Best no-medical-exam life insurance policies of April 2023
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Katherine MurbachKatherine MurbachEditor & Licensed Life Insurance AgentKatherine Murbach is an editor and a former licensed life insurance agent at Policygenius. Previously, she wrote about life and disability insurance for 1752 Financial, and advised over 1,500 clients on their life insurance policies as a sales associate.
Edited by
Antonio Ruiz-CamachoAntonio Ruiz-CamachoAssociate SEO Content DirectorAntonio helps lead our life insurance and disability insurance editorial team at Policygenius. Previously, he was a senior director of content at Bankrate and CreditCards.com, as well as a principal writer covering personal finance at CNET.
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Reviewed by
Patrick Hanzel, CFP®Patrick Hanzel, CFP®Certified Financial Planner™ & Advanced Planning Team LeadPatrick Hanzel, CFP®, is a Certified Financial Planner™ and Advanced Planning Team Lead at Policygenius. His expertise has been featured at Lifehacker, Consumer Affairs, Authority Magazine, Thrive Global, and Fatherly.
Updated
Expert reviewedExpert reviewedThis article has been reviewed by a member of ourFinancial Review Council to ensure all sources, statistics, and claims meet the highest standard for accurate and unbiased advice.Learn more about oureditorial review process.
Best no-medical-exam life insurance companies of April 2023
Here are the best no-medical-exam life insurance options available in 2023 according to our proprietary scoring system and research at Policygenius. The best life insurance company for you will depend on your specific needs, as well as your age, gender, and health. Speaking with a licensed Policygenius expert can help you get a personalized recommendation as to which life insurance policy is right for you.
Methodology: How we chose the best no-medical-exam life insurance companies
We don't get paid for our company reviews and use an extensive rubric of criteria covering policy details, price, financial confidence, third-party ratings, and customer experience to assign unbiased ratings out of five stars. Any recommendations we make are based on internal and external expert opinions and data from our Policygenius Price Index, which uses real-time rate data from leading life insurance companies to determine pricing trends. Our ratings and reviews can help point you to an insurer you can rely on for your family’s financial protection, but the best life insurance company for you is dependent on multiple factors. A licensed agent at Policygenius can work with you through the application process so you’re getting coverage from the best insurer for your circumstances at the most competitive price.
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
5.0
AM Best rating
A.M. Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
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No-medical-exam option
Why we chose it
Brighthouse Financial offers competitive rates, comprehensive coverage, and application decisions in as little as 24 hours, making it a great choice for people who want to get life insurance coverage without having to take the medical exam.
Pros and cons
Pros
Extremely affordable
Instant-decision applications
Best-in-class no-med option
Cons
Traditional term life not available in CA, IL, LA, ME, or NY
Brighthouse Financial offers a no-medical-exam life insurance option with the opportunity for an instant decision on applications for coverage up to $2 million. If approved, you don’t need to take the medical exam that’s a standard part of the underwriting process. If you have a minor health condition like anxiety, high blood pressure, ADHD, or even sleep apnea, you also have better chances to get a better rate with Brighthouse Financial than with other insurers.
Cheapest no-medical-exam life insurance
2023 Policygenius award winner
Banner Life
Policygenius rating
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.9
AM Best rating
A.M. Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A+
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
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30+ year terms
All 50 states
No-medical-exam option
Why we chose it
Banner Life has some of the longest term lengths — up to 40 years — and most competitive life insurance rates available, even for people with a history of medical conditions.
Pros and cons
Pros
Competitive rates for a variety of health conditions
Fast instant-decision option for qualifying applicants
Variety of term lengths up to 40 years
Cons
Application underwriting can take longer than average
Does not have the most competitive rates for older applicants
Banner Life offers cheaper prices compared to some of its competitors and a no-medical-exam application process that allows you to complete a medical interview over the phone. You can apply for coverage between $100,000 and $2 million without the medical exam. Banner Life will then review your application and determine if a medical exam is needed.
