Protective Insurance offers the best life insurance plans in Ohio and across the country, earning a MoneyGeek score of 4.7 out of 5 for customer service, affordability, and coverage options. We also recommend Guardian Life, Lincoln Financial and Prudential as some of the best alternatives for different categories.
Best Life Insurance Companies in Ohio (2025)
MoneyGeek scored the best life insurance companies in Ohio based on thousands of quotes and reviews to help you find your ideal policy.
Discover affordable life insurance in Ohio below.

Updated: October 27, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
The best life insurance companies in Ohio are Protective Insurance, Guardian Life, Lincoln Financial and Prudential.
Life insurance costs don't vary by location. Lincoln Financial offers the most affordable options in Ohio and nationwide, with monthly rates averaging $30 for women and $35 for men for a $500,000 20-year term life insurance policy.
The top life insurance company in Ohio varies by policy type. Legal & General offers the best term life coverage. Pacific Life ranks first for no-exam term policies. For permanent life insurance, North American, Ethos and Mutual of Omaha are the best insurers.
To get the best life insurance in Ohio, we recommend deciding on coverage beforehand, researching costs and companies, and comparing plenty of providers.
Ensure you are getting the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
Best Life Insurance Providers in Ohio
Overall | Protective Insurance | 4.7 | $44 (men) $37 (women) | $532 (men) $443 (women) |
Customer Experience | Guardian Life | 4.6 | $51 (men) $40 (women) | $612 (men) $480 (women) |
Affordability | Lincoln Financial | 4.5 | $35 (men) $30 (women) | $417 (men) $359 (women) |
Coverage Options | Prudential | 4.1 | $61 (men) $48 (women) | $735 (men) $578 (women) |
We based these rates on average quotes for adult (ages 30–49) nonsmokers with a $500,000 20-year term policy. These are estimates based on MoneyGeek's analysis and may not reflect your actual premium. Actual rates vary based on health, lifestyle, and other underwriting factors. Contact insurers directly for personalized quotes.
Best Overall: Protective

Protective
Average Monthly Cost
$44 (men); $37 (women)Based on a 20-year term policy with $500,000 coverage amount for adult (ages 30–49) nonsmokers with average weight and health ratings.Average Annual Cost
$532 (men); $443 (women)Based on a 20-year term policy with $500,000 coverage amount for adult (ages 30–49) nonsmokers with average weight and health ratings.
- pros
Coverage for ages 20-80
Term and permanent life insurance options
Policy amounts over $10 million available
consCoverage for ages 20-80
Term and permanent life insurance options
Policy amounts over $10 million available
Protective Insurance is the leading life insurance company for Ohio residents. The company accepts applicants from age 20-80 for term coverage solutions. Protective's offers everything from basic term life to permanent coverage to various permanent coverage options. The company offers coverage amounts that exceed $10 million.
Its child term rider increases to 5x the original coverage when kids turn 25. This mix of extensive age eligibility, complete product offerings and outstanding rider benefits makes Protective our top choice of insurer among major life insurance companies in Ohio.
- J.D. Power Rating: 653 (9th place)
- A.M. Best Rating: A+
- BBB Rating: N/A
- Average NAIC Complaint Index: N/A
- Term
- Whole
- Universal
- IUL
- No-Exam
Best Customer Experience: Guardian Life

