• Written by
    Lindsey Crossmier

    Lindsey Crossmier

    Financial Writer

    Lindsey Crossmier is an accomplished writer with experience working for The Florida Review and Bookstar PR. As a financial writer, she covers Medicare, life insurance and dental insurance topics for RetireGuide. Research-based data drives her work.

    Read More
  • Edited By
    Lamia Chowdhury
    Lamia Chowdhury, editor for RetireGuide.com

    Lamia Chowdhury

    Financial Editor

    Lamia Chowdhury is a financial content editor for RetireGuide and has over three years of marketing experience in the finance industry. She has written copy for both digital and print pieces ranging from blogs, radio scripts and search ads to billboards, brochures, mailers and more.

    Read More
  • Reviewed By
    Eric Estevez
    Eric Estevez, Independent Licensed Life Insurance Agent

    Eric Estevez

    Owner of HLC Insurance Broker, LLC

    Eric Estevez is a duly licensed independent insurance broker and a former financial institution auditor with more than a decade of professional experience. He has specialized in federal, state and local compliance for both large and small businesses.

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  • Published: June 3, 2020
  • Updated: October 16, 2023
  • 8 min read time
  • This page features 9 Cited Research Articles
Fact Checked
Fact Checked

A qualified expert reviewed the content on this page to ensure it is factually accurate, meets current industry standards and helps readers achieve a better understanding of retirement topics.

Cite Us
How to Cite RetireGuide.com's Article

APA Crossmier, L. (2023, October 16). Best Life Insurance Companies of 2023: Top Picks & Reviews. RetireGuide.com. Retrieved November 11, 2024, from https://www.retireguide.com/life-insurance/companies/

MLA Crossmier, Lindsey. "Best Life Insurance Companies of 2023: Top Picks & Reviews." RetireGuide.com, 16 Oct 2023, https://www.retireguide.com/life-insurance/companies/.

Chicago Crossmier, Lindsey. "Best Life Insurance Companies of 2023: Top Picks & Reviews." RetireGuide.com. Last modified October 16, 2023. https://www.retireguide.com/life-insurance/companies/.

We publish unbiased product reviews; our opinions are our own and are not influenced by payment we receive from our advertising partners. Learn more about how we review products and read our advertiser disclosure for how we make money.

Our Criteria

We evaluated life insurance companies licensed to sell products in all 50 states, ultimately only featuring those that fit our strict criteria. To be included on this list, providers must have:

Understanding Our Methodology

To determine the best life insurance companies of 2023, RetireGuide’s independent editorial team did extensive research on highly rated life insurance companies available nationwide. Strict, fact-based methodology helped us determine personalized superlatives for each life insurance company.

To be considered, the company must have an A or better Financial Strength Rating and have over $10 billion in net total admitted assets in 2022, according to information supplied by AM Best.

In addition, our selected life insurance companies must have an NAIC Complaint Index score lower than 1.0, which indicates fewer complaints on average. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) publishes its Complaint Index scores annually to compare an individual company’s performance to other companies in the insurance market. We took the latest NAIC Complaint Index scores from 2022.

Our editorial team also only selected life insurance companies that were rated in the top 20 of the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Individual Life Insurance Study. This study measures a customer’s experience with a number of life insurance company’s performance based on their communication, interaction, price, product offerings and statements.

Other factors included average term life policy cost, free add-ons availability and other noteworthy features.

Because life insurance plans and providers vary by location, an independent insurance agent can help you find a suitable plan in your area.

Learn more about our broader Editorial Guidelines.

Editor’s Choice: Best Overall

Great for: a variety of customizable policies

State Farm

A++
AM Best Rating

Average Star Ratings calculated based on published 2023 CMS “Overall” ratings by contract.

Provider Details

State Farm has been issuing life insurance policies for well over 80 years, with over 7.8 million life insurance and annuity policies in force.

  • Ability To Purchase Policy Online: No
  • J.D. Power 2022 Ranking: #1 Overall
  • Policies Available: Term, Whole, Universal & Final Expense
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Coverage available without a medical exam
  • Policy quote tool available
  • Additional coverage available for children
  • 0 NAIC Rating
Cons
  • Age limits for term policies
  • Can’t purchase a policy online
Our Take

State Farm stands out as a no-hassle company with exceptional customer service. You can purchase several policies without having to undergo a medical exam, and there are perks for parents, too. You can add a child term rider to an existing policy for additional coverage while your kids grow up.

