10 Best No Medical Exam Life Insurance Companies in May, 2024

AARP takes the crown for best no medical exam life insurance company.

min read
Updated: 08 March 2024
Written by
Bob Phillips
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For different reasons, many people prefer to avoid having a medical examination when they buy life insurance. Based on a thorough review of multiple insurers, I believe AARP offers the best no-medical exam life insurance policies.

Many quality companies offer no-exam life insurance, and you’ve come to the right place if you want detailed information on the best available in various categories. No exam life insurance costs more than life insurance that requires an exam, but it’s still reasonably priced and will give you the financial protection your family needs.

Selecting the wrong life insurance company can be a costly mistake in terms of paying too much or having too small of a death benefit. Based on over 15 years of selling life insurance, I believe these company reviews will help make buying no-exam life insurance hassle-free for you.

Best No Exam Life Insurance Companies in 2023

As you’ll see in the list of category winners shown below, all of the companies I selected are highly-rated life insurance companies. They can all meet the needs of just about anyone looking for no-exam life insurance, but each has an area where it excels.

aarpicon-logo
Best Overall - AARP
havenlife-icon-logo
Best Online Experience - Haven Life
nationwide-icon-logo
Best for Accessibility - Nationwide
countryfinancialicon-logo
Best for Customization - Country Financial
transamerica-icon-logo
Best for Seniors - Mutual Of Omaha
transamerica-icon-logo
Best for Young Adults - Transamerica
brighthousefinancialicon-logo
Best for Quick Approval - Brighthouse Financial
Best No Exam Life Insurance, 2024

Compare the Best No Exam Life Insurance Companies in 2023

Overall Rating Best For A.M. Best Rating J.D. Power Rating (Best 1000) Online Experience
AARP
4.9

Best Overall

A++

775

9.7

Haven Life
4.8

Online Experience

A++

780

9.9

Nationwide
4.7

Accessibility

A+

791

9.8

Country Financial
4.7

Customization

A+

Not Rated

9.5

Mutual of Omaha
4.8

Seniors

A+

801

9.7

USAA
4.8

Temporary Coverage

A++

Not Rated

9.5

Transamerica
4.5

Young Adults

A

740

7.0

Pacific Life
4.5

No Exam Term Life with Large Face Amounts

A+

793

7.0

Brighthouse Financial
4.7

Quick Approval

A

741

9.5

State Farm
4.8

Customer Service

A++

839

9.7

Scroll to see comparisons

Our Methodology

My assessment considered several factors: customer service ratings, product offerings, underwriting speed, and online experience. Moreover, my experience selling life insurance and interacting with agents from other companies gave me valuable insights into their products and services.

27

Quotes Analyzed

15+

Years Of Experience

20

Brands Reviewed

15+

Research Hours


Best Overall

Overall Rating
4.8

Key Statistics

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

Why We Like Them

AARP members aged 50 to 74 and their spouses ages 45 to 74 can apply for AARP’s no medical exam term life insurance, and the coverage can last until the insured’s 80th birthday. Although the death benefit stays level through the term, the annual price increases each time the insured person enters a new five-year age band.

AARP’s term life policy can be converted to permanent insurance at or before age 80. The rates for permanent coverage will be based on age. The AARP term life product features coverage amounts of $10,000 to $150,000 (or $100,000 in New York), although higher amounts may be available. Applicants answer a few health questions and provide other health information but do not have to take a medical exam.

In addition to no-exam term life, AARP offers no-exam whole life insurance and guaranteed acceptance whole life (not available in all states). These policies are available to AARP members, ages 50 to 80, and their spouses, ages 45 to 80.

I believe AARP is the best overall because the life policy is underwritten by New York Life, one of the leading providers of life insurance in the United States for over a century. You’ll also have a membership with AARP, which offers many discounts to seniors and provides a wealth of information on aging.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Life insurance is underwritten by New York Life
  • Anyone age 50 and up can get access through AARP membership
  • Fewer than expected number of complaints to state regulators
Drawbacks
  • Term life insurance premiums increase every five years
  • AARP membership is required

Best for Seniors

Overall Rating
4.8

Key Statistics

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

Why We Like Them

The largest market for no-exam life insurance is the senior market. Mutual of Omaha has been selling no-medical exam life policies for decades, and the company knows the senior market very well through its no-exam life insurance and Medicare supplement products. Mutual of Omaha sells two types of no-medical exam life insurance: simplified issue and guaranteed issue.

Simplified issue life insurance doesn’t require a medical exam, but you will have to answer health-related questions on your application. Based on your answers, coverage can be denied. Guaranteed issue not only doesn’t require a medical exam, but you also aren’t asked any medical questions on your application. You are guaranteed to be issued a policy, hence the name.