Guardian Life
Average Monthly Cost
$51 (men); $40 (women)Based on a 20-year term policy with $500,000 coverage amount for adult (ages 30–49) nonsmokers with average weight and health ratings.Average Annual Cost
$612 (men); $480 (women)Based on a 20-year term policy with $500,000 coverage amount for adult (ages 30–49) nonsmokers with average weight and health ratings.
- pros
A++ financial strength from A.M. Best
Second-highest J.D. Power service ratings
No-cost charitable benefit enhancement
consMedical exams required
No indexed universal life products
Guardian Life delivers the best customer experience in Ohio, combining outstanding service with financial stability. The company earned A.M. Best's premium A++ rating for financial strength alongside J.D. Power's second-place customer satisfaction ranking.
Guardian offers different life insurance solutions, including term, whole and universal life coverage, but doesn't have indexed products. Its exclusive Charitable Benefit Rider provides automatic death benefit increases of 1% (capped at $100,000) for designated charitable organizations, without additional premiums. With coverage amounts reaching $5 million and maintaining a low complaint record, Guardian serves clients seeking dependable customer service.
- J.D. Power Rating: 685 (2nd place)
- A.M. Best Rating: A++
- BBB Rating: A+
- Average NAIC Complaint Index: 0.08
- Term
- Whole
- Universal
- Variable Universal
Most Affordable: Lincoln Financial

Lincoln Financial
Average Monthly Cost
$35 (men); $30 (women)Based on a 20-year term policy with $500,000 coverage amount for adult (ages 30–49) nonsmokers with average weight and health ratings.Average Annual Cost
$417 (men); $359 (women)Based on a 20-year term policy with $500,000 coverage amount for adult (ages 30–49) nonsmokers with average weight and health ratings.
- pros
Affordable premiums
Optional child coverage rider
$5 million maximum with full underwriting
No-exam policies available
consSmaller permanent insurance selection
Fewer rider options than other competitors
Lincoln Financial is Ohio's most affordable life insurance provider, according to MoneyGeek's analysis. A $500,000, 20-year term policy costs approximately $35 per month for men and $30 per month for women, which is below industry averages.
Term periods range from 10 to 30 years. Coverage maximums reach $5 million with medical exams, while no-exam options offer up to $1 million in coverage. The child rider enhances family protection by providing $15,000 in benefits to children until they reach age 25 or when the primary insured reaches 65. Ohio families choose Lincoln Financial for reliable, budget-friendly coverage.
- J.D. Power Rating: 652 (10th place)
- A.M. Best Rating: A
- BBB Rating: A+
- Average NAIC Complaint Index: N/A
- Term
- Universal
- No-Exam
Best Coverage Options: Prudential

Prudential
Average Monthly Cost
$61 (men); $48 (women)Based on a 20-year term policy with $500,000 coverage amount for adult (ages 30–49) nonsmokers with average weight and health ratings.Average Annual Cost
$735 (men); $578 (women)Based on a 20-year term policy with $500,000 coverage amount for adult (ages 30–49) nonsmokers with average weight and health ratings.
- pros
Maximum coverage amount exceeds $10 million
Simplified underwriting up to $3 million available
Comprehensive rider portfolio
consMedical examinations required for most applicants
State availability differences complicate underwriting
Prudential ranks first for coverage options in Ohio. The insurer works for people who need lots of coverage with term life coverage exceeding $10 million. Healthy individuals aged 18-50 qualify for simplified underwriting of up to $3 million, without the need for medical examinations.
Term periods span 10, 15, 20 and 30 years, accepting applications through age 75. Conversion privileges maintain permanent insurance eligibility without new medical evaluations until age 65, requiring a minimum five-year policy duration. Prudential's comprehensive rider selection features premium waivers, accidental death benefits, children's protection and terminal illness coverage. The included Living Needs Benefit adds value by enabling accelerated death benefit access during specific qualifying circumstances without additional premium costs.
- J.D. Power Rating: 626 (17th place)
- A.M. Best Rating: A+
- BBB Rating: A+
- Average NAIC Complaint Index: 10.63
- Term
- Universal
- IUL
- Variable Universal
- No-Exam
Best Life Insurance in Ohio by Policy Type
While the top life insurance provider is a good choice for many in Ohio, your best option might differ based on your personal needs. The next section will outline the top providers for different types of life insurance.
Whole and Universal | North American | 5 | Whole: $691 (men) $602 (women) Universal: $295 (men) $251 (women) | Whole: $8,287 (men) $7,221 (women) Universal: $3,535 (men) $3,016 (women) |
Indexed Universal | Ethos | 5 | $328 (men) $275 (women) | $3,935 (men) $3,297 (women) |
Term | Legal & General | 4.7 | $44 (men) $35 (women) | $523 (men) $415 (women) |
Guaranteed Acceptance | Mutual of Omaha | 4.7 | $40 (men) $30 (women) | $482 (men) $365 (women) |
No-Exam | Pacific Life | 4.5 | $47 (men) $39 (women) | $566 (men) $464 (women) |
Rates are estimates based on MoneyGeek's analysis and may not reflect your actual premium. Individual rates vary based on health, lifestyle, and other underwriting factors. Contact insurers directly for personalized quotes.
Best Whole and Universal: North American

