Nationwide offers multiple life insurance products, from simple term coverage to permanent policies with cash value growth and investment options.
Nationwide Life Insurance Review 2026
Nationwide offers customizable coverage, strong financial ratings and living benefit options. It earned a MoneyGeek score of 4.3 out of 5.
Read our Nationwide life insurance review to learn more.
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Updated: April 1, 2026
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At a Glance: Nationwide Life Insurance Review
Nationwide
MoneyGeek Rating
4.3/ 5
4.3/5Affordability
4.8/5Customer Experience
3.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Cost
$45 (women); $56 (men)Based on a 20-year term policy with $500,000 coverage for a 40-year-old nonsmoker.Ages Supported
21-55
Nationwide Life Insurance Options
Term Life Insurance
Term life insurance covers you for a set period. Your beneficiaries receive the death benefit if you die during the term.
Nationwide Guaranteed Level Term
Offers coverage lasting 10 to 30 years with fixed premiums. The policy includes a conversion feature, allowing the insured to switch to a permanent policy before the term ends without undergoing a new medical examination. You can apply online through Nationwide's digital Life Essentials platform for simplified underwriting and quick decisions.
Whole Life Insurance
Whole life insurance covers you for life with fixed premiums and guaranteed cash value growth.
Nationwide Heritage Single Premium Whole Life
Offers lifetime coverage with a single, upfront premium payment. It provides guaranteed death benefits and immediate cash value growth, making it a useful tool for estate planning or leaving a legacy to beneficiaries.
Whole Life 100 and 20-Pay Whole Life
Provide predictable costs and guaranteed cash-value accumulation. Whole Life 100 offers lifetime payments, while the 20-Pay plan lets you pay premiums for only 20 years while maintaining lifetime coverage afterward.
Universal Life Insurance
Universal life insurance provides lifelong coverage and lets you adjust premiums and benefits.
- Nationwide Indexed Universal Life Accumulator II 2020: Designed for people focused on long-term cash value accumulation, this policy offers market-linked growth potential with downside protection through a 0% floor rate.
- Nationwide YourLife Indexed UL Accumulator: Available exclusively in New York, this version provides the same accumulation-focused design while complying with state-specific regulations and requirements.
- Nationwide Indexed UL Protector II 2020: Designed for buyers seeking affordable lifetime coverage, this policy focuses on stable premiums and guaranteed death-benefit protection rather than maximum cash-value growth.
- Nationwide YourLife Indexed UL Protector: A New York-only version of the Protector II 2020 policy, offering steady premiums and guaranteed lifetime protection under state rules.
- Nationwide Survivorship Indexed UL 2020: This second-to-die policy insures two people and pays the benefit after the second death. It’s often used for estate planning and wealth transfer strategies.
- Nationwide Variable Universal Life Accumulator: This policy offers diverse investment options with tax-deferred growth potential, giving customers flexibility in allocating cash value.
- Nationwide Variable Universal Life Protector II: Focuses on guaranteed death-benefit protection rather than market performance, offering stable coverage for those who prefer predictable long-term security.
- Nationwide Survivorship Variable Universal Life II: A joint survivorship policy that insures two individuals and pays after the second death, combining investment flexibility with estate-planning benefits.
- Nationwide Advisory Variable Universal Life: Tailored for fee-based financial advisors, this policy integrates with professionally managed investment portfolios and advisory relationships.
Nationwide No-Lapse Guarantee UL II
Guarantees death-benefit protection as long as premiums are paid, even if cash value decreases. It offers flexible premium payments and optional riders for chronic illness or long-term care needs.
Indexed Universal Life Insurance (IUL)
Indexed universal life insurance links cash-value growth to market performance.
Variable Universal Life Insurance (VUL)
Variable universal life insurance combines market-linked investments with lifelong coverage, allowing you to direct cash value into professionally managed investment options.
NATIONWIDE POLICY LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
Nationwide life insurance policies include a standard suicide clause. If you die by suicide within the first two years, your beneficiaries receive only premium refunds, not the full death benefit.
Product availability and terms vary by state due to insurance regulations. Some policies aren't available in certain states like New York. Contact a licensed agent to confirm which products are available where you live.
