Protective Insurance offers the best life insurance policies in Minnesota and nationwide, 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 affordable alternatives.
Best Life Insurance Companies in Minnesota (2025)
MoneyGeek scored the best life insurance companies in Minnesota based on thousands of quotes and reviews to help you find your ideal policy.
Discover affordable life insurance in Minnesota below.

Updated: October 27, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Life insurance rates don’t change by state, but in Minnesota, the best providers are Protective Insurance, Guardian Life, Lincoln Financial and Prudential.
Lincoln Financial delivers the cheapest life insurance options in Minnesota and nationwide, with monthly rates averaging $35 (men) and $30 (women).
The top life insurance company in Minnesota depends on your coverage needs**. Legal & General** leads for term life insurance, and Pacific Life excels at no-exam term coverage. North American, Ethos and Mutual of Omaha offer the strongest permanent life insurance options for Minnesota residents.
To get the best life insurance in Minnesota, 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 Minnesota
| 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) | 
Rates are based 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- Term policies for ages 20-80 
- Multiple product types, including IUL 
- Policy limits exceed $10 million 
 cons- Medical underwriting mandatory for all policies 
- No coverage below age 20 
 
- If you're shopping for life insurance in Minnesota, you'll want reliable coverage at competitive rates. Protective Insurance ranks first overall among companies offering life insurance in Minnesota according to MoneyGeek's analysis, delivering the balanced approach many families seek. - Protective offers term and permanent policies. Its coverage limits exceed $10 million, making it a good option for high-net-worth families. The standout child term rider automatically increases coverage when children reach 25, outperforming typical industry offerings. 
- 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- Top-tier A++ financial stability rating 
- Outstanding J.D. Power customer service scores 
- Complimentary charity rider benefit 
 cons- Medical underwriting required for all applicants 
- No indexed universal life coverage 
- Limited product variety available 
 
- When you're choosing life insurance, exceptional customer service can make all the difference during difficult times. Guardian Life offers the best customer experience in Minnesota, according to MoneyGeek's analysis. The insurer's A++ A.M. Best rating represents the industry's gold standard for financial stability, while its second-place J.D. Power ranking confirms good customer care. - Guardian offers traditional life insurance products, including term, whole and universal life. The company's Charitable Benefit Rider stands out by automatically adding 1% to your death benefit (up to $100,000) for charitable giving at zero cost. With coverage reaching $5 million and consistently low complaint rates, Guardian delivers reliability and service quality that sets it apart. 
- 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
 
Best for Affordability: 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- Most competitive monthly premiums 
- Child coverage rider option 
- Up to $5 million coverage with medical exam 
 cons- Limited rider selection versus major competitors 
- Limited permanent life insurance products 
 
- Lincoln Financial earns MoneyGeek's top spot for budget-conscious Minnesota residents seeking life insurance. Monthly premiums for a $500,000, 20-year term policy average $35 for men and $30 for women. - Its term life insurance options range from 10 to 30 years. Maximum death benefits extend to $5 million with full underwriting, while no-exam policies cap at $1 million. The available child rider adds $15,000 protection per child through age 25 or until the insured reaches 65, making Lincoln Financial ideal for growing Minnesota families prioritizing affordability. 
- 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- Convertible policies require no additional medical exam 
- Multiple term lengths from 10 to 30 years 
- Broad rider selection enhances policy customization 
 cons- Underwriting varies by state availability 
- Medical exams needed for many policies 
 
- Prudential ranks first in the coverage options category. The carrier offers term life insurance with face amounts exceeding $10 million, meeting stringent financial protection requirements. No-exam underwriting is available for qualified, healthy individuals between 18 and 50, extending to $3 million. Policy terms accommodate diverse planning needs with 10-, 15-, 20- and 30-year options, accepting applicants up to age 75. - The conversion option provides access to permanent insurance without a medical re-evaluation through age 65, contingent upon a five-year policy seasoning period. Prudential's rider portfolio features premium waivers, accidental death coverage, children's riders and terminal illness benefits. The complimentary Living Needs Benefit distinguishes its offering by providing accelerated death benefit access during specific health crises. 
- J.D. Power Rating: 626 (17th place)
- A.M. Best Rating: A+
- BBB Rating: A+
- Average NAIC Complaint Index: 10.63
 