North American
Average Monthly Cost
Whole: $691 (men); $602 (women) Universal: $295 (men); $251 (women)Based on average quotes for adult (ages 30–49) nonsmokers with $500,000 coverage amount.Average Annual Cost
Whole: $8,287 (men); $7,221 (women) Universal: $3,535 (men); $3,016 (women)Based on average quotes for adult (ages 30–49) nonsmokers with $500,000 coverage amount.
- pros
Affordable permanent coverage solutions
Diverse cash value insurance options
Large policy limits over $10 million
A+ ratings for financial stability
consMedical exam required for all applications
Rider program lacks detailed disclosure
North American claims the top position for whole and universal life insurance in Ohio. Its whole life policies deliver guaranteed lifetime financial protection with assured cash value accumulation, while universal life options feature adjustable premium schedules and flexible death benefits to accommodate changing family and business needs.
Eligible Ohio residents can get coverage exceeding $10 million, which is beneficial for advanced estate planning and wealth transfer objectives. The insurer's A+ ratings from A.M. Best and BBB validate its financial stability through the years.
- J.D. Power Rating: N/A
- A.M. Best Rating: A+
- BBB Rating: A+
- Average NAIC Complaint Index: N/A
- Whole
- Universal
- IUL
- Term
Best Indexed Universal: Ethos

Ethos
Average Monthly Cost
$328 (men); $275 (women)Based on average quotes for adult (ages 30–49) nonsmokers with $500,000 coverage amount.Average Annual Cost
$3,935 (men); $3,297 (women)Based on average quotes for adult (ages 30–49) nonsmokers with $500,000 coverage amount.
- pros
Quick policy approval through algorithmic underwriting systems
Living benefits for serious illnesses automatically included
consProduct availability tied to partner carrier guidelines
In Ohio, Ethos is the best indexed universal life insurance provider. The platform, through its partnership with Ameritas, provides access to multiple index-linked investment accounts, including S&P 500, Russell 2000 and NASDAQ-100 options, alongside a guaranteed fixed account for stability.
Every policy includes valuable living benefit riders that cover terminal, chronic, and critical illness situations without additional premium charges. Ethos makes applying easier with technology-powered underwriting, delivering faster decisions and reducing traditional medical requirements. The company's open communication about index crediting structures and commitment to digital innovation make it the top IUL choice among major life insurance companies in Ohio.
- J.D. Power Rating: N/A
- A.M. Best Rating: A+
- BBB Rating: A+
- Average NAIC Complaint Index: N/A
- IUL
- Term
- No-Exam
Best Term: Legal & General

Legal & General
Average Monthly Cost
$44 (men); $35 (women)Based on average quotes for an adult (ages 30–49) nonsmoker with a 20-year term policy and $500,000 coverage amount.Average Annual Cost
$523 (men); $415 (women)Based on average quotes for an adult (ages 30–49) nonsmoker with a 20-year term policy and $500,000 coverage amount.
- pros
Automatic accelerated benefits for terminal conditions
Policy conversion available through age 70
Stacking feature for coverage customization
consMedical examination typically required
Legal & General ranks as the top term life insurance company in Ohio. The insurer automatically provides accelerated death benefits for terminal illness diagnoses, delivering financial support during critical health situations without additional premium requirements.
Their extended conversion privilege, which lasts through age 70, surpasses standard industry practices. The stacking rider allows policyholders to combine various term lengths (10, 15, or 20 years) under one umbrella policy. This approach eliminates the complexity of managing multiple policies while adapting to changing life circumstances, making Legal & General an appealing option for professionals and families who expect evolving financial obligations.
- J.D. Power Rating: N/A
- A.M. Best Rating: A
- BBB Rating: N/A
- Average NAIC Complaint Index: 0.35
- Term
- Universal
- IUL
- Variable Universal
Best Guaranteed Acceptance: Mutual of Omaha

