Best Life Insurance Companies in Iowa

Based on my assessment, MassMutual is identified as the foremost life insurance company in Iowa.

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Written by Bob Phillips
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Iowans, like anyone else, want an easy way to save money and secure life insurance. My mission is to simplify the process. MassMutual stands out as the best life insurance provider in Iowa due to its superior coverage and affordability.

Additionally, Mutual of Omaha is ideal for seniors, Transamerica caters to younger individuals, State Farm excels in customer service, and Nationwide is great for smokers. MassMutual also offers the state’s lowest rates, making it a top choice.

Best Life Insurance Companies In Iowa, 2026

newyorklifeicon-logo
Best Life Insurance Overall - New York Life
transamerica-icon-logo
Best for Seniors - Mutual of Omaha
progressiveicon-logo
Best for Young People - Progressive Life
state-farm-icon-logo-red
Best for Smokers - State Farm
Best Life Insurance, Iowa, 2026

Compare The Best Life Insurance Providers In Iowa

For your convenience, we've compiled a table featuring our top picks among the leading life insurance companies in Iowa, based on essential criteria.

Overall Rating Best For A.M. Best Rating J.D. Power Rating (Best 1000) Online Experience (Best 10.0) Get A Quote
New York Life
4.9

Best Overall

A++

775

9.7

Instant Quote
MassMutual
4.9

Best Overall Runner-Up

A++

801

9.6

Instant Quote
Mutual of Omaha
4.8

Best For Seniors

A+

780

9.7

Instant Quote
Progressive Life
4.8

Best For Young Adults

A+

NR

9.6

Instant Quote
Mutual of Omaha
4.8

Best Cheap Life Insurance

A+

801

9.6

Instant Quote
State Farm
4.8

Best For Smokers

A++

839

9.6

Instant Quote
Scroll to see comparisons

Best Life Insurance Companies In Iowa


Best Overall Runner-Up

Overall Rating
4.9

Key Statistics

8/10 Affordability
9/10 Customer Reviews
9/10 Claims/Payouts
10/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

MassMutual received the Best Overall Runner-Up award thanks to its impressive selection of life insurance policies. It offers term, whole, and universal life coverage at affordable prices, along with a variety of riders for customization. The company’s agents are well-trained professionals who exclusively sell its products, giving them a unique advantage in helping customers make informed decisions.

AM Best awarded MassMutual its highest rating of A++ Superior, reflecting its financial strength and reliability. While it may not dominate the Iowa market, the company remains a highly respected player in the insurance industry.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Iowa's lowest prices
  • Wide array of items featuring multiple supplementary options
  • Top-level financial evaluations
Drawbacks
  • Whole life insurance is unavailable for online purchase.
  • Only MassMutual agents sell these policies.
  • J.D. Power score is lower compared to major competitors.

Best Overall

Overall Rating
4.9

Key Statistics

8/10 Affordability
10/10 Customer Reviews
10/10 Claims/Payouts
9/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

Known for its iconic headquarters in New York City and offices throughout the state, New York Life has been a leading life insurer in Iowa since 1845, employing thousands of people. We chose it as the best overall due to its well-established name and broad product offerings. Among term life insurance providers, New York Life stands out for offering high-value policies, such as the Million Plus Level Term 10, which features fixed rates for ten years and coverage starting at $1 million.

After the initial ten-year period, premiums for New York Life’s term policies will rise. Many term policies can also be converted into permanent life insurance options. The company offers a variety of whole life plans, including one with flexible payment options for those with fluctuating incomes or a desire to pay early. The Secure Wealth Plus plan caters to individuals aged 0 to 60 and can be fully paid in 10 years. New York Life’s impressive size and financial strength earned it the title of Best Overall. It’s the third largest life insurance provider in the country, the largest mutual insurer, and ranks #72 on the Fortune 500 list.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Alternatives for temporary and enduring insurance protection
  • Outstanding customer happiness levels
  • Offers a range of financial options alongside life insurance policies.
Drawbacks
  • Young adults and seniors often find insurance premiums unaffordable.
  • Variable life insurance is not among their products.
  • These policies are solely distributed by life insurance agents.

Best For Seniors

Overall Rating
4.9

Key Statistics

9/10 Affordability
9/10 Customer Reviews
10/10 Claims/Payouts
10/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

Mutual of Omaha is a name seniors trust, thanks to its long-standing focus on their needs. Known for the iconic “Wild Kingdom” show, the company also stands out for its highly trained agents who understand the challenges seniors face. The insurer provides senior-focused life insurance products, including two options for those with health problems: a guaranteed-issue policy with no medical exam or health questions, ideal for those with severe illnesses like cancer or heart disease, and a simplified-issue policy requiring health questions but no exam, suited for minor conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Solid financial foundation
  • Offers peace of mind via well-prepared agents.
  • Competitive costs for seniors living in Iowa
Drawbacks
  • There are fewer agents representing them in Iowa compared to larger insurance firms.
  • Is noted for receiving more complaints than some of its competitors.

