long-term plan.
We consider affordability, policy sizes available, and performance for a comprehensive assessment in our life insurance rating methodology. If you can, we recommend also working with a financial advisor to make a plan for your future with life insurance.
Our Expert Panel for The Best Life Insurance Companies
To inform our choices for the best life insurance companies, we spoke with the following experts:
- Paul LaPiana, head of product at MassMutual
- Barbara Pietrangelo, CFP, CLU, and chair of the nonprofit Life Happens
- Wykeeta Peel, Corporate Vice President and Market Manager, African American Market Unit at New York Life
The Experts' Advice on Choosing The Best Life Insurance for You
How much life insurance coverage do you believe the average buyer should have?
Paul LaPiana, Head of Product at MassMutual
"There are different approaches to determining how much life insurance you need. One is the 'human life' approach, which estimates the current value of your future earning potential. Another is securing specific coverage to pay off debts such as a mortgage or provide for the education of children. A comprehensive protection plan should provide the right amount of coverage over the course of your working life and into retirement."
Barbara A. Pietrangelo, Chair of Life Happens
"There is no one-size-fits-all life insurance policy because everyone is different. One way to get a rough estimate is to multiply your income by 10 to 15; another is adding $100,00 to that amount, should you have a child and anticipate college education expenses.
Your best bet is to talk to a financial professional or use the Life Insurance Needs Calculator on LifeHappens.org to analyze what's right for you."
Wykeeta Peel, Corporate Vice President & Market Manager African American Market Unit at New York Life
"As you consider what policy best meets your needs, it can help to answer four key questions: First, how much death benefit do you need? Second, how long will you need that coverage? Third, what is your budget (or how much monthly premium can you afford to pay?), and finally, what is your investment risk tolerance?
To determine how much death benefit makes sense, it's helpful to think beyond using life insurance to cover funeral expenses and consider whether anyone is relying on the policy owner's income to maintain a lifestyle, pay rent or a mortgage, or fund a child's education and for how long.
There are various rules of thumb regarding the right amount of Life insurance coverage. Some tips can be found online, but they only provide an estimate and don't necessarily factor in an individual's specific needs. In my opinion, human guidance, powered by technology, is required. Basically, it comes down to how much money your loved ones would need to remain on firm financial ground if your earnings were no longer in the picture and that is different for everyone."
What is the biggest opportunity you see for improvement in the life insurance industry?
Paul LaPiana, Head of Product at MassMutual
"Increased accessibility through digital and other channels as well as through underwriting enhancements. Increased tailoring of products and features. And an increased emphasis on health and wellness programs."
Barbara A. Pietrangelo, Chair of Life Happens
"Having enough qualified insurance professionals to walk potential buyers through the multiple benefits of life insurance will be pivotal to the growth of the industry. Education is a key factor here, as professional agents also need to be able to explain life insurance and its benefits in an easy, digestible way, especially when there are so many misconceptions about life insurance."
Wykeeta Peel, Corporate Vice President & Market Manager African American Market Unit at New York Life
"The need for life insurance is greater than ever. In fact, a recent New York Life Wealth Watch survey found that 37% of adults have been thinking about life insurance more often these days – and half of adults report that financial products that provide protection (50%) and reliability (50%) are more important now compared to last year. This may be especially true for middle-market and Cultural Market families.
Our organizational structure of having Cultural Market agents embedded in the communities where we live and work allows us to understand the needs of diverse communities and develop solutions that resonate with them."
What advice would you give to buyers who are debating whether or not to buy life insurance?
Paul LaPiana, Head of Product at MassMutual
"It is difficult to say with any certainty how healthy you will be years from now. That's why securing life insurance, and insuring your insurability, today, when you are the youngest you'll ever be again, and perhaps your healthiest is a wise decision."
Barbara A. Pietrangelo, Chair of Life Happens
"Do you love someone? If the answer is yes, then life insurance is certainly something you should consider. Many buy gifts and experiences to express their love, but haven't considered that life insurance is just another way to say I love you. Nothing says support like ensuring your family's financial security and peace of mind."
Wykeeta Peel, Corporate Vice President & Market Manager African American Market Unit at New York Life
"If you have someone depending on your income, you should consider purchasing life insurance. A death benefit from a life insurance policy can replace income from the loss of a breadwinner, ensure a family can stay in their home, fund educational or retirement expenses, address debt and so much more.
A life insurance policy can also help you grow your family's wealth over time. Once the risk of an unexpected loss has been managed, you can begin to think more broadly about your family's financial future. Life insurance can enable your mindset to shift from death to growth."