Mutual of Omaha
Average Monthly Cost
$40 (men); $30 (women)Based on average quotes for 50-year-old nonsmokers with $10,000 coverage amount.Average Annual Cost
$482 (men); $365 (women)Based on average quotes for 50-year-old nonsmokers with $10,000 coverage amount.
- pros
A+ A.M. Best financial strength rating
Simple approval for ages 45-85
Cash value component enables policy loans
consCoverage limit set at $25,000
Mutual of Omaha is the best guaranteed acceptance life insurance provider in Ohio. The company streamlines approval by eliminating medical requirements for applicants aged 45 to 85, offering whole life policies valued between $2,000 and $25,000. These contracts generate cash value that policyholders can leverage through borrowing arrangements.
Mutual of Omaha also structures benefits thoughtfully. Deaths from natural causes during the first two years return paid premiums plus 10% interest, while accidental deaths receive immediate full coverage.
- J.D. Power Rating: 659 (6th place)
- A.M. Best Rating: A+
- BBB Rating: A+
- Average NAIC Complaint Index: 0.51
- Guaranteed Acceptance Whole
- Term
- Whole
- Universal
- IUL
Best No-Exam Term: Pacific Life

Pacific Life
Average Monthly Cost
$47 (men); $39 (women)Based on average quotes for a 40-year-old with a 20-year term policy and $500,000 coverage amount.Average Annual Cost
$566 (men); $464 (women)Based on average quotes for a 40-year-old with a 20-year term policy and $500,000 coverage amount.
- pros
No exam policies up to $3 million coverage amount
Affordable no-exam coverage
consAge eligibility caps at 60 for no-exam
Limited variety in term length selections
Pacific Life ranks first for no-exam life insurance in Ohio. Its accelerated application system enables coverage up to $3 million without medical examinations, delivering higher financial protection than competitors typically offer through simplified underwriting.
Financial stability remains strong, with an A rating from A.M. Best. It's complemented by exceptional customer service, as reflected in a 0.08 NAIC complaint index. Terminal illness accelerated death benefits provide additional security without extra premiums. Enhancement options include child term protection riders, disability waiver of premium features and guaranteed insurability provisions for future coverage adjustments.
- J.D. Power Rating: 657 (7th place)
- A.M. Best Rating: A
- BBB Rating: N/A
- Average NAIC Complaint Index: 0.08
- No-Exam
- Term
- Universal
- IUL
- Variable Universal
Compare Personalized Best Ohio Life Insurance Picks
To help you find the perfect life insurance plan, we've added a filterable table below that tailors our recommendations to fit your profile.
| Lincoln Financial | $24 | $285 |
| North American | $29 | $349 |
| Midland National | $29 | $349 |
| Protective Insurance | $29 | $350 |
| Transamerica | $30 | $359 |
| Principal National | $31 | $372 |
| CoreBridge | $32 | $381 |
| Securian | $32 | $383 |
| Guardian Life | $33 | $396 |
| Legal & General | $33 | $397 |
| Pacific Life | $33 | $397 |
| Cincinnati Life | $33 | $399 |
| SBLI | $34 | $410 |
| Nationwide | $34 | $411 |
| AAA | $34 | $412 |
| Gerber Life (Fabric) | $35 | $426 |
| Columbus Life | $36 | $429 |
| Fidelity Life | $37 | $435 |
| Mutual of Omaha | $37 | $444 |
| Equitable Life | $37 | $445 |
| Assurity | $37 | $446 |
| Foresters Financial | $38 | $454 |
| Life Insurance Co of The South West | $38 | $456 |
| National Life Group | $38 | $456 |
| Ameritas | $41 | $492 |
| John Hancock | $41 | $495 |
| Prudential | $42 | $506 |
| Ethos | $99 | $1,188 |
Rates are based on a term life insurance policy for nonsmokers with average weight and health ratings. Individual costs will vary based on policy type and your profile. Rates in this table may differ from those mentioned in the best companies' profiles, as we used an age range of 30-49 for main comparisons.
How to Find the Best Life Insurance in Ohio
We've highlighted key tips below to guide you in finding the right life insurance plan for your needs.
- 1Decide coverage beforehand
Determining your life insurance coverage needs is crucial before purchasing. This allows you to compare prices accurately and avoid being upsold by agents.