Fastest approval no-medical-exam life insurance
Three Policygenius partners offer instant decision life insurance: Banner Life, Brighthouse Financial, and Foresters Financial. Each company has different date range criteria and coverage limits, but in general, Brighthouse Financial and Banner Life are great options for younger applicants who might have a mild health condition, like anxiety or elevated blood pressure.
Foresters Financial is a good option for slightly older adults or for people seeking extra riders, like a chronic or critical illness rider, which the company includes in the policy at no additional cost.
Company
Instant decision
Coverage limit
Age available
Banner Life
Yes
$2 million
20-60
Brighthouse Financial
Yes
$2 million
25-50
Foresters Financial
Yes
$1 million
18-55
Best accelerated underwriting life insurance
Brighthouse Financial
In line with our overall pick, Brighthouse Financial is a great accelerated underwriting option that provides an easier customer experience for applicants age 25 to 50 who don’t have any health complications, or who might have a minor health condition managed with medication.
Best no-medical-exam term life insurance
Banner Life
Banner Life offers a no-medical-exam term life insurance option for people age 20 to 60. You can choose from a variety of term lengths, including up to 40 years, and coverage up to $2 million. Banner Life will review your application and determine if a medical exam is needed.
Best no-medical-exam simplified issue life insurance
Mutual of Omaha
Policygenius rating
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.5
AM Best rating
A.M. Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A+
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
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No-medical-exam option
Why we chose it
Mutual of Omaha is a reputable company that offers a variety of life insurance products — including a no-medical-exam option — so that you can select the type of life insurance that best suits your needs.
Mutual of Omaha offers a variety of simplified issue products. They offer a term life insurance policy without the medical exam, with coverages up to $300,000 for people age 50 and below; up to $250,000 for people age 60 and below, and up to $150,000 for people age 70 and below. They also offer simplified issue whole life with coverage up to $40,000.
Best no-medical-exam guaranteed issue life insurance
Mutual of Omaha
Mutual of Omaha's guaranteed issue life insurance option is more affordable than other comparable products on the market. It's a type of whole life insurance that offers near-certain approval and coverage amounts between $2,000 and $25,000.
Best for young adults
Transamerica
Policygenius rating
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.6
AM Best rating
A.M. Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
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No-medical-exam option
Why we chose it
Transamerica is one of the oldest and largest life insurance companies, with over 12 million active accounts today. It offers affordable rates for almost every age, and you can even skip the medical exam if you fall under a certain age or coverage amount.
Pros and cons
Pros
Competitive rates for term life insurance
No-medical-exam available for qualifying applicants, including smokers and people between 60 and 70, which is rare
One of the fastest turnaround times in the industry for traditionally underwritten term policies
Cons
Term life not available in New York
Not a good option for people with a history of cancer, alcohol abuse, or asthma
Transamerica is another no-medical-exam option that offers competitive rates for adults as young as 18 and a simple application process — including a health questionnaire that can be filled out online or over the phone. Transamerica will review your health questionnaire to confirm if they can approve you without a medical exam. Transamerica also has flexible financial justification guidelines for young adults in college or graduate school applying to protect their future income, allowing coverage up to $500,000.
Best for seniors
Mutual of Omaha
Mutual of Omaha offers multiple different products for seniors, including simplified issue term and whole life options.
Runner-up
2023 Policygenius award winner
Pacific Life
Policygenius rating
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.8
AM Best rating
A.M. Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A+
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
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All 50 states
No-medical-exam option
Why we chose it
Pacific Life offers some of the lowest rates for term life insurance across age brackets. It also has the most competitive rates for many health conditions and builds.
Pros and cons
Pros
Extremely affordable across age brackets
Affordable guaranteed universal life insurance option for people who need lifetime coverage
Favorable underwriting for many health conditions
Cons
Traditional term life not available in NY
There are better carriers for active duty military, people who have a history of alcohol abuse, and people who have been through bankruptcy
When it comes to no-medical-exam term options, Pacific Life offers an accelerated underwriting process for people age 18 to 70. It can be a great option for people age 55 to 70 seeking term life insurance without a medical exam, since other insurers may limit no-med options for this age group. You can apply for up to $3 million in coverage.