Based in Omaha, Nebraska, Mutual of Omaha is a household name for seniors who grew up watching its flagship program, Wild Kingdom. The company has one of the most respected names in the insurance industry.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Fast underwriting decisions on senior life products
  • Serviced by company agents
  • Trusted by seniors
Drawbacks
  • The death benefit amount is limited for the first several years
  • Premiums can be higher than some competitors

Best Online Experience

Overall Rating
4.6

Key Statistics

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

Why We Like Them

Haven Life’s no-exam life policy is called “Haven Simple,” which describes the product very well. It’s a term life policy issued to people aged 20 to 55, with face amounts ranging from $25,000 to $ 1 million. No medical exam is required, but you will have to answer questions about your health and lifestyle. It is a no-medical exam policy but not a guaranteed issue policy.

What makes Haven stand out is its user-friendly website and quick application process. There is no need to meet with a life insurance agent, but you can talk with one by phone at Haven if you need to. The website will walk you through the buying process, from deciding how much coverage you need to complete an application.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Backed by longstanding insurance company Mass Mutual
  • Streamlined online application
  • Additional financial services are available in most states at no charge
Drawbacks
  • Term life insurance can’t be converted to permanent coverage

Best for Accessibility

Overall Rating
4.7

Key Statistics

8/10 Affordability
9/10 Customer Reviews
10/10 Claims
7/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

Unlike most other no-exam life insurance, Nationwide’s Simplified Whole Life Policy offers coverage for customers younger than 20 years old. The company issue policies to applicants 80 years old or younger. This is significant because many parents want to buy life insurance for their children to own, but they don’t want their kids to undergo a medical exam to get coverage. Nationwide has solved that problem.

The biggest drawback to this policy is the limited face amounts available. Coverage is only available from $10,000 to $50,000 ($25,000 to $50,000 in Washington). If the insured wants more protection, they’ll have to buy another policy to supplement this one.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Available for anyone under age 80
  • Nationwide ranks 6th for overall customer satisfaction (2022 J.D. Powers Study)
Drawbacks
  • Not all policies can be paid online
  • Only smaller face amounts offered

Best for Customer Service

Overall Rating
4.7

Key Statistics

9/10 Affordability
10/10 Customer Reviews
10/10 Claims
8/10 Coverage level

Why We Like Them

State Farm is recognized for its exceptional policyholder service, consistently earning high customer satisfaction ratings from J.D. Powers. This is partially due to the company’s large number of agents, which exceeds that of any other insurance company in America.

State Farm’s dedication to having a strong presence in nearly every populated area has resulted in a reputation for outstanding customer service. The company has thousands of local offices located throughout the U.S., providing policyholders with the convenience of meeting with their local agent in person.

State Farm’s Instant Answer Term Insurance has no medical exam policy. It provides $50,000 of death benefit protection until age 50 or a maximum of 10 years, whichever is longer. With this policy, you can apply for coverage and, if approved, purchase the policy on the same day at an agent’s office.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Has a much lower number of customer complaints than the industry average
  • Carries top financial ratings for claims-paying ability
  • More agents providing service than any other insurer
Drawbacks
  • You can only buy policies from State Farm agents
  • A limited number of riders are available
  • No exam life protection term is limited

Best for Young Adults

Overall Rating
4.5

Key Statistics

9/10 Affordability
7/10 Customer Reviews
9/10 Claims
10/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

I selected Transamerica for two main reasons: price and availability. Transamerica consistently has lower prices than many major life insurers, particularly for younger adults. With its Trendsetter Super term life policy, coverage is available for $25,000 to $10 million and up, with no medical required for up to $2 million for qualifying applicants (qualification determined by answering health questions).

Transamerica life insurance is also readily available for younger people interested in no-medical exam life insurance. Because of its low price and high commission payout, many independent life insurance agents represent Transamerica and sell it to younger, price-conscious buyers. Transamerica has been around for many years; unfortunately, its reputation and ratings for customer service are lower than many other insurance companies.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • You can buy term life insurance online
  • Policy face amounts go as high as $10 million
  • Bundle discount on auto insurance for life insurance customers
Drawbacks
  • Not as many local offices as some major competitors
  • Numerous negative reviews online concerning customer service

Best Temporary Coverage

Overall Rating
4.6

Key Statistics

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

Why We Like Them

Many people think that USAA only sells insurance to military members and their families, but that’s only partially correct. USAA makes its life insurance products available to everyone, military and non-military. Active-duty military personnel receive extra benefits, including $25,000 for expenses after severe injury and guaranteed insurability if they leave the military.