Best for Customer Service

Overall Rating
4.8

Key Statistics

9/10 Affordability
10/10 Customer Reviews
10/10 Claims/Payouts
8/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

State Farm’s high customer satisfaction ratings from J.D. Power highlight its unwavering dedication to its policyholders. With the largest network of agents in the U.S., the company provides convenient access to local agents through its many neighborhood offices. Known for its compassionate service and prompt claim resolutions, State Farm is a trusted name for families relying on caring support in challenging moments.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Lower incidence of customer complaints than the norm."
  • Greatest quantity of agents supporting customers
  • Known for its excellent financial ratings in ensuring claims are reliably paid
Drawbacks
  • Policies are purchasable only through.
  • State Farm agents provide limited rider options.

Best for Young Adults

Overall Rating
4.7

Key Statistics

9/10 Affordability
8/10 Customer Reviews
10/10 Claims/Payouts
10/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

Transamerica capitalizes on its ability to provide affordable life insurance options for young adults who are mindful of their budgets. To meet the needs of this demographic, the company ensures its policies are both cost-effective and practical. The website caters to young buyers by offering an intuitive design and clear information, simplifying the process of choosing coverage. Transamerica remains committed to delivering protection for all, regardless of financial circumstances.

Younger buyers often postpone life insurance, seeing it as unnecessary until major life events like marriage or parenthood. Still, companies like Transamerica aim to attract this group because they present lower risks and higher profit potential. However, Transamerica received the lowest customer service rating in our review, possibly due to its reliance on independent agents, who sometimes fall short in service delivery.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Applicants meeting the criteria can forego the medical test for policies of $2 million or less.
  • Protects for sums as high as $10 million.
  • Buy your term life insurance policy online today.
Drawbacks
  • The least amount of coverage you can get is $25,000.
  • Rates lower in customer satisfaction than some competing companies.

Best For Cheapest Life Insurance

Overall Rating
4.8

Key Statistics

10/10 Affordability
9/10 Customer Reviews
9/10 Claims/Payouts
9/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

MassMutual holds the title of Iowa’s leading life insurance provider, offering some of the most competitive rates in the state. While there are several budget options available, MassMutual continues to deliver top-notch affordability. Although cost shouldn’t be the sole focus when choosing life insurance, it’s an important factor for many buyers. MassMutual leverages competitive pricing to strengthen its position in Iowa. Their term life insurance policies are particularly notable for offering generous coverage limits at affordable prices, even as their whole and universal life insurance options remain higher in cost.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Presents a complete assortment of life insurance plans.
  • Skilled agents across a broad network distribute MassMutual insurance products.
  • In our analysis, the cheapest life insurance plan available in Iowa was this one.
Drawbacks
  • You cannot apply online.
  • Purchase must occur through a MassMutual agent.

Best For Smokers

Overall Rating
4.8

Key Statistics

10/10 Affordability
9/10 Customer Reviews
9/10 Claims/Payouts
9/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

Nationwide boasts a strong presence nationwide with numerous local offices dedicated to sales and service. Their motto, “Nationwide is on your side,” holds true for smokers in Iowa seeking life insurance. While their smoker rates are slightly higher than those of their top competitors, we found Nationwide to be the best choice for smokers due to its competitive rates, accessible agents, and outstanding customer service.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Many office branches in Iowa.
  • Delivers various life insurance policies.
  • Nationwide insurance policies are being sold by a wide network of skilled agents.
Drawbacks
  • There's no way to apply for life insurance using the internet.
  • It's necessary to acquire it from an agent available nationwide.

Average Cost Of Life Insurance In Iowa For Females

Company Rates for $250,000 Coverage Rates for $632,000 Coverage
Nationwide $21 $32
Transamerica $24 $37
State Farm $30 $41
Mutual of Omaha $21 $35
MassMutual $20 $36

*Rates based on a 10-year term life policy for a 30-year-old female nonsmoker

Average Life Insurance Rates In Iowa For Males

Company Rates for $250,000 Coverage Rates for $632,000 Coverage
Mutual of Omaha $32 $28
Transamerica $35 $40
MassMutual $20 $27
Nationwide $21 $27
State Farm $30 $43

**Rates based on a 10-year term life policy for a 30-year-old male nonsmoker

Average Cost Of Life Insurance In Iowa For Smokers

Company Average Monthly Cost
Nationwide $46
GEICO $48
Mutual of Omaha $54
State Farm $72
Allstate $72

*Rates based on $632,000 of 20-year term life for a 30-year-old male smoker

Smokers pay higher life insurance premiums than non-smokers. By staying smoke-free for 12-24 months (depending on the insurer), you can lower your rates to match those of non-smokers. Passing a paramedical exam and blood test showing no nicotine in your system is necessary to qualify.

