When people start researching MetLife life insurance, it’s common to feel a bit confused when Brighthouse Financial suddenly appears in the results. Are they the same company? Did one buy the other? That uncertainty often grows when agents mention both names during discussions, or when existing policyholders receive paperwork from a company they don’t recognize.
What many people don’t realize is that MetLife and Brighthouse Financial share a connected history. In 2017, MetLife spun off its retail life insurance and annuity business to create Brighthouse, allowing each company to focus on different areas of expertise. MetLife continues to specialize in workplace and group coverage, while Brighthouse serves individuals seeking personal life insurance and retirement products. Both companies maintain strong financial foundations, but they now serve distinct customer needs.
Our comprehensive analysis explains how these two companies relate, what types of coverage each does best, and where potential drawbacks may arise. Whether you’re reviewing an existing policy or exploring new options, understanding how MetLife and Brighthouse fit together can help you choose the right protection for your family’s long-term financial security.
What Is the Relationship Between MetLife and Brighthouse Financial?
Key insight: MetLife and Brighthouse Financial are separate companies following a 2017 business separation, with MetLife focusing on group benefits while Brighthouse targets individual retail insurance customers.
In August 2017, MetLife spun off its retail life insurance and annuity business to create Brighthouse Financial as an independent publicly-traded company. This strategic separation allowed MetLife to concentrate on its core group benefits and international operations while Brighthouse focused exclusively on individual consumer products.
The separation means that consumers shopping for individual life insurance today primarily interact with Brighthouse Financial, not MetLife directly. However, existing MetLife individual policies issued before the split generally remain serviced by the original company, creating some ongoing connection between the entities.
Bottom Line
When researching individual life insurance, you’re primarily evaluating Brighthouse Financial products, even though the MetLife name may appear in marketing materials due to the companies’ shared history.
Both companies maintain strong market positions in their respective segments. MetLife continues as one of the largest employee benefits providers in the United States, while Brighthouse Financial operates as a significant player in the individual life insurance and annuity markets.
Key Relationship Factors
- MetLife and Brighthouse became separate companies in August 2017
- MetLife focuses on group benefits and international markets
- Brighthouse Financial serves individual retail customers
- Both companies maintain strong financial ratings independently
- Existing policies may be serviced by the original issuing company
How Financially Strong Are These Companies?
Key insight: Both MetLife and Brighthouse Financial maintain strong financial ratings from major agencies, providing solid assurance for policyholder claims and long-term obligations.
Financial Strength Ratings Comparison
MetLife Ratings
| A.M. Best | A+ |
| S&P | AA- |
| Moody’s | Aa3 |
| Fitch | AA- |
| Comdex | 95 |
Brighthouse Financial Ratings
| A.M. Best | A |
| S&P | A+ |
| Moody’s | A2 |
| Fitch | A+ |
| Comdex | 83 |
MetLife’s slightly higher ratings reflect its larger scale and diversified business model, while Brighthouse Financial’s strong ratings demonstrate solid standalone financial capacity. Both companies maintain sufficient resources to meet policyholder obligations with very low risk of financial distress.
“Both companies rank in the top tier for financial stability, with MetLife’s 95 Comdex ranking placing it in the top 5% of insurers, while Brighthouse’s 83 ranking puts it in the top 17% – both excellent positions for claim-paying reliability.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
The financial strength of both entities provides confidence for long-term policy commitments. However, financial ratings represent just one factor in choosing appropriate life insurance coverage, with product features, pricing, and customer service often proving more decisive for individual consumers.
Bottom Line
Both MetLife and Brighthouse Financial offer excellent financial security for policyholders, with minimal risk of claims payment issues due to company financial problems.
What Life Insurance Products Do They Offer?
Key insight: Brighthouse Financial provides the primary individual life insurance products, offering term life, universal life, and whole life options with competitive features but limited variety compared to specialized carriers.
Brighthouse Financial Term Life Insurance
The Guaranteed Level Term product provides level premium coverage with competitive rates by age across standard term periods.
