Why We Created This Comprehensive Guide
As licensed insurance professionals, we’ve spent countless hours analyzing over 50 no-exam life insurance companies to save you weeks of research. This guide demonstrates our expertise through detailed analysis, but choosing the right policy depends on your unique situation.
How to use this guide:
- Jump directly to companies that interest you using the navigation below
- Review our expert recommendations for your specific situation
- Use our comparison insights to understand key differences
- Call us for personalized recommendations tailored to your needs
Expert Insight: While this analysis showcases our deep industry knowledge, the “best” company varies dramatically based on your age, health, coverage needs, and financial goals. Our licensed agents can quickly identify your top 2-3 options and secure competitive quotes within 24 hours.
Quick Company Navigation
Top-Rated Companies (Detailed Analysis)
- Mutual of Omaha – Best Overall (A+ Rating)
- Principal Financial – Best High Coverage (Up to $1M)
- Assurity – Best Term Options (Up to $350K)
- American Amicable – Best Riders & Flexibility
- Gerber Life – Best for Seniors (Ages 50-85)
- AIG – Best Guaranteed Issue
Additional Quality Options
Foresters • Fidelity Life • Transamerica • North American • Phoenix • Sagicor • American National
What Is No-Exam Life Insurance?
No-exam life insurance allows you to secure coverage without medical exams, blood work, or urine tests. Instead, insurers use health questionnaires, prescription checks, and data analytics to assess risk and determine eligibility.
Three Types of No-Exam Policies
- Guaranteed Issue: No health questions, limited coverage ($5K-$25K), often with waiting periods
- Simplified Issue: Basic health questions, moderate coverage ($50K-$500K), faster approval
- Accelerated Underwriting: Advanced data analysis, high coverage (up to $1M+), quickest for healthy applicants
The best type of no exam life insurance policy for you will be determined by your age, health status, and how much coverage you need. See the NAIC buyer’s guide for more.
Expert Rankings: Top No-Exam Life Insurance Companies
#1 Best Overall: Mutual of Omaha
Available Policies
- Living Promise Whole Life: Ages 45-85, $2,000-$40,000 coverage
- Term Life Express: Ages 18-75, $25,000-$400,000, 10-30 year terms
Why Mutual of Omaha Leads Our Rankings
After analyzing dozens of carriers, Mutual of Omaha consistently delivers the best combination of financial strength, product variety, and customer service. Their A+ rating from AM Best provides exceptional security for your beneficiaries, while their dual-policy approach serves both final expense and income replacement needs.
Expert Strategy
For maximum flexibility, consider Mutual of Omaha’s Term Life Express with return of premium option if you’re confident you’ll outlive the term. This allows you to recover premiums while maintaining conversion rights to permanent coverage up to age 100.
Real-World Application
A 55-year-old small business owner, Linda, needed $200,000 to cover business debts but couldn’t take time for medical exams. Mutual of Omaha’s Term Life Express approved her 15-year policy in 3 days despite controlled diabetes. The return of premium option means if she outlives the term, she’ll recover every dollar paid in premiums.
Best For
- Anyone seeking maximum financial security (A+ rating)
- Applicants wanting both term and permanent options
- Those who value established reputation and stability
#2 Best for High Coverage: Principal Financial Group
What Sets Principal Apart
Principal’s accelerated underwriting process uses advanced data analytics to approve up to $1 million in coverage without medical exams. This makes them the clear choice for high-income earners, business owners, or anyone with substantial financial obligations.
Key Features
- Innovative accelerated underwriting technology
- Coverage up to $1,000,000 for qualified applicants
- 10, 15, 20, or 30-year terms available
- Conversion options for future permanent coverage
Expert Strategy
To maximize Principal’s no-exam program, apply for the highest coverage amount and longest term you might need. Their underwriting system often approves higher amounts than competitors, and you can always reduce coverage later if needed.
