---
title: 8 Best Life Insurance Companies of September 2026
description: We review the Best Life Insurance Companies of September 2026, including State Farm (Best for Customer Satisfaction) and Lantern (Best for Instant Term Life Quotes Online).
authors:
  - name: Jhoni Jackson
    role: Writer
    url: https://money.com/author/jhoni-jackson/
    bio: Jhoni Jackson is a former lead staff writer at Money Group, specializing in personal finance topics such as high-yield savings accounts and auto refinance loans. Her work has been featured on MSN, Yahoo Money, and other major outlets.
    education: Georgia State University
    at_money_since: 2022
    articles: 30
    covers:
      - Insurance
      - Banking
      - Business
      - Credit
      - Health and Wellness
      - Housing
      - Investing
      - Lifestyle
      - Loans
      - Mortgages
      - Personal Finance
      - Pets
      - Professional Services
      - Taxes
    social:
      - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhonijackson/
    former_staff: true
editors:
  - name: Mallika Mitra
    role: Contributing Editor
    url: https://money.com/author/mallika-mitra/
    bio: Mallika Mitra is a contributing editor for Money, based in Chicago. She has covered investing and retirement for seven years and her work has appeared in CNBC, Bloomberg, Kiplinger, AARP, Barron’s, Bankrate, The Daily Upside, ETF.com, The Bond Buyer, PLANADVISER, PLANSPONSOR and Investopedia.
    education: Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY Kalamazoo College
    at_money_since: 2020
    articles: 395
    covers:
      - Insurance
      - Banking
      - Business
      - Career Advice
      - Credit
      - Credit Cards
      - Debt
      - Economy and Politics
      - Education
      - Health and Wellness
      - Housing
      - Identity Theft
      - Investing
      - Lifestyle
      - Loans
      - Mortgages
      - Personal Finance
      - Pets
      - Professional Services
      - Retirement
      - Shopping
      - Taxes
      - Technology
    also_seen_in:
      - CNBC
      - Bloomberg
      - Kiplinger
      - Barron's
      - Bankrate
      - WGN-TV
      - CBS News Radio
      - This Morning With Gordon Deal
      - Everyone's Talkin' Money
    social:
      - https://twitter.com/mitra_mallika
      - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallika-mitra-4577a386/
updaters:
  - name: Liliana Hall
    role: Reporter
    url: https://money.com/author/liliana-hall/
    bio: Liliana Hall joined Money in 2025. She is an Austin-based reporter for Money, where she covers a range of topics, including financial news, policy, banking, investing, passive income, financial planning and student loan debt.
    education: University of Texas at Austin
    at_money_since: 2025
    articles: 132
    covers:
      - Insurance
      - Banking
      - Business
      - Career Advice
      - Credit
      - Credit Cards
      - Debt
      - Economy and Politics
      - Education
      - Health and Wellness
      - Housing
      - Investing
      - Lifestyle
      - Loans
      - Mortgages
      - Personal Finance
      - Pets
      - Retirement
      - Shopping
      - Taxes
    social:
      - https://x.com/lilihallllllll
      - https://www.linkedin.com/in/liliana-hall/
published: '2026-09-02T14:39:09.000Z'
modified: '2026-09-02T14:39:09.000Z'
section: Insurance
word_count: 2565
canonical: https://money.com/best-life-insurance/
type: Article
source: structured-blocks
---

> **Disclosure:** We research all brands listed and may earn a fee from our partners. Research and financial considerations may influence how brands are displayed. Not all brands are included. [Learn more](https://money.com/page/disclaimer/).

![8 Best Life Insurance Companies of September 2026](https://img.money.com/2023/12/Best-Life-insurance-mbci_s6wy3__a0ovlx.jpg?quality=85&w=1012&h=569&crop=1)

## Our Partners

### TOP PARTNER

![Get Quotes](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/39016/medium_5717987a-9caa-43aa-986b-47c57fcea410.webp)

Our Partner

[Get Quotes](https://money.com/go/13d7f0ac3fa9?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-life-insurance%2F&bidid=4043378120&ptid=663755101&ptoken=cd11f45798ffec2d3ef3ebc5c0d7b7b3&zip=20149)

**Get $250k in Term Life Insurance for as Low as $13/month**

-   A Trusted Partner since 1995
-   Customizable Policies that Fit Your Needs and Budget
-   Term Life Insurance up to $10M+
-   Apply 100% Online or with the Help of an Agent

* * *

![Get Quotes](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/33674/medium_b5505001-a65a-4955-8517-f2c938d5e3e6.webp)

Our Partner

[Get Quotes](https://money.com/go/f751753e7a93?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-life-insurance%2F&bidid=4043378125&ptid=663755101&ptoken=ad27261adb2da6455622fd9e22577f0f&zip=20149)

**Approval in less than 15 minutes for as little as $7 a month**

-   Term periods ranging from 10 to 40 years
-   Policies available to adults 20 to 75
-   Coverage available in all 50 states
-   1.3 million policies written in the US
-   Highly-rated for financial stability