- Term
- Universal
- Indexed Universal
- Variable Universal
- No-Exam
 
Best Life Insurance in Minnesota by Policy Type
While the top life insurance provider is a great option for many, your best choice might differ based on your needs. Below, we dive into the leading providers tailored for different policy types.
| 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- Comprehensive permanent insurance product range 
- Coverage amounts up to more than $10 million available 
- Excellent A+ ratings for financial reliability 
 cons- Applicants must complete medical exams 
 
- North American is our top pick for whole and universal life coverage in Minnesota. Its universal life products allow policyholders to adjust premiums and death benefits as circumstances change, while whole life offerings guarantee steady cash value accumulation for retirement planning and legacy building. - Minnesota professionals and business owners may find the company's ability to issue policies exceeding $10 million appealing. The insurer's dual A+ ratings from A.M. Best and BBB reflect its commitment to honoring policy obligations and maintaining policyholder confidence. 
- J.D. Power Rating: N/A
- A.M. Best Rating: A+
- BBB Rating: A+
- Average NAIC Complaint Index: N/A
 
- Whole
- Universal
- Indexed Universal
- 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- Automated approval system speeds up policy decisions 
- Terminal and chronic illness coverage included free 
- Index strategy details published transparently 
 cons- Product features vary by insurance carrier partner 
- Future index crediting terms may adjust 
 
- For indexed universal life insurance in Minnesota, Ethos delivers the best option through its Ameritas partnership. You can choose from diverse index-linked accounts tied to major market indices like the S&P 500, Russell 2000 and NASDAQ-100, plus a guaranteed fixed option for conservative growth. Policies include comprehensive living benefit riders that cover terminal, chronic, and critical conditions at no additional cost. - Ethos eliminates traditional underwriting by leveraging algorithmic assessment tools that provide quick coverage decisions. This technology-forward approach, combined with full disclosure of index crediting mechanics, positions Ethos as the top IUL provider in Minnesota. 
- J.D. Power Rating: N/A
- A.M. Best Rating: A+
- BBB Rating: A+
- Average NAIC Complaint Index: N/A
 
- Term
- Indexed Universal
- 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- No extra cost for terminal illness coverage 
- Convert to permanent insurance until 70 
- Stacking option for layered financial protection 
 cons- Medical underwriting process required 
- Customer complaints slightly above industry average 
 
- Legal & General is the top-rated insurer for term life insurance in Minnesota. The insurer provides accelerated death benefits for terminal conditions at no additional cost, ensuring families receive financial assistance when facing serious health challenges. - The company's conversion privilege extends to age 70, longer than typical industry standards. Its signature stacking rider enables you to combine different term lengths within one contract. This flexibility works great for growing families or changing financial obligations, allowing coverage adjustments without restarting the application process or losing existing benefits. 
- 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- Strong A+ A.M. Best financial rating 
- No medical exam or health questions required 
- Policy loans available against cash value 
 cons- Death benefit caps at $25,000 maximum 
- Limited customer service chat hours 
 
- For guaranteed acceptance life insurance in Minnesota, Mutual of Omaha is the top provider. The company accepts applicants aged 45 through 85 without requiring medical underwriting, making coverage available to those who might struggle with traditional policies. Coverage amounts range from $2,000 to $25,000. - These permanent life insurance policies feature cash value growth that policyholders can borrow against for emergencies or opportunities. During the initial two years, natural death claims receive premium refunds plus 10% interest, while accidental deaths trigger immediate full payouts. 
- 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- Up to $3 million without medical examination 
- Excellent rates for both male/female applicants 
- High customer service satisfaction scores 
 cons- Age restrictions limit no-exam qualification window 
- Fewer disclosed term length choices 
 
- For no-exam life insurance in Minnesota, Pacific Life stands out by offering high coverage amounts without traditional medical requirements. Its accelerated underwriting allows qualified applicants to secure up to $3 million in financial protection, exceeding standard no-exam policy limits offered elsewhere. - Pacific Life's A rating from A.M. Best reflects strong financial stability, while its 0.08 NAIC complaint index indicates good customer service delivery. The company automatically includes terminal illness accelerated death benefits, providing valuable financial protection during critical health events. Additional customization options include child term riders, premium waiver for disability, and guaranteed future insurability features. 
- J.D. Power Rating: 657 (7th place)
- A.M. Best Rating: A
- BBB Rating: N/A
- Average NAIC Complaint Index: 0.08
 
