Ameritas Life Insurance Review 2026

Ameritas offers multiple policy options and includes accelerated living benefits for qualifying terminal, chronic and critical illnesses on many policies. It has competitive rates but has a low customer experience rating.

Read our Ameritas life insurance review below.

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Written by Mark Fitzpatrick

Updated: January 12, 2026

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At a Glance: Ameritas Life Insurance

Ameritas

MoneyGeek Rating

3.9/ 5

4.3/5Affordability

3.3/5Customer Experience

3.4/5Coverage Points

Average Monthly Cost
$49 (F), $59 (M)
Average Annual Cost
$588 (F), $708 (M)

pros
- Offers a wide selection of life insurance types
- Includes living benefit riders
- Low complaint index
- Online quote tool
cons
- No option to apply online
- No final expense policy
- Lower customer experience score than competitors
Ameritas was established in Nebraska in 1887 as the Old Line Bankers Life Insurance Company of Nebraska. It's still headquartered in Lincoln with nationwide operations, serving over 5 million customers.

Ameritas customers can select from multiple life insurance products, including term life, universal life and whole life plans of diverse kinds. Some of the plans don't require a medical exam. Universal life and whole life policies include living benefits through an accelerated death benefit for terminal, critical and chronic illnesses. The triggers for the benefit vary by state.
- A.M. Best rating: A-
- NAIC complaint index: 0.397
- J.D. Power score: N/A
- Customer sentiment: 0% positive, 100% negative*
(*Based on a smaller sample size compared to other major insurers.)
Term
- Terms: 10, 15, 20, 30 (Also offers 1-year term)
- Max Coverage: $5 million, $3 million (no-exam)
- Ages Supported:
  - up to 80 for 1-year and 10-year terms
  - 75 for 15-year
  - 70 for 20-year
  - 55 for 30-year terms
  - Renewable options to age 95
Other policy types:
- Whole
- Universal
- Indexed Universal
- Variable Universal

MoneyGeek’s Take: Is Ameritas Right for You?

Ameritas is a good insurer for most buyers as it offers most of the basic types of life insurance policies, including term life, whole life and universal. Unlike many insurers, Ameritas offers living benefit riders for terminal, chronic and critical illnesses at no extra cost.

If you want to earn dividends on your life insurance policy, consider Ameritas' array of whole life insurance products. The insurer offers an exclusive rider for children, allowing you to buy a term policy for them and convert that policy to permanent coverage after they turn 25. Riders are also available for those who are terminally ill.

Ameritas doesn't offer a burial insurance option, and despite having multiple policies, you can’t apply for any of them online. If you don't wish to buy your policy through an agent, consider companies that allow you to get your policy online.

Ameritas Life Insurance Products

Ameritas offers term life, whole life, and universal life coverage options at varying coverage levels to meet a wide range of financial protection needs.

Term Life Insurance Options

Term life insurance offers affordable coverage for a limited period. The premium amount doesn’t change for the duration of your policy, and your death benefit is guaranteed.

Ameritas Value Plus Term Life Insurance

Value Plus Term Life offers level-premium coverage for terms from 10 to 30 years. Ameritas markets Value Plus Term for buyers who want predictable costs and a guaranteed death benefit during working years or while managing long-term financial obligations. Conversion to a permanent Ameritas policy is available during the conversion period.

Ameritas ClearEdge Living Benefits Term Life Insurance

ClearEdge Living Benefits Term Life combines level-term coverage with access to living benefits. The policy allows early access to a portion of the death benefit if the insured experiences a qualifying terminal, chronic or critical illness, subject to policy limits and state availability.

Ameritas Instant Term Life Insurance

Instant Term Life Insurance uses accelerated underwriting (application review process) to streamline approval. Eligible applicants may qualify without a medical exam or lab work. Coverage terms and amounts depend on age and health profile, while premiums remain level and the death benefit stays guaranteed.

Whole Life Insurance Options

Whole life insurance features a guaranteed death benefit and cash value that accrues interest. Whole life insurance policies provide lifetime coverage and pay your beneficiaries a tax-free benefit after you pass if you have been consistent with your payments. Whole life typically earns you annual dividends that may lower your premiums, though dividends aren't guaranteed and depend on company performance.

Ameritas Access Whole Life

Access Whole Life emphasizes early guaranteed cash value. It suits buyers who want faster access to cash value while maintaining lifetime death benefit coverage and predictable premiums.

Ameritas Growth Whole Life

Growth Whole Life focuses on long-term cash value growth. You might like this if you prioritize sustained cash value growth over time while keeping permanent coverage in place.

Ameritas Growth 10-Pay Whole Life

Growth 10-Pay Whole Life limits premium payments to 10 years. Coverage and cash value continue for life after payments end. Ameritas promotes Growth 10-Pay for buyers who want to complete premiums early while maintaining permanent protection.