What's the most important thing buyers should look for when choosing a life insurance agent/company to buy from?
Paul LaPiana, Head of Product at MassMutual
"With life insurance, you are securing a future commitment that may be decades away. Research the company behind the policy to ensure it has high financial strength ratings, longevity, and an excellent track record of paying claims."
Barbara A. Pietrangelo, Chair of Life Happens
"When looking for an insurance agent or company, be sure to do your research. When comparing companies, be sure to remember that the policy features that fit you and your loved ones best is the most important factor. Don't automatically assume you should buy from the higher-rated company.
If the policy from the other company has more of what you're looking for, it might be the better choice. If you're unsure where to start, try the Life Happens Agent Locator to find an insurance professional in your area."
Wykeeta Peel, Corporate Vice President & Market Manager African American Market Unit at New York Life
- "The insurers' track record: At its core, life insurance is protection - a hedge against the unexpected - and you are paying premiums in exchange for the promise that the insurer will be there when you need them, so the financial strength and track record of the company backing your policy is critical.
- Customer service: Are service professionals available by phone and digital channels? Is there is an online dashboard where you can manage your policy? Beyond ensuring assistance is available after you purchase a policy, it's also critical to ensure you have access to trusted advice and guidance before you buy.
- Flexibility in conversion: How easy is it to change? Life can be unpredictable and while term insurance can cover your loved ones through a critical period of time, you may decide that access to cash value is an important piece of your strategy.
- Accelerated online applications: Online applications are convenient but don't replace human guidance. Keep in mind that accelerated online applications may have a maximum coverage amount, meaning that you may not be able to get all the coverage you may need exclusively through an online process.
- A range of payment options: It's important to understand how often you're required to make premium payments and whether and how often you can change the frequency of payments."
Best Life Insurance FAQs
What is the best life insurance company?
According to JD Power's 2023 life insurance study, State Farm is the highest-rated life insurance company when it comes to overall customer satisfaction. However, you still may want to shop around for quotes from various insurers if you're looking to purchase a new policy.
Which company life insurance is best?
There isn't one best life insurance company, because the best option for you will depend on the type of policy you're looking for. It's best to work with a qualified insurance agent to help you find the best coverage. If you're deciding between multiple similar options, it's also worth consulting J.D. Power's life insurance customer satisfaction study. The latest study ranks State Farm as the top pick for individual life insurance, outpacing Nationwide by three points.
What type of life insurance is best?
The best type of life insurance policy for you will differ from someone else's, as your policy should be tailored to your needs. The best policy for you will be affordable and will offer the benefits best suited to your situation. For example, some policies are only meant to cover end-of-life expenses such as burial and funeral arrangements, whereas others include living benefits like a cash value insurance plan, which you can borrow against during your lifetime.
Are medical exams required for life insurance?
Some life insurance policies are advertised as "no medical exam." This doesn't mean the insurer won't ask you about known conditions or look at medical records. Policies with no medical exam also tend to offer lower benefits with higher premiums. Most companies have a network of medical examiners, some of whom can come to your home. You can find our guide on the best no exam life insurance here.
How do I find the best life insurance policy for me?
Each situation is different and requires a knowledgeable life insurance agent to assess your best options. Bring all your questions and the coverage you're looking for to an insurance agent near you to explore your options.
Insurance Editor, LIA, MLO
Lina Roby (she/her) was a Personal Finance Insurance editor at Insider. She covered pet, travel, auto, and other common insurance products. She is also a licensed property & casualty insurance agent. Her goal is to help readers make informed decisions for all their insurance needs and plan for the unexpected, especially in a constantly evolving insurance marketplace. As a licensed insurance agent, she worked closely with clients and insurance carriers to quote and bind homeowners, auto, liability, and other insurance plans for personal and business. As a licensed mortgage loan originator, she was also able to more effectively quote and bind homeowners insurance policies meeting mortgage lender requirements. With a love for writing, she has also assisted with marketing for her local insurance marketplace.
Compliance and Operations Associate
Evelyn He is a Compliance and Operations Associate on the Personal Finance team to ensure content accuracy and editorial independence so readers get up-to-date and objective financial advice.The compliance team's mission is to provide readers with fact-checked and current stories so they can make informed financial decisions. The team also works to minimize risk for partners by ensuring language is clear, precise, and fully compliant with regulatory and partner marketing guidelines that align with the editorial team.
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