Average Life Insurance Rates In Iowa For Young Adults

Company Monthly Cost
Mutual of Omaha $18
Transamerica $16
State Farm $26
Nationwide $18
Prudential $20

*Rates are for a 25-year-old male nonsmoker that purchases a $250,000 20-year term life policy.

Average Life Insurance Rates In Iowa For Seniors

Company Monthly Cost
Mutual of Omaha $82
Nationwide $86
GEICO $88
Haven $184
Allstate $92

*Based on $75,000 of coverage for a 60-year-old male non-smoker buying a 10-year term life contract.

How To Find The Best Life Insurance Company For You

Life insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all, especially in Iowa. At Insuranceopedia, we review various insurers to provide tailored suggestions for diverse needs. To choose the right policy, first figure out how much coverage you need using a “life insurance calculator.” Then, compare three companies, looking at their financial health along with rates. Finally, act quickly to complete your application—delaying could risk your family’s future.

How Much Life Insurance Do You Need In Iowa?

Life insurance requirements differ based on personal situations. Homeowners generally require more coverage than renters, particularly those with dependents like children who need greater security. Life insurance agents commonly recommend coverage that is 10 to 20 times your annual salary to ensure adequate protection for your loved ones. For example, if you earn $75,000 per year, you might need coverage ranging from $750,000 to $1.5 million.

Factors That Impact The Cost Of Life Insurance In Iowa

Life insurance rates in Iowa are shaped by factors like your insurance provider, age, gender, health, smoking habits, credit score, and any extra riders. Men usually have higher premiums because they statistically live shorter lives, and smokers also see increased rates due to health risks. Credit scores might also impact premiums, while adding riders like disability waivers or child coverage can raise the total cost.

Iowa Life Insurance Laws To Know

When you’re considering life insurance in Iowa, it’s good to know that the state has laws in place to protect policyholders.

Grace Period For Missed Payments

Iowa law allows for a 30-day grace period after a missed payment to keep your coverage intact.

Contestable Period

According to regulations in Iowa, a life insurance claim can be declined if the policyholder misrepresented details on their application within the first two years of the policy’s inception. After this period, the insurance company is unable to dispute the policy due to any inaccuracies.

Free Look Period

Upon receipt of your life insurance policy, you have 10 days to review its terms. Should you find it unsuitable, you may return it within this timeframe and receive a full refund of premiums paid, with no extra costs.

Time Allowable To Settle A Claim

To receive benefits, beneficiaries must apply to their insurer. Under Iowa law, life insurance companies must handle claims within 30 days.

Largest Life Insurance Companies In Iowa

There are many life insurance companies in operation in Iowa. The top five, ordered by their market share, are:

Life Insurance Company Market Share
New York Life 10%
MassMutual 9%
MetLife 8%
Northwestern Mutual 6%
Guardian Life 7%

Our Methodology

Our process of selecting the top life insurance companies was thorough and detailed. We evaluated factors such as customer service, variety of products, pricing, and online functionality. Based on my experience in the life insurance industry and interactions with agents, I gained valuable insights into their offerings. Our decisions were not solely influenced by affordability, except in the "Best for Cheapest Life Insurance" category. Each company excels in its specific market, highlighting that price should not be the primary factor in selecting a life insurance policy.

65

Quotes Analyzed

15+

Years Of Industry Experience

26

Brands Reviewed

30+

Research Hours

FAQs

Is life insurance more expensive in Iowa?

Life insurance rates in Iowa match those found in other states. Insurers charging higher premiums typically do so because they anticipate more claims.

How much per month is a million dollar life insurance policy in Iowa?

MassMutual offers the least expensive premium in Iowa for a 10-year, $1 million term life insurance policy, costing $34 each month.

What is the average monthly cost of life insurance in Iowa?

For as little as $10 per month, a 30-year-old man in Iowa can obtain $250,000 in life insurance coverage; women of the same age might also expect to pay about the same.

Sources

About Bob Phillips

Having spent over fifteen years helping people plan their lives financially, Bob mastered many different financial products to help people achieve their financial goals, including life insurance, disability insurance, mutual funds, and stocks and bonds.
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