- Term
- Universal
- IUL
- Variable Universal
- No-Exam
 
Compare Personalized Best Minnesota Life Insurance Picks
To help you find the best life insurance fit, we've included a filterable table below, making it easy to match options to your profile.
| Lincoln Financial | 4 | 48 | 
| Foresters Financial | 4 | 53 | 
| Assurity | 4 | 54 | 
| Protective Insurance | 5 | 58 | 
| North American | 5 | 58 | 
| Midland National | 5 | 58 | 
| Cincinnati Life | 5 | 60 | 
| Prudential | 5 | 66 | 
| CoreBridge | 6 | 70 | 
| SBLI | 6 | 71 | 
| Legal & General | 6 | 73 | 
| Ameritas | 6 | 75 | 
| Columbus Life | 6 | 75 | 
| Pacific Life | 6 | 76 | 
| Mutual of Omaha | 6 | 77 | 
| Gerber Life (Fabric) | 7 | 78 | 
| AAA | 7 | 78 | 
| Life Insurance Co of The South West | 6 | 80 | 
| National Life Group | 6 | 80 | 
| Transamerica | 7 | 87 | 
| Nationwide | 8 | 93 | 
| Fidelity Life | 8 | 97 | 
| John Hancock | 9 | 103 | 
| Ethos | 16 | 195 | 
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, while this shows average rates for ages 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70.
How to Find the Best Life Insurance in Minnesota
Here are some straightforward tips to help you discover the ideal life insurance policy in the North Star State:
- 1Decide coverage beforehandDetermining how much life insurance you need is essential before making a purchase. This allows you to compare prices fairly and avoid being oversold by agents. Use our life insurance needs calculator to quickly calculate your coverage needs. 
- 2Research costs for your profileCheck average life insurance costs for your desired coverage level and personal profile. This helps gauge if you’re getting a good deal. Often, location doesn’t affect your life insurance rates. 
- 3Compare company reputationsWhile rates generally don’t vary by state, knowing a company’s reputation in your area can ensure a better choice. Use J.D. Power, online forums, and independent agents to assess providers. 
- 4Compare quotes through multiple avenuesCompare quotes from several companies to secure the best deal. Prices can fluctuate based on who provides the quote, whether through an independent agent or an online source. 
Best Life Insurance in Minnesota: Bottom Line
In Minnesota, the top life insurance companies are Protective Insurance, Guardian Life, Lincoln Financial, Prudential, North American, Ethos, Legal & General, Mutual of Omaha and Pacific Life, according to MoneyGeek's analysis. You should assess your coverage needs and compare quotes to ensure you get the best deal possible.
Ensure you are getting the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
Minnesota Life Insurance: FAQ
Explore our expert answers to common questions about life insurance options in Minnesota.
What is the best life insurance in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, Protective Insurance earns the top spot for life insurance with good service, reasonable pricing, and quality term policies.
How do you get the best life insurance in Minnesota?
To secure the best life insurance in Minnesota, set your coverage needs, scrutinize insurer reputations, and compare quotes from multiple companies for an informed decision.
Do life insurance rates differ by state?
No, life insurance rates usually maintain consistency across states, but policy options and riders can differ based on geographic location.
How We Decided the Best Life Insurance in Minnesota
Minnesota residents need life insurance companies that offer competitive rates and dependable service when beneficiaries file claims. Our research focused on identifying insurers that excel in both areas while maintaining strong financial foundations.
We evaluated companies using a weighted scoring system:
- Affordability: 55%
- Customer experience: 30%
- Coverage options: 15%
Sample Profile Details
- Nonsmoker
- Average health rating
- 5'9" tall, 160 pounds
We varied this profile across age groups, gender, health ratings, tobacco use, and geographic regions to capture diverse pricing scenarios.
Our final rankings reflect averaged quotes from adults ages 30–49, representing the core demographic seeking life insurance coverage.
Research Components:
- Rate collection through online quote systems for term and permanent policies
- Financial strength analysis using A.M. Best ratings and company longevity data
- Customer satisfaction measurement via NAIC complaint ratios and J.D. Power scores
- Digital experience evaluation, including online materials and payment flexibility
- Product range assessment across different life insurance types
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.