State Farm’s #1 ranking in the J.D. Power 2023 study indicates stellar service, pricing and products. Its 0 NAIC rating indicates little to no complaints, solidifying State Farm’s trustworthiness.

It’s important to note that there are age restrictions with State Farm’s term policies. For example, their 30-year term policy is only available for those 18 to 45 years old, and their 20-year term policy is available for those 18 to 65 years old.

Premium Quote for a 10-Year Term Policy: $31.97
*This quote was based on a healthy 50-year-old woman looking to get $250,000 of coverage

Best Term Life Insurance Company

Great for: Low budgets and a wide age range

Mutual of Omaha

A+
AM Best Rating

Average Star Ratings calculated based on published 2023 CMS “Overall” ratings by contract.

Provider Details

Founded in 1909 and a Fortune 500 company today, Mutual of Omaha offers a wide range of life insurance products for businesses, individuals and groups.

  • Ability To Purchase Policy Online: No
  • J.D. Power 2022 Ranking: #4 Overall
  • Policies Available: Term, Whole, Universal, Variable Universal & Accidental Death Insurance
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Allows you to convert your term policy to permanent
  • Affordable term quote
  • 0.48 NAIC Rating
Cons
  • Can’t apply for term coverage online
  • Coverage amount and age limit vary by state
Our Take

Mutual of Omaha caters to those shopping for a customizable and cost-effective term policy. When comparing quotes with five life insurance companies, Mutual of Omaha had the second most affordable quote. Term policies are available for those up to 80 years old. With a 0.48 NAIC rating, Mutual of Omaha has fewer complaints on average.

Premium Quote for a 10-Year Term Policy: $24.08
*This quote was based on a healthy 50-year-old woman looking to get $250,000 of coverage

Best Whole Life Insurance Company

Great for: Customizable coverage with dividend payouts

New York Life

A++
AM Best Rating

Average Star Ratings calculated based on published 2023 CMS “Overall” ratings by contract.

Provider Details

New York Life was founded in 1845 and has the highest financial strength rating from AM Best.

  • Ability To Purchase Policy Online: No
  • J.D. Power 2022 Ranking: #8 Overall
  • Policies Available: Term, Whole, Universal & Variable Universal
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Whole life policyholders are eligible for dividends
  • Rider add-ons available for whole life policies
  • 0 NAIC Rating
Cons
  • Can’t get quote or purchase policy online
  • Quotes for whole life are known to be higher than competitors
Our Take

New York Life offers more money back in whole life policyholders’ pockets and customization options. If you have a whole policy through New York Life, you’re eligible for dividends. Dividends are extra funds returned to policyholders each year. New York Life announced its largest dividend payout in company history — $2 billion, which is expected to pay out in 2023.

Disability waiver of premium, chronic care option, living benefits and accidental death benefit riders are available with New York Life’s whole policies. However, they don’t offer quotes or policies for purchase online, so you must speak to a representative to apply.

Best Universal Life Insurance Company

Great for: High coverage without a medical exam

Pacific Life

A+
AM Best Rating

Average Star Ratings calculated based on published 2023 CMS “Overall” ratings by contract.

Provider Details

California-based company Pacific Life was founded in 1868. They currently have $1.3 trillion life insurance in force with $15 billion worth of benefits paid in 2022.

  • Ability To Purchase Policy Online: No
  • J.D. Power 2022 Ranking: #6 Overall
  • Policies Available: Term, Universal, Indexed Universal & Variable Universal
Pros
  • Coverage options with no medical exam required for universal life
  • Universal policies include two free riders
  • Ability to convert a term policy into a permanent policy without redoing underwriting process
  • 0.01 NAIC Rating
Cons
  • Can’t get quote or purchase policy online
Our Take

Pacific Life’s universal policy features stood out against all other companies considered as it doesn’t require a medical exam and includes free two riders.

In some cases, you can get up to $3 million in coverage without an exam with a Pacific Life universal policy. The two riders included are the up-to-lifetime, no-lapse guarantee rider and the terminal illness benefit rider.

