10 Best Life Insurance of 2026

Coverage highlights

• Term, universal, indexed universal, whole life, and final expense
• Any term length from 10 to 35 years available
• Agile Underwriting+ no-exam pathway for ages 18–59
• Term coverage starting around $13 per month
• Backed by Corebridge Financial's $400+ billion in assets

Considerations

• Online quote requires personal information before pricing
• NAIC complaint index is higher than the industry average
• Many quotes require a phone follow-up from a licensed agent

Available to U.S. residents nationwide. American General Life issues policies in 49 states; New York residents are covered by The United States Life Insurance Company. Accelerated underwriting available for ages 18–59.

Most term applications qualify for the Agile Underwriting+ program — applicants 18–59 may receive coverage up to $2 million with only a phone screening, no medical exam required.

Corebridge's Select-A-Term product lets you choose any term length from 10 to 35 years rather than standard 5-year increments — giving you precise alignment to a mortgage payoff or income-replacement timeline.

Coverage highlights

• Term life, universal life, and final expense (via Ethos partnership)
• Term lengths of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, or 40 years
• Coverage amounts from $100,000 to over $10 million
• Premiums starting as low as $8 per month
• Term, child, and accelerated death benefit riders available

Considerations

• Medical exam typically required during underwriting
• Term and universal life only — no traditional whole life
• Issue ages range from 20 to 75 for term policies

Available to U.S. residents ages 20–75. Banner Life issues policies in 49 states and D.C.; New York residents are covered by sister company William Penn.

Most term policies are fully underwritten and include a medical exam. Online and agent-assisted applications typically take about 20 minutes to complete.

40-year level term policies are uncommon in the industry. Banner is one of a small number of carriers offering this length, locking in both premium and coverage for four decades.

Coverage highlights

• Term, whole, and universal life insurance products
• A++ (Superior) AM Best — highest available financial rating
• Term policies are convertible to permanent coverage
• High face amounts available for buyers needing $1M+ coverage
• Average premiums approximately 9% below the industry average

Considerations

• Sold through career agents — not designed for full online purchase
• Term lengths typically capped at 20 years in most states
• Quotes generally require speaking with a New York Life agent

Available to U.S. residents nationwide through licensed New York Life career agents. State-specific product availability applies; AARP-branded term products are available to AARP members ages 50–74 (and spouses 45–74).

Most applications are processed by a New York Life agent. Some policies can be approved in as little as 48 hours, and select policies don't require a medical exam depending on age, coverage amount, and health status.

New York Life's A++ (Superior) rating from AM Best is the highest available — combined with 180 years of paying claims through every major economic cycle, it's the gold standard for buyers who prioritize carrier stability above all else.

Coverage highlights

• Term, whole, indexed universal, and final expense policies
• No medical exam required for most term applications
• Same-day approval available for qualifying applicants
• 30-day money-back guarantee with no cancellation fees
• Free wills and estate planning tools included

Considerations

• Underwriting carrier and financial rating vary by policy
• Premiums may run higher than fully underwritten alternatives
• Policies are not available in New York

Available to U.S. citizens ages 20–85. Term coverage is available for ages 20–65 with up to $2 million through simplified issue. Policies are not available in New York.

Online application takes about 5 minutes. Most term policies are simplified issue and do not require a medical exam — eligibility decisions are returned within minutes based on health questions and prescription history.

Ethos's fully digital, no-exam pathway is one of the fastest in the industry. Many applicants are approved and covered within minutes of applying, with no agent calls or lab visits required.