No-medical-exam life insurance policies are a good fit for people who want to skip the medical test and get coverage quickly, or for people who wouldn’t be approved for traditional term life insurance due to health reasons.
We analyzed the best life insurance companies on the market based on their underwriting rules, price, policy options, customer satisfaction, and financial strength, to identify the top no-exam insurers for you. Depending on your needs and personal circumstances, these companies will approve you without having to take the medical exam and offer you the best price.
Methodology
Why you can trust our picks
Our recommendations are based on internal and external expert analysis, as well as our Policygenius Life Insurance Price Index, which uses real-time data from leading life insurance companies to determine pricing trends. When reviewing a life insurance company, our editorial team uses a proprietary scoring rubric with five factors — price, policy details, financial strength, transparency, and customer experience — to assign an unbiased rating between one and five stars. These ratings are also taken into consideration as part of our company recommendations. We don’t get paid for our reviews.
Our reviews and recommendations can help you find a reliable insurer for your family’s financial protection, but the best life insurance company for you depends on multiple factors. A licensed agent at Policygenius can support you during the application process to ensure you get the right coverage for your circumstances at the most competitive price.
Best overall no-exam life insurance: Brighthouse Financial
2024 Policygenius award winner
Brighthouse Financial
5.0
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-exam option
Cons
Traditional term life not available in CA, IL, LA, ME, or NY
Term life applicants limited to ages 25-50
Brighthouse Financial offers an instant decision application process that can help you get term life insurance coverage for up to $3 million without having to take a medical exam. Instead, you’ll answer a series of medical questions over the phone, and you could get approved on the same phone call.
If you have a minor health condition like anxiety, high blood pressure, ADHD, or even sleep apnea, you’re more likely to get a better rate with Brighthouse Financial than with other insurers.
Cheapest no-exam life insurance: Legal & General America
2024 Policygenius award winner
Legal & General America
4.9
30+ year terms
All 50 states
No-medical-exam option
Why we chose it
Legal & General America, which also does business as Banner Life and William Penn, 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
Legal & General America, which also does business as Banner Life and William Penn, offers cheaper policy options than some of its competitors regardless of your health profile.
People who are 20 to 60 years old can apply for coverage between $100,000 and $2 million by completing a medical interview over the phone. Legal & General America will then review your application and determine if an in-person medical exam is needed or not, depending on your overall profile.
Best no-exam term life insurance: Pacific Life
2024 Policygenius award winner
Pacific Life
4.8
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
Pacific Life offers some of the most flexible rules for people age 18 to 70 applying for term life insurance, which is the most affordable type of life insurance for most people because it only provides financial protection during the period of your life when you have the biggest expenses. You can apply for coverage between $50,000 and $3 million.
If you’re under the age of 60, you’ll complete a health interview to determine if you can get accelerated approval without a medical exam. The insurer will review your profile to confirm — if you don’t have many health conditions or risk factors, you likely won’t have to take an exam.
If you’re between age 60 and 70 or you have additional medical conditions, Pacific Life will likely request an attending physician statement (APS) to evaluate your health first and determine if you can get approved without an exam.
Best no-exam life insurance for seniors: Mutual of Omaha
Mutual of Omaha
4.5
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.
Pros and cons
Pros
No-medical-exam options for older applicants
Strong financial and customer ratings
Cons
Policies are more expensive than average
Slow turnaround time
Mutual of Omaha offers multiple no-exam policies for seniors. Its options include a term life insurance policy with coverage 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.
Mutual of Omaha also offers permanent life insurance policies with lower coverage amounts — up to $40,000 — to cover final expenses, like a funeral or medical bills. This is a popular option for people who might not be eligible for traditional term or permanent coverage due to health issues. These policies don’t require medical exams, either. You have to be between age 45 and age 85 to qualify.
Best no-medical-exam life insurance for young adults: Transamerica
Transamerica
4.6
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 offers no-exam policies for adults as young as 18 years old and a simple application process — including a health questionnaire that can be filled out online or over the phone.
Transamerica has flexible financial justification guidelines for graduates and undergraduates applying for life insurance to plan ahead for their new income, offering coverage amounts of up to $500,000. The company also offers smaller coverage amounts — up to $50,000 — for young adults seeking coverage options to pay for final expenses in a worst-case scenario.
Best no-medical-exam guaranteed universal life insurance
Protective
4.8
30+ year terms
Why we chose it
Protective has some of the most affordable and comprehensive life insurance options available.