Best For
- High-income professionals needing substantial coverage
- Business owners with significant financial obligations
- Healthy applicants who want fast approval for large amounts
#3 Best Term Options: Assurity
Why Assurity Excels for Term Coverage
Assurity’s Lifescape NonMed Term 350 policy offers the sweet spot between coverage amount and accessibility. With simplified issue underwriting and competitive rates, they consistently approve applicants that other carriers might decline or require exams from.
Standout Features
- Critical illness rider included at no extra cost
- Flexible 10, 15, 20, or 30-year terms
- Coverage up to $350,000 without medical exam
- Lenient underwriting for minor health conditions
Real-World Application
Emily, a 40-year-old freelancer with a family history of cancer, secured $200,000 with Assurity’s 20-year term plus critical illness rider. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer 3 years later, the rider provided $40,000 (20% of death benefit) to help cover treatment costs and lost income during recovery.
Best For
- Working-age adults (18-65) needing term coverage
- Applicants with family history of critical illnesses
- Those wanting substantial coverage without high premiums
#4 Best Riders & Flexibility: American Amicable
American Amicable’s Competitive Edge
Their Term Made Simple policy stands out for its comprehensive living benefits package. You’re not just buying death benefit protection—you’re getting financial tools for life’s unexpected health challenges.
Included Living Benefits
- Terminal Illness Rider: Access to death benefit if diagnosed with 12 months or less to live
- Chronic Illness Rider: Benefits for qualifying chronic conditions requiring long-term care
- Flexible 10, 15, 20, or 30-year terms
- Conversion options without new medical underwriting
Expert Strategy
American Amicable’s living benefits are automatically included, making their policies particularly valuable for applicants with family histories of terminal or chronic illnesses. Consider choosing the longest term possible to maximize these protections.
Best For
- Applicants wanting comprehensive living benefits
- Those with family history of serious illnesses
- People seeking maximum flexibility in term options
#5 Best for Seniors: Gerber Life
Why Seniors Choose Gerber Life
Gerber Life’s guaranteed issue policy requires absolutely no health questions or medical information. If you’re between 50-85 and can pay the premium, you’re automatically approved. This makes it invaluable for seniors with serious health conditions who’ve been declined elsewhere.
Key Benefits for Seniors
- Guaranteed acceptance regardless of health status
- Coverage designed specifically for final expenses
- Fixed premiums that never increase
- No waiting period for accidental death
Real-World Application
Margaret, a 73-year-old retiree with diabetes and heart disease, was declined by three other insurers. Gerber Life approved her $15,000 policy instantly, providing peace of mind that her funeral costs (estimated at $12,000) wouldn’t burden her children.
Best For
- Seniors aged 50-85 with health problems
- Those declined by other insurance companies
- Anyone wanting guaranteed acceptance
- Final expense planning
#6 Best Guaranteed Issue: AIG
AIG’s Guaranteed Issue Advantage
AIG’s guaranteed issue policy offers the security of a major insurance company with the simplicity of automatic approval. Their graded death benefit structure provides immediate protection for accidental death while building to full coverage after two years.
Coverage Structure
- Years 1-2: 110% of premiums paid (plus interest) for natural death
- Year 3+: Full death benefit pays out
- Accidental Death: Full benefit pays immediately
- No health questions or medical exams required
Bottom Line
AIG provides the peace of mind that comes with a globally recognized insurance company while maintaining the accessibility of guaranteed issue coverage. Their graded benefit structure ensures your premiums aren’t lost even in early policy years.