If you're between age 61 and 70, Pacific Life will request an attending physician statement (APS) to gather a full picture of your health before resorting to a medical exam. If you have multiple health conditions or haven't gotten bloodwork done in the last 12 months, you're more likely to have a medical exam requested.
No-medical-exam is a type of life insurance policy you can get without taking an in-person medical exam, which is like an annual physical at your doctor’s office and a very common part of the application process. No-medical-exam life insurance products allow you to skip the exam and instead complete a health interview online or over the phone to determine if you qualify for coverage.
Who can get life insurance without a medical exam?
Typically, adults under 50 or 60 (depending on the insurance company) and people who have minimal health conditions have an easier time getting life insurance without a medical exam.
There are also no-medical-exam options available to older applicants, but these mostly consist of policies aimed at covering end-of-life expenses, like simplified issue life insurance or burial insurance.
Types of no-medical-exam life insurance policies at a glance
Policy type
Waiting period
Coverage limit
Term
Ages
No-med term
Approx. one week, depends on the company
$1 million to $3 million
10 years to 30 years
18-60, depends on the company
No-med whole
Three to five days
$40,000
Permanent
45-80
Simplified issue term
Approx. two weeks
$150,000 to $300,000
10 to 30 years
18-70
Guaranteed issue
One to three days
$25,000
Permanent
45-85
Accelerated underwriting
One to three days
$1 million to $3 million
10 years to 30 years
18-60, depends on the company
Types of no-medical-exam life insurance policies
Term life insurance
Term life insurance no-medical-exam policies are one of the most common and popular types of life insurance you can get approved for without having to take the medical exam. They work just the same as traditional term policies: you buy a policy for a set term and a set coverage amount, and if you die during policy's term, your beneficiaries get a lump sum death benefit.
However, for no-medical-exam term insurance, the application phase does not involve an in-person health check. Instead, you’ll answer health questions online or over the phone with an agent. The medical interview usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.
The insurance company will typically let you know your application decision within a week, but some can even let you know on the same phone call or within a day or two. It can take about a week in total for your policy to go into effect. In my experience working as a licensed agent, most people preferred this option if it was available, since the standard life insurance application can take up to five to six weeks on average.
You can generally apply for a maximum of $1 million to $3 million of life insurance coverage without a medical exam, although it depends on the specific insurer.
Whole life insurance
Whole life insurance, which is a permanent policy that lasts as long as you pay your premiums and accumulates a cash value, is also available with no-med options. However, whole life without a medical exam is generally limited to small policies with a maximum coverage amount of around $50,000. Many of these policy options are also classified as simplified issue or guaranteed issue, mainly created to cover final expenses, as we explain below.
Simplified issue life insurance
Simplified issue life insurance can be a term or a whole life policy. “Simplified issue” refers to the fact that these policies don’t require as much health information to get an approval as standard policies, so you don’t have to take a medical exam.
Simplified issue term policies typically offer up to $100,000 to $300,000 of coverage, but it depends on the insurer. These policies are generally more expensive than other comparable term policies that require the medical exam.
Simplified issue whole life insurance typically includes coverage up to $40,000 to $50,000. These policies are commonly used to cover any end-of-life expenses.
Guaranteed issue life insurance
Guaranteed issue life insurance is a type of small whole life policy that offers near-certain approval. The maximum coverage amount is around $25,000, and is intended to cover final expenses, like medical or funeral bills. Typically, you have to be over the age of 45 to apply.
Accelerated underwriting life insurance
Accelerated underwriting term life insurance policies give you either an instant decision on your application, or a decision within a few days. They’re called “accelerated underwriting” because the process to determine whether you’re eligible for approval is faster, but they’re not more expensive than regular term policies.
Group life insurance
Group life insurance is a type of policy most commonly offered through an employer. It’s one life insurance contract that covers a group of people, so it’s typically cheap or fully included in your benefits, but coverage limits are usually lower than those offered by private term policies. It doesn’t require a medical exam.
Is no-medical-exam life insurance worth it?