However, Pacific Life doesn’t offer policies for purchase online, and if you’re interested in its other policies, you may be limited in your options as it doesn’t offer whole life policies.

Premium Quote for a Universal Policy: $147.50
*This quote was based on a healthy 50-year-old woman looking to get $250,000 of coverage until age 90

Best for Affordability

Great for: affordable term policies with flexibility

Corebridge Financial (AIG)

A
AM Best Rating

Average Star Ratings calculated based on published 2023 CMS “Overall” ratings by contract.

Provider Details

American International Group (AIG) rebranded to Corebridge Financial in 2022.

Ability To Purchase Policy Online: No
J.D. Power 2022 Ranking: #19 Overall
Policies Available: Term, Universal, Indexed Universal & Simplified Issue Whole Life

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Most affordable quote compared to other issuers
  • Coverage available without a medical exam
  • Flexible term lengths
  • 0.01 NAIC Rating
Cons
  • Was involved in an accounting scandal in 2005
  • Doesn't offer traditional whole life policies
Our Take

If affordability is your main priority, Corebridge Financial is likely to have a term policy within your budget. When comparing quotes with five other life insurance companies, Corebridge Financial had the most affordable quote.

Corebridge Financial also offers flexibility in term lengths. While most companies offer 10-, 20- or 30-year terms, Corebridge allows you to pick between 10- to 35-year term periods, at each year instead of ten-year increments.

Even though Corebridge Financial has recovered in stability and credibility since the 2008 scandal, it’s important to not brush the shortfall under the rug. It also doesn’t offer the most popular type of permanent policy — traditional whole life.

Premium Quote for a 10-Year Term Policy: $21.12
*This quote was based on a healthy 50-year-old woman looking to get $250,000 of coverage

Best No-Exam Life Insurance Company

Great for: Same-day approval without a medical exam

Prudential

A+
AM Best Rating

Average Star Ratings calculated based on published 2023 CMS “Overall” ratings by contract.

Provider Details

Prudential Financial has been providing financial products and services to customers for over 145 years. As of May 2023, Prudential has $1.4 trillion assets under management.

  • Ability To Purchase Policy Online: Yes
  • J.D. Power 2022 Ranking: #16 Overall
  • Policies Available: Term, Universal, Indexed Universal, Variable Universal & Simplified Issued Whole Life
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Coverage available without a medical exam
  • Same-day approval with some policies
  • Can convert term policy into a permanent policy without a medical exam
  • 0.31 NAIC Rating
Cons
  • No quote tool for whole or universal policies
  • Does not offer traditional whole life policies
Our Take

If you want to skip a medical exam now or in the future for a policy conversion, Prudential Life Insurance would fit your needs as several whole life policies have a same-day approval rate. Plus, Prudential offers the living needs benefit rider at no additional cost with some policies.

But it’s important to note that the only whole life policy available is a simplified issue whole life policy, which offers minimal coverage intended to cover burial costs. If you want a no-exam whole life policy with over $30,000 of coverage, Prudential may not be a good fit for your needs

Premium Quote for a 10-Year Term Policy: $27.95
*This quote was based on a healthy 50-year-old woman looking to get $250,000 of coverage

Best Life Insurance With Long-Term Care Coverage

Great for: Lifelong security with LTC coverage

Nationwide

A+
AM Best Rating

Average Star Ratings calculated based on published 2023 CMS “Overall” ratings by contract.

Provider Details

Nationwide has more than 85 years of experience with retirement planning. The popular insurer paid over $19 billion in claims and benefits to members in 2022.

  • Ability To Purchase Policy Online: Yes
  • J.D. Power 2022 Ranking: #2 Overall
  • Policies Available: Term, Whole, Universal, Variable Universal & Indexed Universal
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Long-term care rider available for universal policies
  • Living access benefits available for term, whole and universal policies
  • 0.10 NAIC Rating
Cons
  • Costly term policies
Our Take

No matter what life insurance policy type you choose, Nationwide has options for long-term care coverage. You can add a long-term care rider to a universal policy or living access benefit riders to a term or whole life policy. Both riders allow you to receive a portion of your death benefit while you’re still alive, which you can use to cover long-term care costs.