Brighthouse Term Life Features
- Age Range: 18-70 years old
- Coverage Amounts: Starting at $100,000
- Term Options: 10, 15, 20, and 30 years
- Medical Requirements: Full underwriting required
- Conversion: Available to age 70
- Renewability: Renewable to age 95
- Available Riders: Disability waiver, accelerated death benefit
Universal Life Insurance
The Premier Accumulator Universal Life offers permanent coverage with flexible premium payments and interest crediting features designed to protect cash value from market volatility.
- Coverage available for ages 18-80
- Minimum $100,000 face amount
- Protection to age 95
- High early cash value potential
- Tax-advantaged growth opportunities
- Policy loans and withdrawal options
Whole Life Insurance
Traditional whole life coverage provides guaranteed premiums, death benefits, and cash value accumulation throughout the insured’s lifetime.
“While Brighthouse offers solid basic products, their limited variety means families with specialized needs – like no-exam coverage or high-risk health conditions – often find better options with carriers that focus on specific market segments.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
Product Availability Summary
- Comprehensive term life options with standard features
- Universal life with flexible premium structure
- Traditional whole life with guaranteed elements
- Standard rider options available
- Limited specialized products compared to niche carriers
Bottom Line
Brighthouse Financial offers solid mainstream life insurance products that meet standard needs but lacks the specialized options available from carriers focused on specific market segments.
How Do Their Rates Compare to Competitors?
Key insight: MetLife and Brighthouse Financial typically offer competitive pricing for standard applicants but may not provide the lowest rates available in the market, making comparison shopping essential.
Both companies generally position themselves in the middle-to-competitive range for premium pricing. While not consistently the least expensive option, they often provide reasonable rates for applicants who qualify for their standard or preferred health classifications.
Rate competitiveness varies significantly based on individual factors including age, health status, coverage amount, and specific product selected. What makes one carrier expensive for a particular applicant may make another carrier the most affordable option.
Pricing Competitiveness Factors
Competitive Advantages
- Reasonable rates for standard health classes
- Competitive term life pricing for younger applicants
- Universal life rates often competitive
- Strong rate stability over time
Pricing Limitations
- Rarely the absolute lowest cost option
- Preferred rates may be harder to qualify for
- Limited no-exam options increase costs
- Whole life premiums above market averages
For families prioritizing lowest possible premiums, more specialized carriers focusing on specific demographics or health profiles often provide superior value. However, the moderate pricing combined with strong financial ratings makes these companies reasonable choices for risk-averse consumers.
“Our rate analysis shows MetLife and Brighthouse typically rank in the middle third for premium costs – competitive but rarely the cheapest option available for any given applicant profile.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
Bottom Line
While MetLife and Brighthouse offer reasonable rates, comparison shopping with multiple carriers typically reveals lower-cost options for most applicants without sacrificing financial security.
What Are Their Unique Underwriting Advantages?
Key insight: MetLife and Brighthouse Financial excel in specialized underwriting situations where other carriers struggle, particularly for military service members, individuals with controlled health conditions, and certain lifestyle factors.
The companies’ most significant competitive advantage lies in their willingness to underwrite cases that other carriers might decline or rate heavily. This specialized approach creates opportunities for applicants who face challenges in the traditional insurance market.
Military and Veteran-Friendly Underwriting
Both companies demonstrate exceptional expertise in evaluating military service members and veterans, often providing coverage where other carriers impose restrictions or exclusions. This includes active duty personnel, reservists, and veterans with service-related health considerations.
Health Condition Specializations
The companies show particular strength in underwriting applicants with:
- Controlled hypertension: Often offering better rate classifications than competitors
- Diabetes management: Competitive rates for well-controlled cases
- Mental health history: More favorable consideration than many carriers
- Previous cancer survival: Reasonable rates for appropriate survival periods
Lifestyle Factor Tolerance
MetLife and Brighthouse take more liberal approaches to certain lifestyle factors that other carriers penalize heavily, including recreational marijuana use and certain occupational hazards.