No-medical-exam life insurance serves the same basic function as a traditional life insurance policy with an in-person medical exam — financial protection for your loved ones. If you’re looking to get a new life insurance policy without the burden of a medical exam or lengthy wait times, a no-medical-exam policy could be your best bet.
Pros of no-medical-exam life insurance
Comparable in pricing to a fully underwritten policy
You’ll receive an application decision in a few days, or even on your initial phone call instead of waiting up to six weeks, which is the average turnaround time for standard policies
Easier and more convenient application process
Cons of no-medical-exam life insurance
Most no-medical-exam options limit coverage between $1 million and $3 million
Older adults or people with multiple health conditions may not be eligible
How much does no-medical-exam life insurance cost?
How much no-medical-exam life insurance costs will depend on which type of policy you’re applying for, as well as your age, gender, and health.
Average no-medical-exam term life insurance rates
Age
Sex
$250,000 coverage amount
$500,000 coverage amount
$1 million coverage amount
25
Female
$14.32
$20.94
$33.27
Male
$17.03
$26.69
$44.40
35
Female
$16.32
$25.43
$42.60
Male
$18.48
$30.15
$51.70
45
Female
$28.19
$47.62
$86.69
Male
$34.95
$60.54
$112.95
55
Female
$59.69
$108.31
$207.24
Male
$82.46
$150.12
$283.12
Collapse table
Methodology: Average monthly rates are calculated for male and female non-smokers at a Preferred health classification obtaining a 20-year $250,000, $500,000, and $1,000,000 life insurance policy. Life insurance averages are based on a composite of no -medical -exam policies offered through Policygenius from Brighthouse Financial, Banner Life, Transamerica, Foresters Financial, and Pacific Life. Rates may vary by insurer, term, coverage amount, health class, and state. Not all policies available in all states. Issuance of a term life insurance policy without a medical exam is subject to product availability and your eligibility, and may depend upon your truthful answers to a health questionnaire. Rate illustration valid as of 04/01/2023.
Average simplified issue whole life insurance rates
Age
Sex
$10,000 coverage amount
$20,000 coverage amount
$40,000 coverage amount
45
Female
$22.61
$42.01
$80.81
Male
$27.11
$51.01
$98.83
55
Female
$27.71
$52.21
$101.21
Male
$35.95
$68.69
$134.18
65
Female
$41.01
$78.82
$154.43
Male
$56.48
$109.75
$216.31
Collapse table
Methodology: Average monthly rates are calculated for male and female non-smokers at a Standard health classification based on sample simplified issue policy options from Mutual of Omaha. Rates may vary by insurer, coverage amount, health class, and state. Rate illustration valid as of 04/01/2023.
Average no-medical-exam accelerated underwriting life insurance rates
Age
Sex
$250,000 coverage amount
$500,000 coverage amount
$1 million coverage amount
25
Female
$14.32
$20.94
$32.53
Male
$17.17
$27.01
$43.67
35
Female
$16.58
$25.59
$41.83
Male
$18.75
$30.15
$50.78
45
Female
$28.69
$48.19
$86.04
Male
$35.60
$61.24
$112.15
55
Female
$61.29
$110.57
$205.62
Male
$83.80
$152.78
$280.30
Collapse table
Methodology: Average monthly rates are calculated for male and female non-smokers at a Preferred health classification obtaining a 20-year $250,000, $500,000, and $1,000,000 life insurance policy. Life insurance averages are based on a composite of no -medical -exam policies offered through Policygenius from Brighthouse Financial, Banner Life, and Foresters Financial. Rates may vary by insurer, term, coverage amount, health class, and state. Not all policies available in all states. Rate illustration valid as of 04/01/2023.
Average no-medical-exam guaranteed issue life insurance rates
Age
Sex
$5,000 coverage amount
$15,000 coverage amount
$25,000 coverage amount
55
Female
$21.77
$62.31
$110.19
Male
$27.44
$79.32
$140.23
65
Female
$29.81
$86.55
$152.87
Male
$40.58
$118.73
$209.26
Methodology: Average monthly rates are calculated for males and females based on sample guaranteed issue whole life policy options from Mutual of Omaha and Corebridge Financial (formerly AIG Life & Retirement). Rates may vary by insurer, coverage amount, and state. Rate illustration valid as of 04/01/2023.