However, Nationwide’s term policies were nearly double the cost compared to other competitors ($43.33 vs. other competitors at $20 to $30).

Premium Quote for a 10-Year Term Policy: $43.33
*This quote was based on a healthy 50-year-old woman looking to get $250,000 of coverage

Best Life Insurance Company for Free Riders

Great for: Customizing your policy without extra charges

Lincoln Financial

A
AM Best Rating

Average Star Ratings calculated based on published 2023 CMS “Overall” ratings by contract.

Provider Details

Founded in 1905, Lincoln Financial Group offers a wide range of life insurance products.

  • Ability To Purchase Policy Online: No
  • J.D. Power 2022 Ranking: #11 Overall
  • Policies Available: Term, Universal, Indexed Universal & Variable Universal
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Most term policies include a free accelerated death benefit rider
  • 0.12 NAIC Rating
Cons
  • Can’t get quote or purchase policy online
  • Doesn't offer whole life policies
Our Take

Lincoln Financial has dual benefits — over a century of trustworthy service and free riders. Riders usually increase your premiums, but with Lincoln Financial, most term policies include a free accelerated death benefit rider.

There are other noteworthy features to consider. Several term policies don’t require a medical exam, and you can convert your term policy into a permanent one without redoing the underwriting process.

But if you prefer a whole life policy, then you’ll have to look elsewhere. Lincoln Financial doesn’t offer whole life policies, only term and universal.

Other Life Insurance Companies We Considered

CompanyNoteworthy BenefitsWhy This Company Wasn’t Selected
Haven LifeHaven Life’s user-friendly online features allow applicants to sign up for a life insurance policy without a medical exam for same-day coverage. Haven Life’s parent company, MassMutual, oversees issuing policies. Mass Mutual has a superior rating of A++ and a low complaint level. Because Haven Life is owned by MassMutual, they don’t have their own individual AM Best Rating, NAIC Rating or placement in the J.D. Power 2023 Study. Therefore, the company does not meet our criteria.
Globe LifeGlobe Life was ranked #7 in the J.D. Power 2023 Study, with an excellent A rating from AM Best. Policies have no-exam options for coverage. Their NAIC complaint index score is higher than average, at 2.81. Quotes for their term policies were over triple the cost compared to other companies.
TransamericaTransamerica has an excellent A rating from AM Best with affordable premiums compared to other issuers. Most policies include free riders and the option to skip a medical exam. Their NAIC complaint index score is higher than average, at 1.09.
Guardian LifeGuardian Life has a superior A++ rating with low complaints. Quote for Guardian Life’s term life policy is almost double the cost compared to other issuers. Their website is difficult to navigate with little to no information available.
MassMutualMassMutual has over $950 billion life insurance protection in force as of Dec. 31, 2022. They also have a superior A++ AM Best rating with low complaints. Life insurance policies aren’t as flexible compared to other issuing companies and you must speak to an agent for quotes.
Northwestern MutualNorthwestern has a superior A++ AM Best rating with minimal complaints. Their website doesn't provide policy details, is difficult to navigate and doesn’t offer a quote tool.
MetLifeAccording to a Statista report, MetLife is the largest U.S. life insurance company by market capitalization as of May 2023. MetLife has an A+ AM Best rating with low complaints.MetLife’s policies are only available through employer-sponsored plans, and they don’t offer a wide range of policy types.

How To Choose the Right Life Insurance Company for You

To choose the best life insurance company, determine your needs and whether that company satisfies them.

Ask yourself the following questions:
  • Does this company have the policy type I’m looking for?
  • Can I get the amount of coverage I need with this company?
  • Can I afford the premium quote I received in the long run?
  • Are there any unique features I want that other companies don’t offer?
  • If I want a specific rider, is it available through this company?
  • Can I sign up for a life insurance policy online?

If you are struggling to narrow down to the right life insurance company, consider hiring an independent insurance broker for assistance.

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How To Compare Life Insurance Companies and Policies

Compare the financial strength, complaint index score and policy details to guarantee you’re choosing a financially sound life insurance company.

Once you’ve narrowed down your selection to the highest rated companies, compare the different types of life insurance policies offered by each company. Some only offer term policies, so make sure the company has the policy type you’re looking for at an affordable premium.