“We consistently recommend MetLife and Brighthouse for clients with military backgrounds or controlled health conditions where mainstream carriers have declined coverage or imposed significant rate increases.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
Specialized Underwriting Strengths
- Military service members and veterans receive favorable consideration
- Controlled health conditions often rated more favorably
- Liberal approach to certain lifestyle factors
- Experienced underwriters handle complex cases effectively
- Alternative rating structures for non-standard risks
Bottom Line
If you have military service, controlled health conditions, or lifestyle factors that concern other carriers, MetLife and Brighthouse Financial may offer your best coverage opportunities.
What Are the Main Limitations to Consider?
Key insight: While MetLife and Brighthouse Financial offer solid coverage and specialized underwriting, their limitations include higher costs for healthy applicants and reduced product innovation compared to market leaders.
The primary drawback centers on value proposition for standard, healthy applicants. While these companies excel in challenging underwriting situations, they often fail to provide the most competitive rates for low-risk individuals who qualify for preferred rates with other carriers.
Cost Competitiveness Issues
For healthy applicants seeking the lowest possible premiums, both companies typically rank in the middle-to-upper range of market pricing. More specialized carriers often provide significantly better rates for applicants with excellent health profiles.
Limited Product Innovation
Compared to industry leaders, both companies offer relatively conservative product lineups without cutting-edge features that some competitors provide. This includes limited no-exam options and fewer accelerated underwriting programs.
Customer Service Variability
While generally adequate, customer service experiences can vary significantly. Some clients report excellent support, while others experience delays or difficulty reaching knowledgeable representatives for complex policy questions.
“Unless you have specific underwriting challenges, healthy applicants typically find better value with carriers that specialize in preferred risk pricing and offer more innovative product features.”
– Insurance Brokers USA Value Analysis
Key Limitation Areas
- Higher premiums for healthy, preferred-risk applicants
- Conservative product features compared to innovative carriers
- Limited no-exam and accelerated underwriting options
- Customer service quality can be inconsistent
- Fewer digital tools and online policy management features
Bottom Line
MetLife and Brighthouse work best for challenging underwriting situations but may not provide optimal value for healthy applicants seeking the lowest rates or most innovative features.
Who Should Consider MetLife or Brighthouse Financial?
Key insight: These companies serve specific customer segments exceptionally well, particularly military personnel, individuals with health challenges, and consumers who prioritize financial stability over absolute lowest pricing.
Military Service Members and Veterans
Active duty personnel, reservists, and veterans receive some of the industry’s most favorable underwriting consideration. The companies’ expertise in military-related risks often results in coverage availability and rates that other carriers cannot match.
Applicants with Controlled Health Conditions
Individuals managing conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or previous cancer diagnoses often find more favorable treatment than with mainstream carriers. The specialized underwriting approach can result in significant rate advantages for these applicants.
Risk-Averse Consumers
Families who prioritize financial security and company stability over absolute lowest premiums may prefer the strong ratings and established market presence these companies provide, even at moderate cost premiums.
Ideal Customer Profiles
Strong Fit Scenarios
- Military service members (active or veteran status)
- Controlled medical conditions requiring specialized underwriting
- Previous coverage denials from other carriers
- Preference for established, highly-rated companies
- Complex underwriting situations needing expert evaluation
Poor Fit Scenarios
- Healthy applicants seeking lowest possible premiums
- Need for no-exam or accelerated underwriting
- Preference for innovative product features
- Priority on digital tools and online policy management
- Budget-conscious families requiring maximum value
“We typically recommend MetLife or Brighthouse when clients have been declined elsewhere or face significant rate increases due to military service or health factors – their specialized underwriting often provides solutions other carriers cannot.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
Bottom Line
Consider MetLife or Brighthouse Financial if you have military background, controlled health conditions, or previous coverage challenges – but explore alternatives if you’re healthy and seeking the lowest possible rates.
What Are Superior Alternatives to Consider?
Key insight: Unless you have specific underwriting challenges, several alternative carriers typically provide better value through lower costs, innovative features, and superior customer service while maintaining comparable financial strength.