Nationwide's Life Insurance Riders
Nationwide provides riders that expand protection, enhance flexibility and deliver living-benefit access.
Long-Term Care Rider II | Accelerates part of the death benefit if you need long-term care |
Chronic Illness Rider | Allows access death benefits early after diagnosis of a permanent chronic illness |
Critical Illness Rider | Allows early access to death benefits if diagnosed with a covered critical illness (e.g., heart attack, cancer) |
Terminal Illness Rider | Allows access to the death benefit upon a terminal illness diagnosis |
Premium Waiver Rider | Credits monthly premiums after six months of total disability |
Waiver of Monthly Deductions Rider | Pays monthly deductions while disabled after a six-month waiting period |
Accidental Death Benefit Rider | Adds extra payout if death results from an accident |
Extended No-Lapse Guarantee Rider | Keeps the death benefit guaranteed even if cash value falls |
Estate Protection Rider | Provides an added amount to help offset potential estate tax liability |
Guaranteed Insurability Benefit Rider | Lets you purchase more coverage later without a new medical exam |
Overloan Lapse Protection Rider | Prevents policy lapse when loans reduce cash value |
NATIONWIDE'S MULTI-POLICY BUNDLING
Nationwide allows bundling of life, auto and home insurance under one account. Bundling won't reduce life premiums but can simplify billing and service while offering discounts on other lines of coverage. This streamlines the management of multiple policies and can lead to cost savings on property and casualty insurance products.
How Much Is a Nationwide Life Insurance Policy?
Life insurance costs vary based on multiple factors that insurers use to assess risk. Your age, gender, health class, coverage amount, term length, tobacco use and selected riders all influence your final premium.
The table below shows average Nationwide term life insurance costs for buyers with standard health ratings and average weight. Rates reflect different ages, coverage amounts, term lengths and smoking status to help you understand potential costs.
Data filtered by:
20
40
Female
No
| $100,000 | $20 | $236 |
| $250,000 | $32 | $379 |
| $500,000 | $45 | $541 |
| $750,000 | $65 | $776 |
| $1,000,000 | $84 | $1,003 |
| $1,500,000 | $123 | $1,475 |
These rates are based on our sample profiles. Individual premiums may vary based on your specific health profile, medical history and lifestyle factors. These rates are estimates for comparison purposes only.
How to Get Nationwide Life Insurance Coverage
Nationwide gives you several options for applying, and the process varies based on which type of policy you're after. Here's how it works:
- 1Determine Your Coverage Needs
Estimate how much life insurance would support your family if you were no longer around. You can calculate this on your own or talk it through with a licensed agent.
Nationwide lets you schedule a consultation online or call 1-866-207-9160 for guidance. If you prefer a fast estimate, MoneyGeek’s life insurance calculator. can help you get a baseline number.
- 2Choose Your Policy Type
Pick term life when you need coverage for a specific timeframe. Want protection that lasts your entire life and grows cash value? Look at whole or universal life instead.
- 3Get a Quote
Use Nationwide’s online quote tool to check pricing for no-exam term life insurance or connect with a licensed agent for tailored quotes and guidance on permanent policies.
- 4Submit Your Application
Fill out the application with details about yourself, your health history, beneficiaries and coverage amount. This step can be completed online or with help from an agent if you prefer one-on-one support.
- 5Complete the Underwriting Process
Some policies require medical underwriting, which may include a medical exam based on your age, coverage amount and policy type. If you qualify, Nationwide also offers simplified underwriting that lets you apply without an exam.
- 6Review and Accept Your Policy
After approval, review the policy details, submit your first premium payment and receive your official documents. Coverage begins once everything is confirmed.
Nationwide's Claims Process
The claims process reflects how an insurance company supports families after a loss. Nationwide offers multiple ways to file a claim and outlines what beneficiaries need to submit.
Claims can be filed online or by calling 1-800-848-6331 to speak with a claims representative.
You may be asked to provide the following documents:
- Death certificate
- Completed claim form
- Policy number or copy of the policy
Once all required documents are received, Nationwide completes most claims within about 30 days. This gives beneficiaries a clearer idea of when funds may become available.