USAA’s life insurance product line is built around its portfolio of term life products. Term life insurance’s primary purpose is to meet a temporary need, like protecting your family while you have a mortgage or until the kids graduate.

The company’s Essential Term policy doesn’t require a medical exam but is only for those aged 21 to 35, and it expires when you turn 39. Coverage is capped at $100,000. Currently, Essential Term is not available in Arizona or New York.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Life insurance is for military and non-military families
  • Extra benefits for active-duty personnel
  • High customer retention because of excellent customer service
Drawbacks
  • Term life insurance coverage ends at age 39
  • Coverage is capped at $100,000

Best for Large Term Life Policies

Overall Rating
4.5

Key Statistics

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

Why We Like Them

If you’re looking for a term life policy with a large face amount without having to take a medical exam, Pacific Life meets the need nicely. The company’s Promise Term product offers high coverage amounts with no exam (up to $3 million). It’s available to applicants up to age 70 and is competitively priced.

The downside to Pacific Life’s offering is the length of time it takes for an application to be approved or declined. Promise Term has a longer median application approval time (23 days) than most companies. The term lengths available range from 10 to 30 years.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • High face amounts up to age 70
  • No exam is required for up to $3 million of coverage
Drawbacks
  • Underwriting takes longer than average to approve applications
  • Premiums are higher than many competitors

Best for Quick Approval

Overall Rating
4.5

Key Statistics

9/10 Affordability
8/10 Customer Reviews
10/10 Claims
7/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

We live in a fast-paced world, and people expect quick approval when they pay hard-earned money with their applications. Brighthouse Financial delivers.

Brighthouse offers competitive rates, comprehensive coverage, and application decisions in as little as 24 hours, making it an excellent choice for people who want to get life insurance coverage quickly without having to take a medical exam.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Very competitive rates
  • Instant-decision application
  • Considered by many to be a best-in-class no-exam option
Drawbacks
  • Term life applicants are limited to ages 25-50
  • Traditional term life is not available in CA, IL, LA, ME, or NY

Best for Customization

Overall Rating
4.7

Key Statistics

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

Why We Like Them

In addition to wanting things quickly, we want them how we want them, not just what an insurance company tells us we can have. Country Financial does an excellent job of offering customizable no-exam term life insurance.

For starters, you can add an accelerated death benefit rider that allows you to use part of your death benefit while you’re alive to help with terminal illness expenses. It is a no-cost add-on.

Other extra features available for an additional cost include a return-of-premium rider that refunds the premiums you’ve paid if you’re still living at the end of a 20 or 30-year policy; a disability waiver of premium that pays your premiums if you become disabled before age 65, and a child term insurance rider that lets you add up to $50,000 or term life coverage for each of your kids who are 17 or younger.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Excellent choice of riders available
  • Very good customer reviews
Drawbacks
  • Only available in 19 states

What is no-exam life insurance?

No-exam life insurance doesn’t require you to undergo a medical exam to qualify for coverage, though you may have to answer medical questions to get approved. Regular life insurance policies require both an exam and questions about your health history answered before they’ll issue you a policy.

How much is no-exam life insurance?

This type of life cover can be purchased for as little as $5 per month if you’re young, healthy and your coverage amount is low. However, based on the life insurance companies we evaluated, policy rates are between $15 and $55 for a $500,000 policy. To get a better estimate of your possible premium, use an online quote generator like Insuranceopedia.

Average no-exam life insurance rates by age and gender (annually)

The cost of no-exam life insurance varies by age, gender, face amount, and many more variables. Here are several examples of cost based on age and gender.

Age/Gender $500,000 Policy $1,000,000 Policy
30-year-old male $235 $370
30-year-old female $180 $298
40-year-old male $379 $685
40-year-old female $290 $520
50-year-old male $860 $1,589
50-year-old-female $680 $1,240

Average no-exam life insurance rates by company

Company 30-year-old male, 20 year, $500,000 policy 30-year-old female, 20 year, $500,000 policy
Brighthouse $230 $190
Banner $226 $191
Pacific Life $229 $195
Transamerica $230 $199
Prudential $310 $257

How to find the best no-medical-exam life insurance company

If you want to find a life insurance company offering coverage that meets your individual needs, take these three steps:

Decide what type of life insurance you need

The two primary types of life insurance for you to choose from are term insurance (temporary coverage) and whole life insurance (permanent coverage). Examine your needs and choose accordingly.

Evaluate companies

There is a limited number of insurers that offer no exam life insurance. Reading reviews like this one and getting multiple quotes will narrow down the field for you.

Select an insurer and apply

There are many sad stories of families that suffered hardship because someone they depended on financially didn’t buy life insurance and protect them. Don’t put off buying life insurance today.