* * *

![Get Quotes](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/15300/medium_fe745077-0478-40e1-b590-fbc32d9dd62a.png)

Our Partner

[Get Quotes](https://money.com/go/e752019d4e9e?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-life-insurance%2F&bidid=4043378121&ptid=663755101&ptoken=bdf2af9ae15cca80fdb327597258f09d&zip=20149)

**100% online process from start to finish for coverage up to $3M**

-   Instant coverage available for ages 20-60, if approved
-   Adjust your coverage amount as your needs change and save on premiums
-   Get a 30-day money-back guarantee and cancel anytime
-   Coverage starts at just $5 per month 

* * *

![Get Quotes](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/39022/medium_055aac26-5c95-4592-bc01-7498f08de141.webp)

Our Partner

[Get Quotes](https://money.com/go/b85f0f5caecd?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-life-insurance%2F&bidid=4043378122&ptid=663755101&ptoken=20ddc12596bceb6e63142af13531a95a&zip=20149)

**No medical exams for policies under $3 Million. Just answer a few health questions online**

-   Coverage starts at around $30/mo
-   Get a no-obligation quote in seconds, apply in minutes (most are instantly approved)
-   Limited-time offer for new policyholders: access to estate planning tools at no extra cost ($449 value)

* * *

![Get Quotes](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/31421/medium_7d579c68-ec8b-41e4-9b4d-f5d78203938b.webp)

Our Partner

[Get Quotes](https://money.com/go/e34ff6e85169?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-life-insurance%2F&bidid=4043378123&ptid=663755101&ptoken=d59d83cd2ffa7f0605cb24c975c05b86&zip=20149)

**New York Life Insurance – Term Policy**

-   Fixed premiums for 10, 15, or 20 years
-   Potential to convert to permanent policy
-   Payout can help cover funeral costs and everyday expenses

For many households, life insurance provides an essential safety net. Yet only about [half of U.S. adults](https://www.limra.com/siteassets/newsroom/liam/2025/2025_facts_about_life_insurance.pdf) currently have some form of life insurance, and roughly 40% say they need more life insurance. At the same time, individual life insurance premiums reached a [record $17.5 billion](https://www.limra.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/2026/limra-u.s.-individual-life-insurance-new-premium-tops-$17.5-billion-to-set-new-sales-record-in-2025/) in 2025, showing the demand for coverage remains strong.

Life insurance can help protect the people who depend on you financially, but figuring out which plan to buy can feel overwhelming. Policies vary widely in price, coverage types and complexity, and some insurers are better suited for certain needs than others.

This guide breaks down the best life insurance companies to consider right now, including picks for fast online approval, flexible coverage and bundling discounts.

## Key Takeaways

- Ethos, Lantern and Ladder lead our list of the best life insurance companies for their mix of flexible policy options, strong financial strength ratings, responsive customer services and transparent terms.
- Life insurance pays a lump sum (called a “death benefit”) to your loved ones if you die, helping cover major expenses such as funeral costs and housing.
- You pay premiums to keep coverage active — typically monthly, quarterly, annually or as a one-time payment — in exchange for coverage that provides a payout to your beneficiaries.
- Life insurance policies generally fall into two categories: term life insurance and permanent life insurance (such as whole or universal life), so it’s important to compare coverage options, riders and quotes to find the best fit.
- Methodology: We reviewed more than 30 life insurance companies across six scoring categories, including product offerings, financial strength ratings, customer satisfaction scores and complaint data, supported by over 1,000 hours of research.

### How we chose our top picks

Since 2017, Money’s editorial team has researched and analyzed life insurance providers and their policy options. Our ongoing assessment focuses on insurers' offerings, customer satisfaction ratings and financial stability. For our complete methodology, click here.

-   30+ insurers evaluated
-   6 categories scored
-   1,000+ hours of research

## Our Top Picks for the Best Life Insurance Companies of September 2026

-   [Ethos](#ethos) - Best for Same-Day Coverage
-   [Lantern](#lantern) - Best for Instant Term Life Quotes Online
-   [Ladder](#ladder) - Best for Flexible Coverage
-   [Nationwide](#nationwide) - Best for Bundling Discounts
-   [New York Life](#ny-life) - Best Whole Life Insurance
-   [Northwestern Mutual](#northwestern-mutual) - Best for Policy Customization
-   [Policygenius](#policygenius) - Best Online Life Insurance Broker
-   [State Farm](#state-farm) - Best for Customer Satisfaction and Stability

## With a Life Insurance policy, you can take care of your family the right way

### Should anything happen to you, you'll want to leave your loved ones a financial nest egg for their wellbeing. Click on your state to find out more.