Best For
- Older adults with serious health conditions
- Those wanting a major brand name for security
- Final expense planning with immediate accidental death protection
Quick Comparison: Additional Quality Companies
While our top 6 companies above represent the best options for most people, these additional carriers offer competitive policies worth considering:
| Company | Rating | Max Coverage | Best Feature | Age Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foresters | A (Excellent) | Varies by policy | Fraternal benefits & community programs | 50+ (varies) |
| Fidelity Life | A- (Excellent) | $300,000 | Rapid Decision Express – 24-48 hour approval | 18-65 (renewable to 95) |
| Transamerica | A+ (Superior) | $249,999 | Comprehensive rider package | 18-65 |
| North American | A (Excellent) | $250,000 | LifeVue Simplified Issue flexibility | 18-65 |
| Phoenix | B+ (Good) | $400,000 | Unemployment waiver rider | 18-80 |
| Sagicor | A- (Excellent) | $1,000,000 | Accelewriting technology – 2-minute approval | 18-65 |
| American National | A (Excellent) | $250,000 | Multiple policy types (term, UL, whole life) | Up to 80 |
Expert Buying Guide: Which Company for Your Situation
How We Evaluate Companies
As licensed insurance professionals, we analyze companies based on financial strength, underwriting flexibility, product features, customer service, and claims-paying ability. Our recommendations prioritize companies that consistently approve applicants and pay claims promptly.
By Coverage Need
High Coverage Needs ($500K – $1M+)
Best Choice: Principal Financial Group
- Up to $1 million coverage without medical exam
- Advanced underwriting technology for fast approval
- A+ financial rating for security
Alternative: Sagicor (up to $1M with Accelewriting technology)
Moderate Coverage Needs ($100K – $500K)
Best Choice: Assurity or American Amicable
- Assurity: Up to $350K with critical illness rider
- American Amicable: Comprehensive living benefits included
- Both offer excellent underwriting flexibility
Alternative: Mutual of Omaha Term Life Express
Final Expense Coverage ($5K – $25K)
Best Choice: Gerber Life or AIG
- Guaranteed issue – no health questions
- Designed specifically for seniors
- Fixed premiums, immediate accidental death coverage
Alternative: Mutual of Omaha Living Promise
By Age Group
Young Adults (18-35)
Best Choice: Principal Financial or Assurity
- Highest coverage limits for growing families
- Long-term conversion options
- Competitive rates for healthy young adults
Middle-Aged (36-55)
Best Choice: Mutual of Omaha or American Amicable
- Balance of coverage options and health flexibility
- Living benefits for increasing health risks
- Return of premium options available
Seniors (56+)
Best Choice: Gerber Life or AIG for guaranteed issue
For Healthier Seniors: Mutual of Omaha or Fidelity Life
- Guaranteed acceptance regardless of health
- Coverage designed for final expenses
- No waiting periods for accidental death
By Health Status
Serious Health Conditions
Best Choice: Gerber Life or AIG (Guaranteed Issue)
- No health questions required
- Automatic approval if you meet age requirements
- Coverage available even with terminal diagnoses
Minor Health Issues
Best Choice: Assurity or American Amicable
- Lenient underwriting for controlled conditions
- Higher coverage limits than guaranteed issue
- Critical illness riders for added protection
Good Health
Best Choice: Principal Financial or Sagicor
- Accelerated underwriting for fastest approval
- Highest coverage limits available
- Most competitive rates
Understanding No-Exam Policy Types
Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
How it works: Guaranteed issue life insurance provides automatic approval for applicants within age range, regardless of health status.
Pros:
- No health questions or medical exams
- Guaranteed acceptance (if you meet age requirements)
- Ideal for those with serious health conditions
- Fixed premiums that never increase
Cons:
- Limited coverage amounts ($5,000-$25,000)
- Graded death benefit (limited payout first 2-3 years)
- Higher premiums relative to coverage
- Usually only available to older adults (50+)
Best for: Seniors with health problems, final expense planning, those declined elsewhere
Simplified Issue Life Insurance
How it works: Basic health questionnaire instead of medical exam, with moderate underwriting.
Pros:
- No medical exam required
- Higher coverage limits ($50,000-$500,000)
- Full death benefit from day one
- Available to wider age range
Cons:
- Health questions can disqualify applicants
- Higher premiums than fully underwritten policies
- Coverage limits lower than accelerated underwriting
Best for: Those with minor health issues, busy professionals, moderate coverage needs
Accelerated Underwriting
How it works: Accelerated underwriting includes advanced data analytics and prescription checks which replace medical exams for healthy applicants.
