Best No-Exam Life Insurance Companies in January 2024


Contributions by 3 experts
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Updated: May 22, 2024

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No-exam life insurance provides a convenient way to secure coverage without requiring you to submit to medical testing. After evaluating numerous life insurance companies and their no-exam policy options, MoneyGeek identified the top performers in this category.

State Farm is the best overall provider for no medical exam life insurance, with a MoneyGeek score of 99. Nationwide excels in the buying process, making it the go-to choice for policyholders seeking a seamless application experience. It also ranks second overall. Progressive stands out as the best option for consumers who value customer satisfaction.

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2024

Best No Medical Exam Life Insurance

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed customer satisfaction, financial stability reports, product offerings and more to determine the best no medical exam life insurance companies for a variety of needs.

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Coverage costs and company information for life insurance providers were updated in 2024.

Best Overall No-Exam Life Insurance Company

State Farm receives a MoneyGeek score of 99, making it the best no medical exam life insurance company. The company also has the highest ratings in financial stability and product diversity, key factors ensuring long-term reliability and a range of plan options for policyholders.

How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?

Best Overall: State Farm

State Farm

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A++ AM Best rating for financial stability

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Extensive product diversity, including term and whole life

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No 24/7 online chat support

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Limited payment options for some products

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

State Farm stands out for its no-exam life insurance options, offering both term life and guaranteed issue final expense policies without the need for a medical assessment. With 101 years of experience, State Farm provides a range of life insurance products, including term policies with coverage amounts starting at $100,000. The company's robust financial stability rating demonstrates its reliability, granting customers peace of mind. Meanwhile, its product diversity makes it a versatile choice for policyholders seeking life insurance without the medical exam requirement.

Runner-Up & Best Buying Process

With a MoneyGeek score of 99, Nationwide is the runner-up for best no-exam life insurance. It takes the lead in the buying process for this type of policy, ensuring a smooth experience for consumers.

Nationwide and State Farm earned the same overall MoneyGeek score. However, State Farm edges out Nationwide due to its slightly higher financial stability rating.

Runner-Up & Best Buying Process: Nationwide

Nationwide

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Top-rated buying process

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A+ AM Best financial stability rating

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Comprehensive product range

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No 24/7 customer service

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Nationwide ranks as the second-best overall no-exam life insurance company. It also sets itself apart in the buying process for no medical exam life insurance, offering a seamless experience backed by 97 years in the industry. The company provides a variety of life insurance products, including term, whole and universal life plans. With term coverage amounts ranging from $250,000 to $1.5 million and term lengths between 10 and 30 years, Nationwide offers flexibility to meet diverse needs. The company's high ratings in product variety and buying process make it a strong choice for customers prioritizing ease of purchase.

Best for Customer Satisfaction

Progressive, with a MoneyGeek score of 96, stands out as the best choice for customer satisfaction in the no-exam life insurance category. Although the company issues policies through partners, Progressive's high customer satisfaction score and robust product diversity make it a compelling option for consumers who prioritize customer experience.

Progressive and GEICO both received a perfect satisfaction rating, but Progressive's higher overall MoneyGeek score makes it our top pick.

Best for Customer Satisfaction: Progressive

Progressive

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Exceptional customer satisfaction

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Diverse product offerings

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Issues policies through partners

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Limited payment options

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No direct agent availability

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Progressive excels in customer satisfaction, a testament to its 86 years of experience in the insurance industry. While the company doesn't issue its own life insurance policies, it offers a wide range of products through affiliated insurers, including term, whole, universal and no-exam life insurance options. Term coverage amounts range from $250,000 to $1.5 million, with term lengths of 10, 15, 20 or 30 years. Despite a lower score in the buying process, Progressive's high marks in customer satisfaction make it a top choice for consumers who value a positive customer experience.

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What Is No Medical Exam Life Insurance?

No-exam life insurance, also known as guaranteed issue life insurance, is a type of life insurance policy that does not require a medical exam as a prerequisite for coverage. Applicants can typically secure a policy by responding to a health questionnaire or providing basic medical details, such as height, weight and age. No medical exam life insurance quotes tend to be higher than the premiums for fully underwritten life insurance policies, and the death benefits are generally lower.

Types of No-Exam Life Insurance

Generally, there are two types of no-exam life insurance that you can purchase:

  • Simplified Issue Life Insurance: This type of no-exam life insurance policy requires a medical questionnaire but no medical exam. The insurance company evaluates your risk based on your answers to the questionnaire and may request medical records.
  • Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance: These policies require no medical questionnaire and are available to almost anyone, regardless of their health status. These are popular with consumers whom insurers have previously declined to cover due to medical conditions.

Considering which type of no-exam life insurance best suits your needs and medical profile will help you make the most informed decision.

No-Exam Life Insurance Pros and Cons

Before you purchase your no-exam life insurance policy, we recommend considering the benefits and drawbacks of these plans and how they apply to your financial goals. Having this information can help you manage the downsides while maximizing the advantages of your policy. We explore the details in the table below:

Pros
Cons

Convenience: One of the main benefits of no-exam life insurance is its convenience. You can apply online or over the phone, and the policy can be issued quickly, often within a few days.