Pros and cons of no-exam life insurance

Pros

  • No exam. If you don’t have time or you’re not a big fan of needles, no-exam life insurance lets you skip bloodwork and other lab requirements commonly associated with traditional underwriting.
  • Faster approval. If you’re eligible for no-exam life insurance, you could secure it quickly, with some insurers offering instant or same-day approval.
  • Potentially similar rates. Depending on your age, health, desired coverage amount and the insurer you choose, you may find that no-exam life insurance policies that use accelerated underwriting are priced similarly to those that rely on traditional underwriting.

Cons

  • Health conditions affect eligibility. No-exam life insurance is best suited for healthy, young applicants. If you’re not in one of those two categories, you may find that you’re ineligible for coverage or that you’re subject to a higher rate.
  • Coverage may be limited. Though some companies offer higher coverage amounts for no-exam life insurance policies, that’s not always the case — especially if you’re applying for a guaranteed issue or simplified issue policy. If you’re looking for a high coverage amount, a no-exam life insurance policy may not be the best option.
  • Age limits apply. Most life insurance companies have caps on the age at which they will issue a policy, but that age is much lower for no-exam life insurance policies. Generally, no-exam coverage is best suited for people age 50 or younger. Don’t assume that no-exam life insurance is out of the question if you’re over 50, though. There are some companies that offer this type of life insurance up to age 85.

Should I get no-exam life insurance?

You should consider no-exam life insurance under the following conditions:

  • You have pre-existing medical conditions that have been diagnosed in the past two years
  • You have a significant preexisting condition, such as diabetes
  • Both of your parents died before age 60
  • You have DUIs or other significant issues on your driving record in the past two years
  • You have a record of drug or alcohol abuse in the past five years
  • Your job is particularly high risk, such as being a firefighter
  • You have high-risk hobbies, such as BASE jumping or outdoor rock climbing

If these apply to you, you may still want to consider first applying for a standard  policy. You may get approved and charged an extra premium for the standard policy, but it may still cost less than a no-medical exam policy.

Comparing the types of life insurance available to you

Policy type Waiting period Maximum coverage Coverage length
Term life None $500,000 Up to 35 years
Whole life None $50,000 Lifetime
Guaranteed issue life 2-3 years $25,000 Lifetime

Types of no-exam life insurance

There are several types of no-exam life insurance, including:

No-Exam Term Life Insurance

This term life insurance offers temporary protection to protect a temporary need and doesn’t require a medical exam, which most term policies do. Face amounts can be limited with this type of policy.

No-Exam Whole Life Insurance

Provides permanent life insurance protection and doesn’t require you to undergo an exam, though you will probably need to answer questions on an application about your health history. Face amounts can also be limited with these policies.

No-Exam Group Life Insurance

Employers typically purchase this, and face amounts are limited to $50,000 or a multiple of your salary, like two or three times your annual earnings.

Types of life insurance underwriting

Just as there are several types of no medical exam policies, there are also various types of underwriting, including:

Accelerated Underwriting Life Insurance

With this type of policy, underwriting can take as little as 24-48 hours so that coverage can go into effect quickly. It can be beneficial right after marriage or the birth of a child.

Simplified Issue Life Insurance

It doesn’t require a medical exam, but you must answer questions related to your health history, which can result in your application being declined.

Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance

Neither undergoing a medical exam nor answering health-related questions is required. If you complete the necessary forms, the insurer guarantees they’ll issue you a policy. Rates are higher for these types of policies.

Alternatives to no-exam life insurance

Generally, no-exam policies cost more than those that require an exam. If you’re younger and healthier, you may want to purchase a policy that requires an exam and get lower rates.

If you’re looking for a quick decision, consider “instant life insurance.” Insurance companies use medical data and various algorithms to calculate their risk level if they insure you. Most companies will reserve the right to ask you to take an exam.

Do I qualify for no-exam life insurance?

Not everyone qualifies for no-exam life insurance. Though an insurer may offer this type of policy, most still require you to answer questions about your health history, which can lead to your application being declined. You will qualify for guaranteed issue life insurance without an exam.

FAQs

Can you get life insurance with a medical exam?

Life insurance that requires a medical exam is available, and it usually costs less than no exam policies.

Is there a waiting period for no medical exam life insurance?

Some no-medical exam policies have a “graded death benefit,” meaning there is a waiting period before your beneficiaries would receive the full face amount of the policy. This waiting period is typically 2-3 years.

What’s the maximum coverage amount for a no-exam life insurance policy?

The largest face amount I’ve seen available for this type of policy is $3 million.

Is a no-exam life insurance policy more expensive?

Yes, no-exam policies generally cost more than policies that require an exam because the insurance company is taking on more risk.

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