[Get Quotes](https://money.com/pr/hd56ad69b7be?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-life-insurance%2F)

## Best for Same-Day Coverage: Ethos

![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/39022/large_055aac26-5c95-4592-bc01-7498f08de141.webp)

[Get Quotes](https://money.com/pr/vf3e99f18102?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-life-insurance%2F)

**Pros**
- Same-day coverage for most approved applicants
- No exams — the process is entirely online
- Get a free will with your policy
- Policy purchase includes free will, estate planning tools and AI-driven financial planning

**Cons**
- Little information publicly available about optional riders
- Term life eligibility starts at age 20
- Not available in New York

### HIGHLIGHTS

AM BEST RATING

A (Excellent) and higher - Mutual of Omaha, Ameritas and TruStage, Legal & General

POLICY TYPES

Term - simplified issue and fully underwritten (ages 20 to 65), guaranteed issue (ages 65 to 85)

RIDERS AVAILABLE

Accidental Death Benefit

**Why we chose it:** [Ethos](https://money.com/pr/ja0b80d3e35f?ap_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fmoney.com%2Fbest-life-insurance%2F) is our top choice for same-day life insurance coverage due to its streamlined application process and ability to accommodate a diverse range of applicants. Individuals aged 20 to 65 can secure term life coverage for 10 to 30 years with coverage amounts ranging from $20,000 to $3 million. Most applicants can skip the medical exam.

Meanwhile, those aged 65 to 85 qualify for guaranteed issue whole life policies, which offer coverage from $10,000 to $25,000 without a medical exam. These policies offer graded benefits for the first two years, providing beneficiaries with 100% of premiums paid plus 30% in case of death within this period, excluding accidental deaths.

[Read our full Ethos Life Insurance review](https://money.com/ethos-life-insurance-review/)

* * *

## Best for Instant Term Life Quotes Online: Lantern

![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/27927/large_10b432ef-2bc6-4951-8400-d0aac70de571.png)

[Get Quotes](https://money.com/pr/xeb9ca870cf9?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-life-insurance%2F)

**Pros**
- Ages 18 to 60 are eligible to apply
- Term life policies $100,000 - $1.5 million in coverage
- Company offers 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30-year terms
- Monthly premiums as low as $10

**Cons**
- No riders available
- Only sells term life insurance
- Policies not available to residents of New York and Maine

### HIGHLIGHTS

AM BEST RATING

A+ Rating (Superior) - North American Company for Life and Health Insurance

POLICY TYPES

Term life insurance

RIDERS AVAILABLE

None

**Why we chose it:** [Lantern](https://money.com/pr/x66192e3ff35?ap_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fmoney.com%2Fbest-life-insurance%2F&apnavid=4e968e5ee6865e3dc7eca391fcbfb6d5) provides a quick and convenient way to compare term life insurance options online. Using your personal information — such as medical history, hobbies and lifestyle — it determines eligibility and rates efficiently. You can purchase up to $1.5 million in term life coverage within minutes. Policies are issued by Lantern Life Insurance Company directly through the company's website.

[Read our full Lantern Life Insurance review](https://money.com/bestow-life-insurance-review/?amp%3Bref=%2Fbest-life-insurance%2F)

* * *

## Best for Flexible Coverage: Ladder

![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/15574/large_879a7159-7ac3-47b7-83ce-70d537300be7.png)

[View Rates](https://money.com/pr/t85909e3618c?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-life-insurance%2F)

**Pros**
- Term coverage can be adjusted over time
- $100,000 to $8 million in term coverage available
- 30-day free look period, rather than the 10-day norm
- Up to $3 million in coverage with no medical exam

**Cons**
- Plans are limited to people aged 20 to 60
- Only offers term coverage
- No optional riders

### HIGHLIGHTS

AM BEST RATING

A (Excellent) to A+ (Superior) - Amica, Allianz, Fidelity Security Life Insurance, S.USA Life

POLICY TYPES

Term Life, No-Exam

RIDERS AVAILABLE

None

**Why we chose it:** We picked [Ladder](https://money.com/pr/gf3dcf8a4897?ap_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fmoney.com%2Fbest-life-insurance%2F&apnavid=9246791aa55c7ea0cdf667010669751a) as the best life insurance company for flexible coverage because it allows you to increase or decrease the amount of coverage on your policy as your needs change. Ladder exclusively offers term life insurance if you're 20-60 years old, and by completing a simple three-step online application, policyholders can access up to $3 million in coverage. Ladder doesn't charge cancellation fees, so you can cancel your coverage at any time with no strings attached.

[Read our full Ladder Life Insurance review](https://money.com/ladder-life-insurance-review/)

* * *

## Best for Bundling Discounts: Nationwide

![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/3685/large_c0fd2923-f3a7-4be4-87b8-9f9b5006b5a4.webp)

[Get Quotes](https://money.com/pr/rf10e1ce8725?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-life-insurance%2F)

**Pros**
- Discounts for bundling life with homeowners or auto insurance
- Multiple insurance plans and optional riders

**Cons**
- Most policies must be purchased through agents

### HIGHLIGHTS

AM BEST RATING

A+ (Superior)

POLICY TYPES

Term, Whole, Universal, Variable

RIDERS AVAILABLE

12, including long-term care, chronic Illness, critical illness, terminal illness, children's term insurance, premium waiver, waiver of monthly deductions and accidental death benefit

**Why we chose it:** [Nationwide](https://money.com/pr/z5db9ed99a1d?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-life-insurance%252F) is our pick for the best life insurance company for bundling discounts because policyholders can save on life insurance by combining this coverage with other types of insurance, such as auto and homeowners insurance, [long-term care insurance](https://money.com/best-long-term-care-insurance/), renters insurance or [pet insurance](https://money.com/best-pet-insurance/). Nationwide writes term, whole life, variable and universal policies, and has several optional riders you can use to adjust your policy to your needs.