Pros and cons
Pros
Competitive rates for all ages and health classifications
Good for people with mental health conditions, kidney conditions, and some cancers, including prostate cancer
Term lengths up to 40 years
Cons
Not available in New York
Not great for people who have had bankruptcy, marijuana users, or visa holders
Limited no-medical-exam policy options
Guaranteed universal life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that comes with fixed premiums and a fixed death benefit, so you know what you’ll pay every month and exactly how much the policy will pay out when you pass away. These guarantees make it one of the most affordable and convenient ways to get lifelong coverage.
Protective can offer up to $1 million in coverage for their Lifetime Assurance GUL policy for people age 18 to 45, and up to $500,000 in coverage for people age 46 to 60 without requiring a medical exam. Protective will evaluate your health profile to confirm if you’re eligible for this kind of no-exam coverage.
If you’re looking for lifelong coverage over $50,000 at a lower cost when compared to other permanent policies, GUL may work for you.
Comparing the best no-medical-exam life insurance companies
Company | Policygenius rating | Average time for no-exam approval | Maximum coverage amount | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5.0/5 ★ | 1 day | $3 million | ||
4.9/5 ★ | Up to 3 weeks | $2 million | ||
4.8/5 ★ | Up to 4 weeks | $3 million | ||
4.8/5 ★ | Varies by applicant | $1 million | ||
4.6/5 ★ | Up to 4 weeks | $2 million | ||
4.5/5 ★ | Up to 2 weeks | $40,000 for simplified, $25,000 for guaranteed |
See all of our picks for the best life insurance companies
What is no-exam life insurance?
No-exam policies let you skip the medical examination and instead complete a health interview online or over the phone to determine if you qualify for coverage.
Traditionally, when you apply for life insurance, you often have to take an in-person medical exam that’s similar to an annual physical. The exam lasts between 20 and 30 minutes and consists of two parts. You don’t have to pay for the exam — it’s covered by the insurer.
Types of no-exam policies
There are three main types of life insurance policies that don’t require you to take a medical exam: traditional term life and two different types of permanent life insurance: simplified issue and guaranteed issue life insurance. In some cases, you can get other types of permanent life insurance, like guaranteed universal life, without an exam, too. It ultimately depends on the insurer.
1. Term life insurance
Term life insurance is usually the cheapest way to provide your family a financial safety net if you were to pass away unexpectedly, but it only lasts for a set period of time — often 10 to 30 years.
It can take up to six weeks to get approved for term life if you have to take a medical exam. But with some no-exam term options, like instant issue or accelerated underwriting life insurance, your application can get approved in a matter of days — or in some cases even during the initial phone interview. And the good news is that no-exam term life policies are just as affordable as term life policies with the medical exam.
Just keep in mind that, depending on your age and health profile, some insurers might still ask you to take the medical exam even if you initially applied for a no-exam term policy.
2. Simplified issue life insurance
Simplified issue life insurance is a type of coverage that requires fewer health qualifications for approval. The term “simplified issue” can refer to some term life policies, but most commonly it refers to simplified issue whole life insurance, which doesn’t expire and usually offers a small payout — up to $40,000 — to cover final expenses. It’s commonly reserved for people age 45 and above and who may not qualify for traditional life insurance due to health reasons.
While you don’t have to take a medical exam, you do need to answer a few questions related to your health. Certain conditions, like some types of cancer or a terminal illness, might disqualify you for this type of policy. Getting approved can take up to two weeks.
3. Guaranteed issue life insurance
Guaranteed issue life insurance is another type of policy that offers permanent coverage — usually up to $25,000 — to cover final expenses. You don’t have to take a medical exam or answer any questions about your health as part of the application, and you can get approved in up to three days. Acceptance is near-guaranteed — you just have to be of sound mind to complete the application, so people with conditions such as dementia may not qualify.
If you have a pre-existing condition that would disqualify you for other types of policies, guaranteed issue life insurance can offer a solution.
If you’re not sure which of these options is right for you, a Policygenius agent can help. At Policygenius, our agents work for you, not the insurance company, and can walk you through the entire life insurance buying process while offering transparent, unbiased advice.
Comparing no-exam life insurance policies
Policy type | Waiting period | Coverage limit | Coverage length | Age availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
No-exam term life | Approx. one week, depends on the company | $1 million to $3 million | 10 years to 30 years, 40 years with some companies | 18-60, depends on the company |
Accelerated underwriting term life | One to three days | $1 million to $3 million | 10 years to 30 years | 18-60, depends on the company |
Instant term life | Zero to three days | $1 million to $3 million | 10 years to 30 years | 18-60, depends on the company |
Guaranteed universal life | Varies by applicant | $500,000 to $1 million | Permanent | 18-60, depends on the company |
Simplified issue | Three to five days | $40,000 | Permanent | 45-85, depends on the company |
Guaranteed issue | One to three days | $25,000 | Permanent | 45-85, depends on the company |
How much does no-medical-exam life insurance cost?