Pros:
- Highest coverage limits (up to $1M+)
- Fastest approval times (minutes to hours)
- Most competitive rates
- Full traditional policy benefits
Cons:
- Only available to healthy applicants
- May require medical exam if data is insufficient
- Strict eligibility requirements
Best for: Healthy individuals needing high coverage, young professionals, those wanting fastest approval
What to Expect During the Application Process
Typical Timeline and Steps
Initial Application (5-15 minutes)
- Basic personal information (name, age, address, income)
- Beneficiary information
- Coverage amount and term selection
- Health questionnaire (varies by policy type)
Underwriting Review (1-7 days)
- Prescription database check (MIB and Rx history)
- Motor vehicle record review
- Public records search
- Medical information review (if applicable)
Approval and Policy Delivery (1-3 days)
- Approval notification (usually by email/phone)
- Premium payment setup
- Policy documents mailed or emailed
- Coverage begins after first premium payment
Expert Tip: Preparing for Success
Before applying, gather your driver’s license, Social Security number, beneficiary information, and list of current medications. Having this information ready can speed up the process and prevent delays in approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does no-exam life insurance cost?
No-exam life insurance typically costs 10-30% more than traditional policies requiring medical exams. However, costs vary significantly based on your age, health, coverage amount, and the specific company. For example:
- Healthy 35-year-old: $250,000 coverage might cost $30-50/month
- 50-year-old with minor health issues: $100,000 coverage might cost $75-125/month
- 70-year-old guaranteed issue: $15,000 coverage might cost $100-200/month
The convenience of skipping medical exams often justifies the higher cost, especially for those with health concerns or busy schedules.
Can I get no-exam life insurance if I have health problems?
Yes, but your options depend on the severity of your health issues:
- Minor conditions: Controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol typically qualify for simplified issue policies
- Serious conditions: Heart disease, cancer history, or multiple conditions may require guaranteed issue coverage
- Terminal illnesses: Guaranteed issue policies accept applicants regardless of health status
Companies like Gerber Life and AIG specialize in guaranteed issue coverage that accepts virtually any health condition.
How quickly can I get approved and covered?
Approval times vary by company and policy type:
- Accelerated underwriting: 2 minutes to 24 hours (Sagicor, Principal Financial)
- Simplified issue: 2-5 business days (most companies)
- Guaranteed issue: Same day to 48 hours (automatic approval)
Coverage typically begins after your first premium payment is processed, which can be immediate with online payment methods.
What’s the maximum coverage I can get without a medical exam?
Coverage limits vary significantly by company and your health profile:
- Guaranteed issue: $5,000-$25,000 (Gerber Life, AIG)
- Simplified issue: $50,000-$500,000 (Assurity, American Amicable)
- Accelerated underwriting: Up to $1,000,000+ (Principal Financial, Sagicor)
Your actual coverage limit depends on factors like age, income, existing insurance, and health status.
Are there waiting periods for no-exam policies?
Waiting periods depend on the policy type:
- Guaranteed issue: Usually 2-3 years for natural death (full benefit for accidental death immediately)
- Simplified issue: No waiting period – full benefit from day one
- Accelerated underwriting: No waiting period – full benefit from day one
During guaranteed issue waiting periods, beneficiaries typically receive premiums paid plus interest if death occurs from natural causes.
Can I convert my no-exam term policy to permanent coverage?
Many no-exam term policies offer conversion options:
- Mutual of Omaha: Convert to permanent coverage up to age 100
- Fidelity Life: Conversion options up to age 95
- American Amicable: Conversion available during term period
Conversion typically doesn’t require new medical underwriting, making it valuable if your health declines during the term period.
What riders are available with no-exam life insurance?