[Read our full Nationwide Life Insurance review](https://money.com/nationwide-life-insurance-review/)

* * *

## Best Whole Life Insurance: New York Life

![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/31421/large_7d579c68-ec8b-41e4-9b4d-f5d78203938b.webp)

[Get Quotes](https://money.com/pr/xed73f21f489?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-life-insurance%2F)

**Pros**
- Multiple term, whole and universal life policies available
- Highly rated company
- Potential to earn dividends

**Cons**
- Must work with an agent
- Can't get an online quote

### HIGHLIGHTS

AM BEST RATING

A++ Rating (Superior)

POLICY TYPES

Term, Whole, Universal, Variable Universal

RIDERS AVAILABLE

Accidental death, chronic care, disability waiver of premium, living benefits, spouse's paid-up insurance purchase option and more

**Why we chose it:** We picked [New York Life](https://money.com/pr/m460029c2cb7?ap_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fmoney.com%2Fbest-life-insurance%2F&apnavid=4f7fe65f82b16d6630283a4c71932164) as the best life insurance company for whole life coverage because it offers various permanent policies. Its term life policy also includes the option to convert to permanent coverage down the road. The company offers lifetime coverage and various policy options like whole, universal and variable universal life insurance. You can tailor your plan with add-ons such as an accidental death benefit, chronic care and living benefits riders. As a mutual insurance company, the insurer allows policyholders to potentially receive dividends based on their policy type.

[Read our full New York Life Insurance review](https://money.com/new-york-life-insurance-review/)

* * *

## Best for Policy Customization: Northwestern Mutual

![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/1234/large_80e5d814-9d17-4de1-90be-26c1831ce2de.webp)

[Find An Advisor](https://money.com/pr/hc7b8cb6ca72?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-life-insurance%2F)

**Pros**
- Great selection of optional riders
- Multiple policy and coverage options
- Potential to earn dividends
- Highly rated by third parties

**Cons**
- Policies must be purchased through agents
- Medical exams required for most policies
- Limited online quote tools

### HIGHLIGHTS

AM BEST RATING

A++ Rating (Superior)

POLICY TYPES

Term, Whole, Universal, Variable

RIDERS AVAILABLE

Accelerated death benefit, accidental death, waiver of premium, indexed protection, additional purchase and long-term care benefit

**Why we chose it:** [Northwestern Mutual](https://money.com/pr/w8a0e2deea14?ap_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fmoney.com%2Fbest-life-insurance%2F&apnavid=e2f69949966b6182631cdb4a230fc2f0) is our top choice for life insurance customization because it offers more riders than most other insurers, allowing greater policy flexibility. Insurance riders allow you to get coverage for loved ones, access your benefits under special circumstances or waive your premiums if you become ill. As a mutual insurer, it also pays dividends to eligible policyholders.

Northwestern Mutual is a reputable company that's usually listed at the top of the life insurance industry rankings. It ranked above the industry average in J.D. Power's 2025 U.S. Individual Life Insurance Study and has received fewer National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaints than similarly-sized companies.

[Read our full Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance review](https://money.com/northwestern-mutual-life-insurance-review/)

* * *

## Best Online Life Insurance Broker: Policygenius

![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/8365/large_4fc4b301-2672-470b-8fdd-9e0f55413180.png)

[Get Quotes](https://money.com/pr/f21ea4cceeec?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-life-insurance%2F)

**Pros**
- Quickly and easily compare quotes from multiple insurers
- Get guidance from real licensed agents
- Various types of insurance policies available

**Cons**
- Online quotes aren't available for all providers
- Takes longer to provide a final price than other options

### HIGHLIGHTS

AM BEST RATING

No AM Best rating

POLICY TYPES

Term, Whole, Universal, No-exam

RIDERS AVAILABLE

Varies by carrier

**Why we chose it:** We chose [Policygenius](https://money.com/pr/f21ea4cceeec?ap_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fmoney.com%2Fbest-life-insurance%2F&apnavid=e2f69949966b6182631cdb4a230fc2f0) as the best online life insurance broker for its one-stop access to policies from many top insurers and its commitment not to sell your information to third parties, unlike other comparison sites.

The platform offers a wide range of term life insurance policies from 10 to 40 years in five-year increments, as well as whole, universal and no-exam options. Users can quickly obtain premium estimates by entering basic personal information and then delve into policy comparisons by providing additional details. Policygenius also hosts a wealth of educational resources for those new to life insurance and provides personalized assistance from licensed insurance agents.