- 2Research costs for your profile
Check the average life insurance costs for your coverage level and personal profile. This helps assess if you’re getting a fair deal. Location doesn't affect life insurance rates.
- 3Compare company reputations
Rates don’t fluctuate by location, but a company's local reputation can guide you to a better choice. Use resources like J.D. Power, online forums and independent agents to find suitable providers.
- 4Compare quotes through multiple avenues
Compare quotes to secure the best value. Pricing can differ depending on where you acquire quotes, whether from an independent agent, an online source, or a captive provider agent.
Best Life Insurance in Ohio: Bottom Line
We found that the top life insurance companies in Ohio are Protective Life, Guardian Life, Lincoln Financial, and Prudential. If you want to compare the best insurers based on policy type, North American, Ethos, Legal & General, Mutual of Omaha, and Pacific Life are worth considering. While these are our recommendations, you should do your own research, decide on a coverage level and compare quotes.
Ensure you are getting the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
Ohio Life Insurance: FAQ
Explore expert answers to your life insurance questions in Ohio.
What is the best life insurance in Ohio?
In Ohio, Protective Insurance offers the best overall life insurance with its top-rated customer service, competitive rates, and strong life coverage options.
How do you get the best life insurance in Ohio?
To secure the best life insurance in Ohio, assess your coverage needs, scrutinize insurer reputations, and methodically compare rates and policies from multiple companies.
Do life insurance rates differ by state?
Life insurance rates are consistent across states, but state-specific coverage options and riders can differ.
How We Decided the Best Life Insurance in Ohio
Our evaluation assigns points across three weighted areas.
- Affordability receives 55% emphasis because sustainable premiums determine whether you can maintain financial protection year after year.
- Customer experience gets 30% weight since beneficiary claim experiences directly impact your family's financial recovery.
- Coverage options earn 15% to ensure sufficient product variety for different financial protection needs.
Quote Collection Process
We used a nonsmoker baseline with average height, weight and health metrics for rate gathering. This standard profile allowed fair comparisons between insurers. We subsequently varied age, gender, height, weight, tobacco status and health ratings to capture diverse pricing scenarios.
Unless otherwise stated, quotes for the best life insurance companies in Ohio are based on average quotes from the 30-49 age demographic.
Analysis incorporated:
- Online quote data across varying term periods and death benefit amounts
- Financial strength verification through A.M. Best ratings and company establishment dates
- Service quality measurement using NAIC complaint indices and J.D. Power customer satisfaction data
- Digital tool assessment, including online resources and payment option flexibility
- Product portfolio evaluation spanning term and permanent life insurance categories
This systematic approach identifies insurers offering a genuine value proposition, combining competitive pricing with operational reliability that protects your family's financial future in Ohio.
About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick is a senior content director at MoneyGeek with over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, conducting original research and creating content that can be personalized for every buyer. He has been quoted on insurance topics in several publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Mark earned a master's degree in Economics and International Relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor's degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his economics and insurance knowledge to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.

