National Guardian Life Life Insurance Review


Updated: October 3, 2024

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MoneyGeek’s Take: Is National Guardian Life Right for You?

National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is a versatile provider with offerings for a broad range of customers. With policies and riders designed for individuals, families, business owners, employers and financial professionals, NGL may be an excellent choice for those seeking customizable insurance solutions.

The company provides various policy types, including life insurance, long-term care insurance and annuities, which can appeal to individuals looking to secure their finances and their loved ones' future. Additionally, National Guardian Life's policies for businesses and financial services professionals make it an excellent option for group insurance and investment products.

If you're looking for a modern, tech-savvy insurance provider with convenient online services, there may be better choices than National Guardian Life. You might want to consider Haven Life, a digital insurer that offers up to $3 million in term life insurance coverage with a range of term lengths. For a faster and more convenient option, Bestow could be a great fit, with most applicants aged between 18 and 60 getting approved for up to $1.5 million in term life coverage within minutes through its entirely online underwriting process.

Look through our review of National Guardian Life as you weigh your options for the best life insurance provider that suits your needs.

At a Glance: National Guardian Life Insurance

National Guardian Life

pros

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Low number of complaints

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Online application for term life insurance

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Great customer service and claims management

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Not much information on its website

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

National Guardian Life Insurance is a mutual company that provides various life insurance and annuity products designed for individuals and businesses. With a strong emphasis on customer focus and partnership, the insurer creates solutions that meet its partners' specific needs.

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), National Guardian Life Insurance has a complaint index of 5.15, which is above the industry average — indicating that the company receives a higher number of complaints given its relatively small market share.

Here are the life insurance products offered by National Guardian Life:

  • NGL Funeral Expense Trust
  • NGL Estate Planning Expense Trust
  • NGL Long Term Care

National Guardian Life offers a comprehensive long-term care insurance policy with the features and benefits many consumers and specialists seek to plan for retirement expenses and obligations.

In the long-term care insurance market, National Guardian Life is the sole provider of a traditional policy that offers unlimited benefits. Couples who opt for this can select three benefit accounts — one for each individual and a shared pool of funds for the third account.

Key Takeaways

National Guardian Life provides a comprehensive long-term care policy with many features and benefits for retirement planning.

Its long-term care product is the only traditional policy that offers unlimited benefits as an option.

Customer satisfaction is a top priority for this provider, which collaborates with its partners to develop customized solutions.

National Guardian Life Policy Options Explained

National Guardian Life Insurance provides multiple life insurance options, including preneed, individual life, annuity, long-term care and limited benefit medical insurance products.

The company provides coverage in 49 states and the District of Columbia, focusing on niche markets, customer service, trust and dependability in its relationships with clients and partners. According to the 2022 Insurance Barometer Study by the Life Insurance Marketing and Research Association (LIMRA), 68% of those insured feel more secure owning a life insurance policy.

Term Life Insurance Options From National Guardian Life

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    National Guardian Life Insurance does not provide detailed information about its term life insurance policies, but it does offer an overview of this policy type, which typically provides coverage for a specific term, ranging from 10 to 30 years. In addition to term life insurance, National Guardian Life provides preneed, individual life, long-term care and limited benefit medical insurance policies.

    We recommend speaking directly with a representative for more information on National Guardian Life's term life coverage.

Term life insurance policies are an excellent choice for young and healthy individuals with temporary insurance needs. These policies are typically cheaper than permanent life insurance coverage, making them ideal for those on a budget. For instance, a homeowner could consider buying a term policy that covers the same period as their mortgage.

Whole Life Insurance Options From National Guardian Life

Whether the National Guardian Life Insurance Company offers whole life insurance is unclear. Such policies would provide a guaranteed benefit to beneficiaries and build up a cash value that policyholders can access throughout their lifetime.

It would be best to speak directly with a National Guardian Life representative or agent to learn more about its available whole life insurance offerings.

Whole life insurance policies offer lifelong coverage and a cash value feature, making them a better option for individuals with permanent insurance needs, such as those with dependents and excessive final expenses. Whole life coverage usually comes with higher premiums compared to term life policies. Consider your financial situation and future preferences before picking your life insurance plan.

Universal Life Insurance Options From National Guardian Life

National Guardian Life's website doesn't provide specific information about its universal life insurance options. These policies offer lifetime protection, the building of cash value with tax benefits and flexibility in premium payments.