A 30-year-old female could pay $22.98 per month for a no-medical-exam term life insurance policy with a 20-year term and a $500,000 coverage amount. A 30-year-old male could pay $29.32 per month for the same coverage.
Simplified issue and guaranteed issue policies are usually more expensive, even if you’re buying less coverage. How much you pay for life insurance will depend on which type of policy you’re applying for, as well as your age, gender, and health.
Average no-exam term life insurance rates
Age | Gender | $500,000 coverage amount |
|---|---|---|
20 | Female | $22.65 |
Male | $30.20 | |
30 | Female | $22.98 |
Male | $29.32 | |
40 | Female | $35.27 |
Male | $42.94 | |
50 | Female | $78.29 |
Male | $102.50 | |
60 | Female | $194.16 |
Male | $268.04 |
Methodology: Average monthly rates are calculated for male and female non-smokers in a Preferred health classification obtaining a 20-year $500,000 term life insurance policy. Life insurance averages are based on a composite of no-medical-exam policies offered through Policygenius from Brighthouse Financial, Legal & General America, Transamerica, 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 08/01/2024.
Average simplified issue life insurance rates
Age | Gender | $40,000 coverage amount |
|---|---|---|
50 | Female | $87.61 |
Male | $113.10 | |
60 | Female | $121.86 |
Male | $165.43 | |
70 | Female | $203.35 |
Male | $288.82 | |
80 | Female | $384.12 |
Male | $549.31 |
Methodology: Sample monthly rates are calculated for males and females obtaining a $40,000 simplified issue whole life insurance policy. Life insurance rates are based on simplified issue life insurance policies offered through Policygenius from Mutual of Omaha. Rates may vary by insurer, term, coverage amount, health class, and state. Not all policies are available in all states. Rate illustration valid as of 08/01/2024.
Average guaranteed issue life insurance rates
Age | Gender | $25,000 coverage amount |
|---|---|---|
50 | Female | $74.47 |
Male | $98.96 | |
60 | Female | $105.21 |
Male | $140.69 | |
70 | Female | $158.19 |
Male | $215.16 | |
80 | Female | $315.62 |
Male | $391.09 |
Methodology: Sample monthly rates are calculated for males and females obtaining a $25,000 guaranteed issue life insurance policy. Life insurance rates are based on guaranteed issue whole life insurance policies offered through Policygenius from Mutual of Omaha. Rates may vary by insurer, term, coverage amount, health class, and state. Not all policies are available in all states. Rate illustration valid as of 08/01/2024.
How to buy no-exam life insurance policy
In my experience working as a licensed agent, most people chose the no-exam route whenever available, since the standard application can take up to six weeks on average. Getting approved for a no-medical-exam policy is the fastest way to get coverage, and often also the cheapest.
What happens if your application is declined?
If you get turned down at first, don’t fret.
Getting declined for a no-exam life insurance policy doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t be eligible for coverage or that your rate will be more expensive. It simply means that the insurer needs more information to assess your risk and might ask you to take an in-person medical exam.
The insurer will give you a reason for their decision to decline your application, and based on the information provided, your agent can help you decide how to move forward in getting coverage.
What options do you have if you’re not eligible for no-exam life insurance?
If a no-exam policy is not an option for you, you can apply for a fully underwritten policy. This means you’ll have to go through the traditional application process, which includes an in-person medical exam.
A fully underwritten option will also allow you to apply for higher coverage amounts if you need them — most no-exam options cap coverage at $1 million to $3 million.
And depending on your health profile, you may have more affordable options if you’re willing to take a medical exam.
Is no-exam life insurance worth it?
If you’re young and healthy enough to get approved for traditional life insurance, applying for a life insurance policy with no medical exam is a no-brainer — you’ll be able to skip the medical test, get covered faster, and pay the most affordable premiums available to you. According to LIMRA, 55% of Americans like the idea of avoiding undergoing a medical exam to buy their coverage. [1]
No-exam policies “[...] are the way to go because they skip all the hassle of medical exams and lengthy underwriting,” says Batul Rassiwala, carrier relationships manager at Policygenius. “It’s like fast-tracking your way to coverage without jumping through all those hoops.”
And if you might not be eligible for traditional coverage due to health reasons, no-exam options like simplified issue or guaranteed issue are worth considering, too, since they can give you access to a small amount of coverage to pay for final expenses.
At Policygenius, our agents can help you compare quotes from different insurance companies and apply with the insurer that offers you the right coverage at a price that works for you.