As a rule of thumb, you should compare at least three life insurance policy quotes. You can get quotes for the same exact coverage with different companies and get wildly different costs.

Life Insurance Quote Comparison
CompanyMonthly Premium Quote for a 10-Year Term Policy*
Corebridge Financial $21.12
Mutual of Omaha$24.08
Prudential$27.95
State Farm $31.97
Nationwide $43.33

*Quotes are based off a healthy 50-year-old woman looking for $250,000 of coverage in Florida.

Many factors affect life insurance policy costs, such as your age, sex and health. Generally, the younger and healthier you are, the lower your premium costs will be.

What To Look for in a Life Insurance Policy's Fine Print

Review the following details in your fine print to avoid any surprises in coverage or cost.

Coverage Exclusions
Specific types of death are excluded from coverage with most life insurance policies. For example, your beneficiaries typically won’t receive a death benefit if you commit suicide, overdose on drugs or if you pass away while participating in a hazardous activity, like skydiving. Read the fine print to see what isn’t covered.
Two-Year Contestability Clause
Most life insurance policies have a contestability period. During the first two years, the insurer can investigate the application for fraud and misrepresentation, and potentially deny a claim for death benefits.
Premiums
Request an outline to see when your premium payments are due and if they’re flexible or fixed. Confirm if there is a grace period if you fail to pay your premiums on time. In some cases, your beneficiaries will still receive the death benefit if you pass away during the grace period.
Riders
Riders are available to some life insurance policies for additional coverage. See what riders are available and how they affect your premiums. Some riders are free, but most will raise your premiums.
Conversion Provision
Some term policies allow you to convert to a permanent policy. Confirm if this feature is allowed with your term policy and if you’d need to redo the underwriting process for the conversion. If redoing the underwriting process is required, your premium cost will be affected.

Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Life Insurance Company

What are common mistakes to avoid when choosing a life insurance company?
Common mistakes you can make are failing to read the fine print of your life insurance policy and not comparing quotes. A life insurance agent or broker can help you avoid these mistakes.
Why is it important to find a good life insurance agent or broker?
A good life insurance agent or broker can help guarantee you’re getting the right coverage amount with a life insurance policy that caters directly to your needs.
Can you switch life insurance companies if you find a better policy?
It is within your rights to switch to a different life insurance company, but you should second guess before doing so. Your premiums will be readjusted, you’ll need to repay fees and you’ll be in a new two-year contestability period.
Last Modified: October 16, 2023
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9 Cited Research Articles

  1. J.D. Power. (2023, October 12). Satisfaction with Life Insurance and Annuity Products Climbs as Customers Embrace Digital, J.D. Power Finds. Retrieved from https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2023-us-individual-life-insurance-annuity-studies
  2. Texas Department of Insurance. (2023, May 2). Life Insurance Guide. Retrieved from https://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/consumer/cb018.html
  3. Statista. (2023, May). Largest Life Insurance Companies Worldwide As of May 2023, by Market Capitalization. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/statistics/376359/largest-life-insurance-companies-by-market-cap/
  4. Prudential. (2023, May). Prudential Financial Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://news.prudential.com/presskits/prudential-financial-fact-sheet.htm
  5. Nationwide. (2023, March 2). Nationwide Reports 2022 Record Sales and Growth Amid Challenging Conditions. Retrieved from https://news.nationwide.com/2022-operating-results/
  6. New York Life. (2022, November 2022). New York Life Declares Largest Dividend in Company History With $2.0 Billion Total Payout Expected in 2023. Retrieved from https://www.newyorklife.com/newsroom/2022/record-2023-dividend-announced
  7. Business Wire. (2022, March 28). AIG Announces Plan To Rebrand Its Life & Retirement Business as Corebridge Financial. Retrieved from https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220328005592/en/AIG-Announces-Plan-to-Rebrand-its-Life-Retirement-Business-as-Corebridge-Financial
  8. AM Best. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from http://www.ambest.com/about/
  9. NAIC. (n.d.). Results by Complaint Index. Retrieved from https://content.naic.org/cis_refined_results.htm?TABLEAU=CIS_COMPLAINTS&COCODE=94498&:refresh