Higher Premiums: No-exam life insurance policies are generally more expensive than fully underwritten policies because the insurance company is taking on more risk by not having a complete understanding of your health.

Easy Approval: Since no-exam life insurance policies do not require a medical exam, it is easier to get approved for coverage, even if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

Lower Death Benefits: No-exam life insurance policies generally have lower death benefits compared to fully underwritten policies.

Coverage Options: No-exam life insurance policies offer a range of coverage options to meet your specific needs and budget.

Limited Coverage: Guaranteed-issue policies often limit the amount of coverage available and may not offer the same level of coverage as a fully underwritten policy.

What to Look For in No-Exam Policies

If you're considering a no-exam life insurance policy, there are several factors to keep in mind when choosing the proper coverage. First and foremost, consider the type of policy you want to purchase. Term life insurance policies are generally more affordable than permanent life insurance policies, as they only provide coverage for a specific period and have a lower risk for the insurer. However, if you want a policy that lasts a lifetime and builds cash value, a permanent life insurance policy may better fit your needs.

Another factor to consider is the amount of coverage you need. The more coverage you require, the higher your premiums will be. Generally, you'll want to ensure that you have enough coverage to protect your loved ones in the event of your death. Consider your current financial obligations, such as mortgage payments or outstanding debt, and factor in any future expenses, such as college tuition for your children. Ultimately, the best no medical exam life insurance policy for you will depend on your individual needs and circumstances.

No-Exam Life Insurance Policy Costs

Several factors, such as age, gender and coverage amount, influence the cost of no-exam life insurance policies. While these policies offer the convenience of skipping the medical exam, they often come at a higher price than traditional policies requiring medical screening. Comparing quotes from multiple no medical exam life insurance companies will help you find a plan that aligns with your needs and budget.

When shopping for a no-exam policy, you may still need to prepare to answer questions about your age, gender and lifestyle habits, such as whether you smoke. These factors can impact the cost of your policy and the coverage amount you qualify for. Additionally, be aware that coverage amounts for no-exam life insurance policies may be lower than for plans that require a medical exam.

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Who Should Consider a No-Exam Life Insurance Policy

Life insurance policies that don't require a medical exam are becoming increasingly popular for several reasons. Firstly, these policies offer a quick and easy application process, which can be very appealing for those who don't have the time or desire to sit through a lengthy medical exam. With no medical exam required, the application process is streamlined, making it faster and more straightforward.

Secondly, no-exam life insurance policies can be an attractive option for individuals who have health issues that may make it challenging to qualify for traditional life insurance policies. By eliminating the medical exam, those with pre-existing medical conditions or a history of health problems may be more likely to get approved for life insurance coverage.

No-exam life insurance policies can also be an excellent choice for consumers who need coverage quickly. These policies often offer immediate coverage, allowing beneficiaries to receive a death benefit soon after the policyholder passes away. For example, suppose you need to secure life insurance to cover a specific financial obligation, such as a business loan or a mortgage. A no-exam policy may be the best option in that case.

Considering your needs and budget will help you decide which policy best fits you. Consulting with a financial advisor or an insurance agent can also help you make an informed decision about your life insurance coverage.

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

You will be eligible for a no medical exam policy even if you previously were diagnosed with COVID-19. However, if you are experiencing long-term effects of the virus, this will be treated as a pre-existing condition and could impact your premium.Mark Friedlander, Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute

FAQ About the Best No-Exam Life Insurance

It isn’t always easy to understand the differences between traditional life insurance policies and those that do not require a medical exam. By understanding the answers to some common questions about this type of policy, you can determine if a life insurance policy with no medical exam is right for you.

What types of policies are offered with no medical exam?
What are the pros and cons of guaranteed policies with no exam?
Which companies offer term life with no medical exam?
What is the best life insurance company?
How long does a no-exam life insurance policy last?
Can you borrow money from a no-exam life insurance policy?
Can you get life insurance for seniors over 60 with no medical exam?
Do I need a medical exam to get life insurance?

Expert Advice About No Medical Exam Life Insurance Policies

  1. What advice would you give someone considering a no-exam policy versus a traditional fully underwritten life insurance policy?
  2. How does a no-exam policy compare to traditional fully underwritten life insurance policies in terms of cost, coverage and application process?
Andrew Rosen CFP®, CEP®
Andrew Rosen CFP®, CEP®President of Diversified LLC
Todd Wolfe, ChFC, CLTC
Todd Wolfe, ChFC, CLTCSenior Insurance Associate at Telemus
Johnson Rhett, CFP®, ChFC®
Johnson Rhett, CFP®, ChFC®Financial Advisor at Branning Wealth Management, LLC

About Mandy Sleight


Mandy Sleight headshot

Mandy Sleight is a licensed property, casualty, life and health insurance agent with 20 years of experience in the industry. She has worked for major insurance companies like State Farm and Nationwide, and most recently as the Operations Coordinator for a startup employee benefits company.

Sleight holds a business administration and management degree from the University of Baltimore and a master's in business administration from Southern New Hampshire University. She uses her vast knowledge of insurance and personal finance to create easy-to-understand and engaging content to help readers make smarter choices with their budgets and finances.