[Read our full Policygenius review](https://money.com/policygenius-life-insurance-review/)

* * *

## Best for Customer Satisfaction and Stability: State Farm

![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/1145/large_qvRuJbkcNFeQluZFYAXmxcAvCBKvzv.png)

[Get Quotes](https://money.com/pr/mb42df8b4b91?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-life-insurance%2F&url=)

**Pros**
- Top-rated for customer satisfaction
- Low number of customer complaints
- Long list of optional riders
- Simplified-issue (no exam) policies available

**Cons**
- Online quotes are not available for all policy options
- Most policies require medical exams

### HIGHLIGHTS

AM BEST RATING

A+ (Superior)

POLICY TYPES

Term, No-exam, Whole, Universal

RIDERS AVAILABLE

More than 12, including children's term life insurance, waiver of premium benefit, level term life insurance, waiver of monthly deduction, guaranteed insurability option, payor insurance benefit and accelerate benefit for long term care

**Why we chose it:** [State Farm](https://money.com/pr/tf38de8387c1?ap_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fmoney.com%2Fbest-life-insurance%2F) is our choice for the best life insurance company for customer satisfaction and stability due to its excellent reputation for customer service. In the last five years, State Farm has earned the top spot in J.D. Power's U.S. Individual Life Insurance Study, except in 2025, where it placed second by a small margin. The insurer also holds an A+ (Superior) rating from AM Best, indicating excellent financial stability.

State Farm sells term life insurance (10, 20 or 30 years), plus whole and universal life insurance policies. Although most of its plans require medical exams, it does offer no-exam options as well as a long list of optional riders.

[Read our full State Farm Life Insurance review](https://money.com/state-farm-life-insurance-review/)

* * *

## A proper life insurance policy will protect your loved ones from the unexpected.

### No time like the present to get on the estate planning path. Do it right with life insurance and take care of your family. Click below for more information.

[Get Quotes](https://money.com/pr/u78688f99843?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-life-insurance%2F)

### Other life insurance companies we considered

The following companies have competitive offerings but aren't among our top picks because they didn't excel in one of several of our criteria.

* * *

#### [Amica Mutual](https://money.com/pr/ld0e7ffb4f82?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-life-insurance%252F)

Amica Mutual stands out as a top choice for property and casualty insurance. It recently earned the highest ranking in the J.D. Power U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Survey and is among the best homeowners insurers we've evaluated, offering comprehensive coverage and unique features.

**Why Amica didn't make the cut:** Despite its strong reputation in other insurance areas, Amica's life insurance products are relatively unknown. The insurer isn't included in J.D. Power's U.S. Life Insurance Study and lacks NAIC complaint data. That being said, Amica offers affordable term life coverage (10-, 20-, and 30-year policies ranging from $11 to $25 per month), but has a limited selection of policies.

[Read our full Amica Life Insurance review](https://money.com/amica-life-insurance-review/)

* * *

#### [Lemonade](https://money.com/pr/of7541f1dc35?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-life-insurance%252F)

Lemonade offers term life insurance with no medical exam. Customers can complete the full online application in around five minutes and purchase 10- to 40-year term policies with up to 1.5 million in coverage. Policyholders must download Lemonade’s mobile app to manage their policy, submit claims and access customer service.

**Why Lemonade didn’t make the cut:** The company didn't make our top picks due to its limited insurance offerings and lack of detailed information about riders and policies on its website.

* * *

#### [MassMutual](https://money.com/pr/id0ea9b7407a?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-life-insurance%252F)

MassMutual’s insurance portfolio includes term and permanent life insurance, including a term life policy that can be purchased online. Customers can also convert their term life insurance to a permanent policy without a medical exam. MassMutual features a life insurance calculator to help prospective clients assess their insurance needs.

**Why MassMutual didn’t make the cut:** Unlike other insurers on top list, MassMutual offers few optional riders, so customers have limited options for policy customization.

[Read our full MassMutual Life Insurance review](https://money.com/massmutual-life-insurance-review/)

* * *

#### [USAA](https://money.com/pr/r6bd73d23b3a?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-life-insurance%252F)

USAA offers various life insurance options, including term and permanent coverage. Policies start at $12 a month and coverage amounts go up to $10 million. Additionally, policyholders receive complimentary survivor assistance and the option for disability protection. There's also simplified whole life coverage available for children.

**Why USAA didn’t make the cut:** The company's website lacks comprehensive information about available riders and cash value policies. To learn more, you must speak to a USAA representative over the phone.

[Read our full USAA Life Insurance review](https://money.com/usaa-life-insurance-review/)

* * *

## What You Need to Know About Life Insurance

Younger Americans often overestimate the cost of life insurance by more than tenfold, according to [LIMRA research](https://www.limra.com/en/newsroom/industry-trends/2026/limra-forecasts-individual-life-insurance-premium-to-grow-in-2026/).

In reality, life insurance costs vary based on factors like policy type, coverage amount, term length, age, health and lifestyle. Drinking, smoking and high-risk activities lead to higher premiums, as do chronic health conditions and risky occupations like roofing or construction.