Available riders vary by company but commonly include:
- Critical illness: Payout for cancer, heart attack, stroke (Assurity, Transamerica)
- Terminal illness: Early access to death benefit (American Amicable, Sagicor)
- Chronic illness: Benefits for long-term care needs
- Accidental death: Double payout for accidental death
- Unemployment waiver: Premium coverage during job loss (Phoenix)
Riders enhance your policy’s value but typically increase premiums by 10-20%.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t: Choose Coverage Based Only on Price
The cheapest policy isn’t always the best value. Consider the company’s financial strength rating, customer service record, and claims-paying history. A slightly higher premium with an A+ rated company often provides better long-term security.
Don’t: Underestimate Coverage Needs
Many people choose coverage amounts that seem “affordable” rather than what they actually need. Consider your debts, income replacement needs, and future expenses like children’s education. It’s easier to get adequate coverage now than to add more later.
Don’t: Lie or Omit Health Information
Even though no-exam policies have simplified underwriting, insurers can still contest claims if they discover material misrepresentations. Be honest about your health status to avoid claim denials.
Don’t: Ignore the Financial Rating
An insurance company’s financial strength rating predicts its ability to pay claims decades in the future. Stick with companies rated A- or higher by AM Best to ensure your beneficiaries can depend on the coverage.
Expert Insights: Industry Trends and Predictions
The Future of No-Exam Life Insurance
As licensed insurance professionals, we’re seeing significant changes in the no-exam life insurance market:
Technology Advancements
According to LIMRA, AI and machine learning are revolutionizing underwriting. Companies like Sagicor and Principal Financial are using advanced algorithms to assess risk more accurately, leading to higher coverage limits and faster approvals for healthy applicants.
Increased Competition
More insurers are entering the no-exam market, driving down prices and improving benefits. According to our expert analysis, we expect to see more companies offering million-dollar policies without medical exams by 2026.
Expanded Age Ranges
Companies are extending no-exam options to older applicants. We’re seeing policies available up to age 85 becoming more common, with some companies testing options for even older applicants.
When to Work with an Insurance Professional
Complex Situations Requiring Expert Guidance
- Multiple health conditions: We can identify which companies are most likely to approve your specific health profile
- High coverage needs: Coordinating multiple policies or finding maximum coverage limits requires expertise
- Business planning: Key person insurance or buy-sell agreements need specialized knowledge
- Estate planning: Life insurance for estate taxes or wealth transfer requires careful structuring
- Previous denials: If you’ve been declined before, we know which companies have more lenient underwriting
How We Add Value
- Company relationships: We work directly with underwriters to advocate for difficult cases
- Market knowledge: We know which companies are currently offering the best rates and terms
- Application expertise: We help you answer health questions in ways that maximize approval chances
- Ongoing service: We assist with claims, policy changes, and renewals throughout the life of your policy
- Comparison shopping: We can quickly compare options from multiple companies to find your best rates
Final Recommendations
Our Top Recommendations by Priority
1. For Maximum Security: Mutual of Omaha
Their A+ rating and comprehensive policy options make them our top choice for most applicants. The combination of financial strength and product flexibility is unmatched.
2. For High Coverage: Principal Financial Group
If you need more than $500,000 in coverage, Principal’s accelerated underwriting can approve up to $1 million without medical exams for qualified applicants.
3. For Health Issues: Gerber Life or AIG
Guaranteed issue policies provide peace of mind for those with serious health conditions. Both companies offer reliable coverage with no health questions.
4. For Living Benefits: American Amicable
Their included terminal and chronic illness riders provide valuable protection for health-related financial risks beyond just death benefits.
Ready to Get Started?
This comprehensive analysis demonstrates our expertise in the no-exam life insurance market, but the best policy for you depends on your unique circumstances. Our licensed agents can:
- Quickly identify your top 2-3 company options
- Secure competitive quotes within 24 hours
- Guide you through the application process
- Advocate for approval if health questions arise
- Provide ongoing policy management and service
Contact us today for personalized recommendations and quotes from top-rated insurers.
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Email: info@insurancebrokers.com
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