Life insurance beneficiaries choose how they receive their payout. Direct deposit offers faster access to funds, while mailed checks remain an option for those who prefer a paper payment.
Nationwide Life Insurance vs. Other Insurers
When you’re comparing life insurance companies, you’ll find that Nationwide offers a wide range of policy options, including term, whole, universal, indexed universal and variable universal policies. But the company offers slightly higher rates than its competitors. According to MoneyGeek's analysis, Banner Life and Transamerica offer more affordable options, with average monthly rates at $37 for a 40-year-old woman and $46 for a 40-year-old man with a 20-year term policy and $500,000 coverage amount. If you’re just looking for the lowest rates, you can find cheaper options among the cheapest life insurance companies.
Nationwide's term policies are only available to people up to age 55. If you’re over 55, you'll need to look elsewhere. Pacific Life is one strong alternative, offering competitive term rates and broader age eligibility. See MoneyGeek's guide to the best life insurance for seniors for a full comparison.
Is Nationwide Life Insurance Right for You?
Nationwide works well if you want flexible coverage options and long-term reliability. The company offers nearly every type of life insurance and lets you convert term coverage to permanent protection later without a new medical exam. Nationwide's living benefit riders (chronic, critical and terminal illness options) let you access part of your death benefit while alive. This feature is valuable for policyholders facing serious health conditions.
The online experience is limited. You can only quote and apply online for no-exam term life insurance. Permanent policies require working with a licensed agent. Nationwide fits best for people who value advisor-guided planning, conversion flexibility and the financial stability of an A+ rated insurer.
Nationwide Life Insurance: FAQ
Does Nationwide have a good reputation?
Yes, Nationwide has built a strong reputation over its 100-year history. The company ranks among the top insurers in industry studies and maintains high customer satisfaction ratings.
Does Nationwide have a good rating?
Yes. A.M. Best gives Nationwide an A+ (Superior) and the BBB rates it A+ as well. These scores tell you the company has solid finances and can cover claims without issue.
Does Nationwide pay claims well?
Nationwide settles most life insurance claims within 30 days after receiving all required documents. Strong financial ratings and a straightforward claims process show the company handles benefit payments reliably.
Are Nationwide policies available nationwide?
Nationwide life insurance is available in most states, but some plans have limited availability. Certain policies aren't available in New York due to state regulations. Features vary by state based on local insurance requirements.
MoneyGeek scored Nationwide using collected data and a baseline profile of a 40-year-old male nonsmoker in average health seeking $500,000 in coverage on a 20-year term policy. Affordability carries 50% of the score, reflecting how much premiums matter over a policy's lifetime. Customer Experience accounts for 30%, drawing on J.D. Power scores, AM Best financial strength ratings, NAIC complaint indexes and other customer reviews. Coverage Options makes up the remaining 20%.
Related Pages: Other Company Reviews
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance Producer in Connecticut, is MoneyGeek's resident insurance expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for almost a decade, first with LendingTree and now with MoneyGeek, conducting original research on hundreds of insurance companies and millions of insurance rates for insurance shoppers.
He writes about economics and insurance on MoneyGeek, breaking down complex topics so people can have confidence in their purchase. Like all MoneyGeek analysts, Mark collects and analyzes independent cost and consumer experience data on insurance companies to provide objective recommendations in our content that are independent of any of MoneyGeek's insurance company partnerships.
His insights on products ranging from car, home and renters insurance to health and life insurance have been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR, among others.
Mark holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He started his career working in financial risk management at State Street before transitioning to the analysis of the personal insurance market. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Sources
- Nationwide. "File An Insurance Claim." Accessed March 25, 2026.
- Nationwide. "Indexed Universal Life Insurance." Accessed March 25, 2026.
- Nationwide. "Life Insurance Riders." Accessed October 21, 2025.
- Nationwide. "Term Life Insurance." Accessed March 25, 2026.
- Nationwide. "Universal Life Insurance." Accessed March 25, 2026.
- Nationwide. "Variable Universal Life Insurance." Accessed March 26, 2025.
- Nationwide. "Whole Life Insurance." Accessed March 25, 2026.