It's advisable to contact a National Guardian Life representative or agent to inquire about its universal life insurance products.

Universal life insurance policies provide permanent coverage and build cash value over time, making them an attractive choice for buyers seeking flexibility and more significant policy value accumulation.

Final Expense Insurance Options From National Guardian

Final expense insurance is designed to assist seniors in paying for end-of-life expenses, like funeral costs. These policies provide financial benefits to help cover financial obligations left behind by the policyholder, offering peace of mind to their loved ones.

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    NGL Funeral Expense Trust

    National Guardian Life's NGL Funeral Expense Trust is an irrevocable asset transfer trust that protects the policyholder's funeral expenses from Medicaid spend-down and long-term care costs. This trust allows policyholders to allocate up to $15,000 to cover their final expenses. The funeral costs are paid first, and any excess funds are distributed directly to the named beneficiaries.

    Policyholders are exempt from Medicaid eligibility requirements for up to five years, subject to varying state rules. It's important to note that the policy cannot be terminated or borrowed against once established. The NGL Funeral Expense Trust is advantageous for buyers seeking to cover their final expenses while securing their potential qualification for Medicaid.

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    NGL Estate Planning Trust

    The NGL Estate Planning Trust enables policyholders to transfer their estate to their heirs without incurring taxes. The trust allows policyholders to control the amount and frequency of funds distributed to named beneficiaries, which can include special needs individuals, children and even charities.

    The NGL Estate Planning Trust provides policyholders with peace of mind, knowing that their assets will be handled and distributed according to their wishes after they pass.

Final expense insurance is tailored to cover expenses that arise at the end of the policyholder's life, including funeral and burial costs. This type of policy is particularly beneficial for senior citizens who wish to alleviate financial responsibilities from their loved ones. Final expense insurance can be a suitable alternative for those who require lower coverage amounts or have health issues that may hinder their eligibility for traditional life insurance policies.

National Guardian Life's Insurance Riders

A life insurance rider is an optional add-on that enables policyholders to personalize their coverage to include supplementary benefits or features. Riders can expand coverage beyond the base policy, providing greater flexibility to insured individuals.

It is unclear whether National Guardian Life offers life insurance riders.

How to Get National Guardian Life Insurance

Once you've reviewed the available products, the next step in obtaining coverage from National Guardian Life is to learn how to purchase a policy. If your application is rejected, this section will provide guidance on how to handle the situation.

How to Buy Life Insurance From National Guardian Life

1
Do Your Research

Learn about the different life insurance policies available and determine which suits your needs best. Research the reputation of different insurers and read reviews from policyholders to ensure you choose a reputable and reliable company.

2
Compare Quotes

Getting quotes from multiple providers to compare costs and coverage options will help you find the best policy for your budget.

3
Health Check

Be prepared for a medical examination during the application process. The insurer will inquire about any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect your eligibility or result in higher premiums.

4
Approval

After you submit your application, the insurer will assess your information and determine whether to approve or deny your coverage. If approved, you must make pay your premiums to maintain your policy.

What to Do if National Guardian Life Insurance Denies You Coverage

1
Contact Your Broker

Reach out to your broker and request additional information about why National Guardian Life rejected your application. They can also help you explore other options.

2
Lifestyle Changes

Insurance companies sometimes postpone approvals until customers verify improvements in their health. Some lifestyle changes, like losing weight or quitting smoking, can increase your approval chances.

3
Explore Other Options

If National Guardian Life or any other insurance company denies you coverage, exploring other life insurance options may be necessary. One option to consider is final expense insurance, which is generally easier to get approved for but can be pricier. Investing time in researching and comparing various policies and insurers is crucial to identify the most suitable option for your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions About National Guardian Life Insurance

To help you make an informed decision about life insurance, we have answered some of the most common questions buyers ask considering National Guardian Life's policies.

Can you borrow from your National Guardian Life insurance policy?
What’s the maximum amount of life insurance coverage available from National Guardian Life?
Do life insurance policies from National Guardian Life pay dividends?
Can you get life insurance from National Guardian Life if you have cancer?
Do life insurance policies from National Guardian Life cover death by drug overdose?
Do life insurance policies from National Guardian Life cover death by suicide?
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