### Types of life insurance policies

[Life insurance](https://money.com/life-insurance-beginners/?amp%3Bref=%2Fbest-life-insurance%2F) is a contract where the insurer promises to pay a death benefit to the policy's [beneficiary](https://money.com/choosing-a-life-insurance-beneficiary/?amp%3Bref=%2Fbest-life-insurance%2F) upon the policyholder's death. This benefit is funded by the policyholder's lifetime premium payments.

Life insurance policies fall into two main categories:

-   **[Permanent life insurance](https://money.com/what-is-permanent-life-insurance/)** - Policies last your entire life and may have a cash value component that can be accessed for various purposes. Learn more about permanent policies through our guides on [whole life insurance](https://money.com/whole-life-insurance-guide/), [universal life insurance](https://money.com/universal-life-insurance-guide/), [variable life insurance](https://money.com/what-is-permanent-life-insurance/#:~:text=With%20a%20variable%20life%20insurance,your%20policy%20may%20grow%20faster.) and [joint life insurance](https://money.com/what-is-joint-life-insurance/).

-   **[Term life insurance](https://money.com/what-is-term-life-insurance/)** - Provides coverage for a set number of years — anywhere from 10 to 40 — and does not include a cash value (final expense insurance falls in this category). Read more about this option on our [term life insurance](https://money.com/what-is-term-life-insurance/#types) guide.

For term or whole life coverage without a medical exam, consider a simplified or guaranteed issue policy. Read more about this option on our guide to [no-exam life insurance](https://money.com/what-is-no-exam-life-insurance/).

### How to compare life insurance policies

When comparing the best life insurers, consider the following factors.

1.  **Policy types:** Check if the insurer offers both term and permanent life insurance options. Some newer insurers, especially those online, may focus on term life and guaranteed-issue policies.
2.  **Application process:** Determine if the application is entirely online or if you need to work with an agent during underwriting.
3.  **Medical exam requirements:** Understand whether a medical exam is necessary. Some companies offer no-exam life insurance.
4.  **Riders:** Check if the policy can be enhanced with riders. Some companies include riders in the policy, while others sell them separately. Availability varies.
5.  **Coverage:** Note the minimum and maximum coverage amounts offered. These can vary significantly among insurers.
6.  **Pricing:** Compare life insurance premiums from different insurers. Prices vary based on how they assess risk. It's best to get quotes from multiple companies.
7.  **Company reputation:** To ensure the company is reputable, check AM Best for financial strength ratings, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) for customer complaints, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for customer reviews and the latest J.D. Power Individual Life Insurance Study for industry rankings.

### How to purchase life insurance

#### 1\. Understand how different types of life insurance policies work

Learn the differences between [term versus whole life insurance](https://money.com/term-vs-whole-life-insurance/). Term life may suit young, healthy individuals who want income replacement for a specific period, such as the duration of a mortgage. [Permanent life insurance](https://money.com/what-is-permanent-life-insurance/) offers lifetime coverage and growth potential but higher premiums.

#### 2\. Choose a policy term

If you're sold on term life insurance, your next step should be to [choose a life insurance term length](https://money.com/choosing-a-life-insurance-term/). To do so, consider how long you need to provide for your dependents and the duration of any other financial obligations. Remember that the longer the term, the higher the premium.

#### 3\. Determine how much coverage you need

To determine [how much life insurance you really need](https://money.com/how-much-life-insurance-do-you-need/), add up potential end-of-life expenses, family lifestyle adjustments, debts and hidden income (e.g., employer benefits). Then, subtract potential income sources (e.g., Social Security) and adjust for inflation.

#### 4\. Shop for quotes

Once you've decided on a type of policy and coverage amount, get life insurance quotes from several different companies. Insurers price risk differently, so you could get widely different estimates based on your age, gender, health and lifestyle.

#### 5\. Make an apples-to-apples comparison

When comparing policies, request quotes for the same policy type, term length (if applicable), and coverage amount. Factor in unique features, optional riders, and discounts. Also, weigh insurers' reputation for customer service and financial stability.

## A proper life insurance policy will protect your loved ones from the unexpected.

### No time like the present to get on the estate planning path. Do it right with life insurance and take care of your family. Click below for more information.

[Get Quotes](https://money.com/pr/u78688f99843?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-life-insurance%2F)

## Methodology

As part of the review process to find the best life insurance companies, we:

-   Assessed each company’s ability to pay claims on time
-   Compared product offerings against industry competitors
-   Examined financial strength ratings as reported by credit rating agencies such as AM Best
-   Analyzed customer satisfaction ratings as reported by J.D. Power in the latest U.S. Life Insurance Satisfaction Study
-   Studied complaints regarding their individual life insurance policies, based on National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) data

We also interviewed representatives from various companies. While we strive for accuracy in regulatory and legal information, it may not be complete or fully up to date.

## Latest News

In 2026, more insurance companies are increasingly incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into their day-to-day operations. But customers aren't convinced that the technology will work to their benefit, according to J.D. Power's [Artificial Intelligence and Insurance Pulse Survey](https://www.jdpower.com/business/resources/insurance-customers-keep-open-mind-artificial-intelligence-some-notable). Only 26% of respondents believe AI tools will benefit customers and providers equally, while 68% feel insurers stand to gain the most from artificial intelligence.