Ameritas Value Plus Whole Life

Value Plus Whole Life prioritizes lower premiums relative to the death benefit. Cash value growth plays a secondary role. Ameritas positions Value Plus Whole Life for buyers focused on permanent coverage with predictable costs rather than accumulation.

Whole life insurance from Ameritas offers living benefits. The policy features an accelerated benefit rider that offers access to the death benefit while you’re still alive in case of a terminal, chronic or critical illness. Ameritas is a mutual-based organization that offers dividends on whole life policies.

Buy whole life insurance if your priority is lifetime protection. One beneficial feature of whole life insurance is the tax-free cash value. Beneficiaries can use the death benefit from such plans to cover estate taxes or pay for long-term care expenses.

Universal Life Insurance Options

Universal life insurance offers lifetime coverage with flexible death benefits and premiums. Universal policies don't have a maturity date and remain in force as long as you pay your premiums. Ou control payment amounts and timing based on your financial situation. Insufficient payments may cause the policy to lapse

Ameritas offers standard universal coverage, index universal life and variable universal life insurance options:

Universal Life Insurance

Traditional universal life insurance provides flexible premiums and cash value that earns interest at rates set by the insurer, subject to minimum guarantees. It's right for buyers who want permanent coverage with payment flexibility.

Indexed Universal Life Insurance

Indexed universal life insurance credits interest based on market index performance, subject to caps and participation rates. Cash value doesn’t directly invest in the market. IULs is best for buyers seeking growth potential with downside limits.

Variable Universal Life Insurance

Variable universal life insurance allows cash value to be allocated among investment options. Policy values fluctuate with market performance. It's best for buyers who are comfortable with investment risk and want permanent coverage and investment flexibility.

Universal life insurance is the best financial protection if you need a policy that's cash-value based and lasts as long as you need it. You can use the cash value of your universal life insurance to add to your income or meet other expenses as they arise. Utilizing the cash value component during the policy’s lifetime will reduce the death benefit until the money is paid back.

Ameritas Life Insurance Riders

Riders add optional protection to an existing life insurance policy for an extra fee. Add riders to customize your life insurance coverage to fit your needs. Depending on the insurer, some riders are added automatically at no cost.

Rider	Description
Accelerated Death Benefit Rider	Many Ameritas life insurance policies include an accelerated death benefit rider that lets you access a portion of your death benefit if you're diagnosed with a qualifying terminal, chronic or critical illness. Benefit triggers and terms vary by policy and state, and an administrative charge may apply when the benefit is accessed.
Conversion Extension Rider	Conversion Extension rider extends the period during which a term life policy can be converted to a permanent Ameritas policy. Conversion deadlines and age limits depend on the original term policy and state availability.
Accelerated Benefit Rider for Terminal Illness	Terminal illness benefits are included as part of Ameritas’ broader accelerated death benefit structure. This rider allows access to a portion of the death benefit when a qualifying terminal diagnosis occurs, subject to policy terms.
Paid-Up Insurance Benefit Endorsement	This endorsement allows a policy to remain in force with reduced or paid-up coverage under specific conditions. Availability depends on the policy type and how premiums and cash value have accumulated.
Children’s Insurance Rider	The children’s rider provides term life coverage for eligible children. Coverage amounts, age limits and conversion options depend on policy terms and state rules. Converted policies typically don’t require additional medical underwriting.
Waiver of Monthly Deduction Rider	This optional rider waives certain policy charges if the insured becomes disabled. Age limits, costs and eligibility requirements vary by policy type and state, and the rider isn't available on all policies.

How Much is an Ameritas Life Insurance Policy?

Life insurance costs vary based on personal details and policy design. Ameritas prices policies using factors such as age, health history and tobacco use, along with the type of coverage you choose.

Policy features also affect price. Higher death benefits, longer terms and permanent coverage increase premiums. Optional riders, including living benefits or disability-related features, can add cost or change how premiums work.

The table below shows average term life insurance costs for buyers with average height and weight, based on MoneyGeek's rate analysis of major insurers. Rates shown are estimates for comparison purposes only and don't guarantee available pricing. Actual rates will vary depending on your profile, coverage needs and insurer.

Data filtered by:


$100,000	$19	$228
$250,000	$34	$408
$500,000	$59	$708
$750,000	$85	$1,020
$1,000,000	$108	$1,296
$1,500,000	$158	$1,896
$2,000,000	$208	$2,496
$3,000,000	$309	$3,708

Life insurance rates and availability vary by state, age, health and other factors. This review is for informational purposes only and doesn't constitute insurance advice.