For Healthy Applicants Seeking Best Rates
Our analysis of top life insurance companies consistently shows carriers specializing in preferred risk underwriting provide 20-35% lower premiums for healthy applicants compared to MetLife and Brighthouse pricing.
For No-Exam Coverage Needs
Families requiring fast approval or simplified underwriting should explore specialized no-exam carriers that offer competitive rates and streamlined application processes.
For Pre-Existing Health Conditions
Even for applicants with health challenges, carriers specializing in pre-existing medical conditions often provide more innovative underwriting approaches and better rates than traditional companies.
For Final Expense Coverage
Seniors seeking burial insurance typically find better value with specialized final expense companies that focus exclusively on this market segment.
Alternative Selection Strategy
- Compare rates from at least 5-7 highly-rated carriers
- Consider specialized companies for specific needs
- Evaluate digital features and customer service ratings
- Review accelerated underwriting options for faster approval
- Assess long-term rate stability and company innovation
“Our comprehensive market analysis shows that 7 out of 10 healthy applicants find superior value with alternative carriers that maintain equal or better financial ratings while offering lower premiums and more innovative features.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
Bottom Line
Unless you need specialized military or health condition underwriting, comparison shopping with alternative carriers typically reveals better value propositions with equal financial security and superior features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are MetLife and Brighthouse Financial the same company?
No, they are separate companies since 2017. MetLife spun off its retail business to create Brighthouse Financial as an independent company. MetLife now focuses on group benefits while Brighthouse serves individual customers. However, they share historical connections and some existing policies may still be serviced by the original issuing company.
Which company should I buy life insurance from – MetLife or Brighthouse?
For individual life insurance, you’ll primarily work with Brighthouse Financial. MetLife concentrates on group coverage through employers. Brighthouse handles most individual retail policies, so when shopping for personal life insurance, you’re typically evaluating Brighthouse products even if you see the MetLife name in marketing materials.
Is MetLife life insurance more expensive than other companies?
MetLife and Brighthouse typically price in the middle-to-upper range compared to competitors. While not usually the cheapest option, they’re generally competitive for their target markets. Healthy applicants often find lower rates elsewhere, but those with military backgrounds or health challenges may find these companies offer better value than alternatives.
Are these companies good for military members and veterans?
Yes, both companies are excellent choices for military personnel. They have specialized expertise in military-related risks and often provide coverage and rates that other carriers cannot match. Active duty, reservists, and veterans frequently receive more favorable underwriting treatment than with mainstream insurance companies.
Do MetLife and Brighthouse offer no-exam life insurance?
Limited no-exam options are available but not prominently featured. Both companies primarily focus on traditional underwriting with medical exams. If you need no-exam coverage, specialized carriers that focus on simplified underwriting typically offer better rates and faster approval processes.
What happens to my MetLife policy after the Brighthouse separation?
Existing policies remain in force and are typically serviced by the original issuing company. If you purchased individual coverage before 2017, your policy likely remains with MetLife. New individual policies are issued by Brighthouse Financial. Contact your servicing company directly for specific questions about your existing coverage.
Should I consider these companies if I have health problems?
Yes, they often excel with controlled health conditions. Both companies demonstrate expertise in underwriting cases involving hypertension, diabetes, previous cancer, and other managed health conditions. If you’ve been declined elsewhere or received high rate quotes, these companies may provide more favorable consideration for your specific situation.
About the Insurance Brokers USA Team
The Insurance Brokers USA Team consists of licensed insurance professionals with extensive experience helping clients navigate complex insurance decisions. Our agents have analyzed hundreds of life insurance companies and worked with thousands of families seeking reliable, affordable coverage. We specialize in matching clients with the most appropriate carriers based on their specific health, financial, and coverage circumstances, ensuring optimal value and service.
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Important Disclaimer
This article provides general information about MetLife and Brighthouse Financial life insurance products and should not be considered personalized insurance advice. Insurance needs vary significantly based on individual circumstances, health status, and financial goals. Company ratings, product features, and pricing are subject to change. Always consult with licensed insurance professionals and review current policy documents before making coverage decisions.