The survey also measured customers' comfort levels with AI usage for specific processes like calculating premiums, communicating with policyholders and customer service chats. Respondents were most comfortable with insurers using AI for routine steps like automated claim status updates, billing and even answering basic customer service questions. However, comfort drops sharply when it comes to higher-stakes decisions. Nearly half of respondents feel uneasy about their insurers using AI to process claims.

Customers are particularly concerned about using AI to calculate premiums. Thirty percent of respondents said there should only be partial use of AI in pricing, and only as long as there are ironclad safeguards in place. About one-third want limited AI use until the industry can guarantee the technology won't introduce biases or violate ethical standards.

### Younger consumers are delaying or avoiding life insurance

Younger adults are increasingly delaying traditional milestones such as marriage and parenthood, which have historically been key reasons for purchasing life insurance. According to Capgemini's latest [World Life Insurance Report](https://www.capgemini.com/in-en/news/press-releases/consumers-under-40-are-skipping-life-insurance-as-they-delay-traditional-triggers-such-as-marriage-and-parenthood/), 68% of consumers under age 40 consider life insurance important to their financial futures, yet many remain uninsured or underinsured.

The report also found that 32% of younger adults believe life insurance doesn't fit their current stage of life, while 28% cite affordability concerns and 25% say confusing products and application processes have discouraged them from purchasing coverage.

## Best Life Insurance FAQs

### How much life insurance do I need?

A common rule of thumb is to buy enough life insurance to replace about 10 to 15 times your annual income, but your coverage needs may be higher if you have dependents, education costs and other income your family could lose after your death.

### How much is life insurance per month?

The cost of a life insurance policy will depend on factors such as the applicant's age, sex and overall health, as well as the type of policy and coverage amount they select. The average life insurance policy costs roughly $26 per month, but can range from as low as $10 to more than $200.

### What is the difference between term and permanent life insurance?

Term life insurance provides coverage for a set period, typically 10 to 40 years, while permanent life insurance provides lifelong coverage and may build cash value. Term policies generally cost less, making them a common choice for covering temporary financial obligations, while permanent policies can provide longer-term protection and additional financial benefits.

### Can you get life insurance without a medical exam?

Yes — many insurers offer life insurance without a medical exam, although no-exam policies may have lower coverage limits or higher premiums. Money’s picks include Ethos, which offers a streamlined online application process, and Ladder, which offers up to $3 million in coverage without one. State Farm also offers simplified-issue policies that don’t require an exam.