How does the no-medical-exam life insurance application work?
Similar to a standard application process, you’ll talk to an agent over the phone first.
Next, you’ll complete a health interview.
After the interview, the insurance company will verify your health information and your identity through the MIB — the Medical Information Bureau, a resource used by life insurance companies to prevent insurance fraud; it’s similar to a credit report, but for life insurance. This process can take a couple of days, or you might get an application decision at the end of your medical interview phone call.
Once you have your application decision and final rate, you can accept and sign your policy documents, and your coverage will go into effect.
What happens if my no-medical-exam life insurance application is declined?
If your no-medical-exam application is declined at first, there’s no need to worry. The insurance company may just request an in-person medical exam, which is free, and is much like an annual physical with a primary care doctor. It’s common for people who have multiple health conditions or other factors in their application to need to take a medical exam.
Getting declined for a no-medical-exam option doesn’t necessarily mean your rate will be more expensive either — the insurance company just needs more information to assess your risk.
One of the benefits to working with an independent broker is that they can guide you to apply for the product that’s going to be the best fit for you. They can help you seamlessly transfer your information to a new application if need be.
Alternatives to no-medical-exam life insurance
As an alternative option, you could apply for a life insurance policy with a medical exam. This is sometimes referred to as a fully underwritten policy.
With a medical exam, you’ll be able to apply for higher coverage amounts if you need them (most no-med options cap coverage at $1 million to $3 million). Most traditional whole life policies require a medical exam, too.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get life insurance without a medical exam?
Yes, depending on your age and health, it’s possible to get life insurance without a medical exam.
How does no-medical-exam life insurance work?
Instead of an in-person medical exam, you’ll complete a health interview either online or over the phone. The insurance company will verify your answers against your medical records to determine your rate.
How much life insurance can you get without a medical exam?
No-medical-exam term policy options typically offer up to $1 million and $3 million, but it depends on the insurer.
Should I get no-medical-exam life insurance?
If you are in good health, term no-medical-exam policies offer affordable coverage. Traditional term life insurance is more affordable and flexible than whole life insurance with no medical exam.
Is there a waiting period for no-medical-exam life insurance?
No-medical-exam life insurance can go into effect in about one week, which is when your policy is active and your beneficiary would receive the death benefit. This is quicker than other traditional life insurance options. Full underwriting with a medical exam can take about five to six weeks, sometimes longer.
Is no-medical-exam life insurance more expensive?
No-medical-exam term life insurance is often comparable or even cheaper than other term policies. But overall, it depends on the type of no-medical-exam life insurance you’re purchasing. No-medical-exam options that cover final expenses, such as guaranteed issue whole life, are more expensive than other kinds of life insurance.
Is there a waiting period for no-medical-exam life insurance?
No-medical-exam life insurance can go into effect in about one week, which is when your policy is active and your beneficiary would receive the death benefit. This is quicker than other traditional life insurance options. Full underwriting with a medical exam can take about five to six weeks, sometimes longer.
Can you borrow money from a no-medical-exam life insurance policy?
You can borrow money from a life insurance policy with a cash value once it accumulates enough. Permanent policies come with cash value accounts. So, some no-medical-exam options, like guaranteed issue whole life, can accumulate a cash value you could borrow from, though this isn’t generally advisable.
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Katherine Murbach is an editor and a former licensed life insurance agent at Policygenius. Previously, she wrote about life and disability insurance for 1752 Financial, and advised over 1,500 clients on their life insurance policies as a sales associate.
Antonio helps lead our life insurance and disability insurance editorial team at Policygenius. Previously, he was a senior director of content at Bankrate and CreditCards.com, as well as a principal writer covering personal finance at CNET.
Certified Financial Planner™ & Advanced Planning Team Lead
Patrick Hanzel, CFP®, is a Certified Financial Planner™ and Advanced Planning Team Lead at Policygenius. His expertise has been featured at Lifehacker, Consumer Affairs, Authority Magazine, Thrive Global, and Fatherly.