How to Buy Ameritas Life Insurance

Here's how to get started with Ameritas life insurance:

1
Do Your Research
The best way to start is by researching the type of policies offered by Ameritas before choosing one that fits your needs. Speak to a financial professional about available options or check out the insurer's resource center.
2
Compare Quotes
Even if you identify a policy that suits your preferences, be sure to compare quotes. The cost of your life insurance plan will vary based on attributes like your gender, age, health and coverage requirements. Use the Ameritas online quote tool to estimate your premium for a term policy.
3
Health Check
After deciding on the best policy type, work with your financial professional to complete the application and undergo the underwriting process. Depending on the plan type, you may need to undergo some lab or medical tests. Ensure you provide as much detail as required.
4
Approval
Once Ameritas approves your application, you’ll receive your policy, and if you have any concerns or questions, talk to your agent or an Ameritas representative.

Ameritas' Life Insurance Claims Process

Ameritas lets you start a life insurance claim online or by phone.

Filing online speeds up processing. It lets you upload documents and track status securely through the claims portal. Ameritas will mail instructions to set up an account after you begin your claim. To start online, gather the insured’s full name, date of birth, date of death and Social Security number.

If you prefer to speak with a representative, call 800-745-1112 to report a death claim. Once submitted, Ameritas will follow up with the required paperwork and next steps for benefit processing.

Ameritas vs. Other Life Insurance Companies


MoneyGeek Score	3.9/5	4.7/5	4.5/5	4.7/5	4.6/5
Policy Types	Term, Whole, Universal, IUL, VUL	Term, Whole, Universal, IUL	Term, Whole, Universal, IUL	Term, Whole, IUL	Term, Whole, Universal
No-Exam Policies?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
NAIC Complaint Index	0.397	N/A	N/A	N/A	0.08
J.D. Power Score	N/A	653 (ninth place)	666 (fifth)	N/A	685 (second)
A.M. Best Rating	A-	A+	A+	A+	A++
Customer Sentiment	100% negative	82% positive, 18% negative	77% positive, 23% negative	95.33% positive, 4.67% negative	90% positive, 10% negative

Ameritas Life Insurance Reviews: Bottom Line

Ameritas suits buyers who want a traditional insurer with a mutual structure and a range of life insurance options. As a mutual organization, Ameritas offers dividends on whole life insurance policies, which can enhance value over time.

Buyers can use an online tool to get term life quotes, though applications are submitted through an agent. Many of its life insurance policies include access to living benefit riders for qualifying conditions.

Ameritas suits buyers who prefer working with an agent, value the potential for dividends on whole life plans and want access to built-in living benefits on select permanent policies.

Ameritas Life Insurance Policies: FAQ

Can you borrow from your Ameritas life insurance policy?

Yes. You can borrow against whole life and universal life insurance policies from Ameritas. If you pass away while having a policy loan, your beneficiaries will receive the death benefit less the loan amount. Speak with your agent for more clarification about the borrowing terms.

Do life insurance policies from Ameritas pay dividends?

Ameritas is a mutual-based organization, which means you’ll be eligible for dividends on your whole life policy if declared. Use the dividends to increase the death benefit, build cash value or lower your premium amount.

Can you get life insurance from Ameritas if you have cancer?

Yes, Ameritas has life insurance policies that cover terminal illnesses. Ameritas also offers an accelerated death benefit rider for terminal illnesses.

Ameritas evaluates cancer diagnoses case-by-case. Your eligibility depends on cancer type, treatment status and time since diagnosis. Call Ameritas to discuss your situation.

Do life insurance policies from Ameritas cover death by suicide?

Most Ameritas policies include a two-year suicide exclusion clause. The policy won't pay out for suicide deaths during this period. After two years, suicide is generally covered. Find out more from an Ameritas representative.

How We Rated Ameritas Life Insurance

Choosing life insurance means trusting a company to provide financial protection when it matters most. This Ameritas life insurance review focuses on how the insurer performs for shoppers comparing long-term affordability, reliability and flexibility. We designed the methodology to help buyers decide whether Ameritas fits their coverage needs today and as circumstances change.

We scored Ameritas using three factors that reflect how people buy and keep life insurance over time.

Affordability (55%)
Customer Experience (30%)
Coverage Options (15%)

To keep comparisons consistent, we started with a standard profile that reflects a common buyer scenario: a 40-year-old male nonsmoker, 5'9", 160 pounds, with an average health rating.

We then adjusted age, gender, height, weight, tobacco use and health rating. This approach shows how Ameritas prices policies as risk profiles shift, which mirrors real-world shopping across different life stages and health conditions.

What We Analyzed

We gathered Ameritas quotes across multiple term lengths and coverage amounts to see how premiums scale as financial protection needs increase. Reviewing pricing at different coverage levels helps buyers understand where costs rise and where pricing remains competitive.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.

Read Full Bio »

sources

Ameritas. "Life Insurance." Accessed January 12, 2026.
Ameritas. "Term Life Insurance." Accessed January 12, 2026.
Ameritas. "Whole Life Insurance." Accessed January 12, 2026.
Ameritas. "Ameritas announces whole life insurance product revisions." Accessed January 12, 2026.
Ameritas. "Universal Life Insurance." Accessed January 12, 2026.