## Summary of Money’s Best Life Insurance Companies of September 2026

-   [Ethos](#ethos) - Best for Same-Day Coverage
-   [Lantern](#lantern) - Best for Instant Term Life Quotes Online
-   [Ladder](#ladder) - Best for Flexible Coverage
-   [Nationwide](#nationwide) - Best for Bundling Discounts
-   [New York Life](#ny-life) - Best Whole Life Insurance
-   [Northwestern Mutual](#northwestern-mutual) - Best for Policy Customization
-   [Policygenius](#policygenius) - Best Online Life Insurance Broker
-   [State Farm](#state-farm) - Best for Customer Satisfaction and Stability

```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@graph": [
    {
      "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
      "@id": "https://money.com/best-life-insurance/#breadcrumb",
      "itemListElement": [
        {
          "@type": "ListItem",
          "position": 1,
          "name": "Home",
          "item": "https://money.com"
        },
        {
          "@type": "ListItem",
          "position": 2,
          "name": "Insurance",
          "item": "https://money.com/insurance/"
        },
        {
          "@type": "ListItem",
          "position": 3,
          "name": "Life Insurance",
          "item": "https://money.com/life-insurance/"
        },
        {
          "@type": "ListItem",
          "position": 4,
          "name": "8 Best Life Insurance Companies of September 2026"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "@type": "WebSite",
      "@id": "https://money.com/#website",
      "url": "https://money.com",
      "name": "Money",
      "publisher": {
        "@id": "https://money.com/#organization"
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "WebPage",
      "@id": "https://money.com/best-life-insurance/#webpage",
      "url": "https://money.com/best-life-insurance/",
      "name": "8 Best Life Insurance Companies of September 2026",
      "isPartOf": {
        "@id": "https://money.com/#website"
      },
      "datePublished": "2026-09-02T14:39:09.000Z",
      "mainEntity": {
        "@id": "https://money.com/best-life-insurance/"
      },
      "inLanguage": "en-US",
      "breadcrumb": {
        "@id": "https://money.com/best-life-insurance/#breadcrumb"
      },
      "dateModified": "2026-09-02T14:39:09.000Z"
    },
    {
      "@type": "Article",
      "headline": "8 Best Life Insurance Companies of September 2026",
      "articleSection": "Insurance",
      "image": [
        {
          "@type": "ImageObject",
          "url": "https://img.money.com/2023/12/Best-Life-insurance-mbci_s6wy3__a0ovlx.jpg?quality=85",
          "width": 1440,
          "height": 960
        }
      ],
      "author": [
        {
          "@type": "Person",
          "name": "Jhoni Jackson",
          "url": "https://money.com/author/jhoni-jackson/",
          "@id": "https://money.com/author/jhoni-jackson/#author",
          "description": "Jhoni Jackson is a former lead staff writer at Money Group, specializing in personal finance topics such as high-yield savings accounts and auto refinance loans. Her work has been featured on MSN, Yahoo Money, and other major outlets.",
          "image": "https://img.money.com/2023/02/money-author-jhoni-jackson.png?w=350&h=430&crop=1",
          "alumniOf": "Georgia State University",
          "sameAs": [
            "https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhonijackson/"
          ]
        }
      ],
      "publisher": "https://money.com/#organization",
      "datePublished": "2026-09-02T14:39:09.000Z",
      "description": "We review the Best Life Insurance Companies of September 2026, including State Farm (Best for Customer Satisfaction) and Lantern (Best for Instant Term Life Quotes Online).",
      "abstract": "We review the Best Life Insurance Companies of September 2026, including State Farm (Best for Customer Satisfaction) and Lantern (Best for Instant Term Life Quotes Online).",
      "@id": "https://money.com/best-life-insurance/",
      "inLanguage": "en-US",
      "dateModified": "2026-09-02T14:39:09.000Z",
      "editor": [
        {
          "@type": "Person",
          "name": "Mallika Mitra",
          "url": "https://money.com/author/mallika-mitra/",
          "@id": "https://money.com/author/mallika-mitra/#author",
          "description": "Mallika Mitra is a contributing editor for Money, based in Chicago. She has covered investing and retirement for seven years and her work has appeared in CNBC, Bloomberg, Kiplinger, AARP, Barron’s, Bankrate, The Daily Upside, ETF.com, The Bond Buyer, PLANADVISER, PLANSPONSOR and Investopedia.\r\n",
          "image": "https://img.money.com/2020/05/Headshot.png?w=640&h=640&crop=1",
          "email": "mallikaamitra@gmail.com",
          "jobTitle": "Contributing Editor",
          "alumniOf": "Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY Kalamazoo College",
          "subjectOf": [
            {
              "@type": "WebPage",
              "url": "https://cnbc.com",
              "name": "CNBC"
            },
            {
              "@type": "WebPage",
              "url": "https://bloomberg.com",
              "name": "Bloomberg"
            },
            {
              "@type": "WebPage",
              "url": "https://kiplinger.com",
              "name": "Kiplinger"
            },
            {
              "@type": "WebPage",
              "url": "https://barrons.com",
              "name": "Barron's"
            },
            {
              "@type": "WebPage",
              "url": "https://bankrate.com",
              "name": "Bankrate"
            },
            {
              "@type": "WebPage",
              "url": "https://wgntv.com/midday-news/your-money-matters-why-is-crypto-so-popular/",
              "name": "WGN-TV"
            },
            {
              "@type": "WebPage",
              "url": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wall-street-journal-travel-editor-scott-mccartney/id1500053390?i=1000505352440",
              "name": "CBS News Radio"
            },
            {
              "@type": "WebPage",
              "url": "https://thismorningwithgordondeal.com/b/Lots-of-People-Think-NFTs-Are-Cryptocurrency-and-Theyre-Wrong/306379835851553325.html",
              "name": "This Morning With Gordon Deal"
            },
            {
              "@type": "WebPage",
              "url": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-invest-in-a-recession/id957163760?i=1000596422109",
              "name": "Everyone's Talkin' Money"
            }
          ],
          "sameAs": [
            "https://twitter.com/mitra_mallika",
            "https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallika-mitra-4577a386/"
          ],
          "worksFor": {
            "@id": "https://money.com/#organization"
          }
        }
      ],
      "contributor": [
        {
          "@type": "Person",
          "name": "Liliana Hall",
          "url": "https://money.com/author/liliana-hall/",
          "@id": "https://money.com/author/liliana-hall/#author",
          "description": "Liliana Hall joined Money in 2025. She is an Austin-based reporter for Money, where she covers a range of topics, including financial news, policy, banking, investing, passive income, financial planning and student loan debt.",
          "image": "https://img.money.com/2025/03/Hall_headshot.jpg?quality=85&w=640&h=640&crop=1",
          "email": "liliana.hall@money.com",
          "jobTitle": "Reporter",
          "alumniOf": "University of Texas at Austin",
          "sameAs": [
            "https://x.com/lilihallllllll",
            "https://www.linkedin.com/in/liliana-hall/"
          ],
          "worksFor": {
            "@id": "https://money.com/#organization"
          }
        }
      ],
      "wordCount": 2565,
      "about": [
        {
          "@type": "Thing",
          "name": "Insurance",
          "sameAs": [
            "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insurance"
          ]
        },
        {
          "@type": "Thing",
          "name": "Life insurance",
          "sameAs": [
            "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_insurance"
          ]
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
}
```