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Best No Medical Exam Life Insurance of August 2023

Our experts answer readers' insurance questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess insurance products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own.

Many of the best life insurance companies offer no-exam life insurance, which has the obvious appeal of skipping medical exams. But don't conflate no medical exam with no medical history.

Even the most liberal underwriters evaluate risk based on preexisting medical conditions and other known risk factors. So as an applicant, you might answer many of the same questions you would for a standard life insurance policy.

Next Step: Compare life insurance quotes for free.

You just don't have to set aside time to check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and other health markers with a licensed medical professional. For older applicants, this could mean skipping more invasive tests like an EKG. We're here to clear up common misconceptions and help consumers find the best no medical exam life insurance options.

Haven Life

JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating

780

AM Best Financial Strength Rating

A++

Haven Life

JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating

780

AM Best Financial Strength Rating

A++

Haven Life

Details

JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating

780

AM Best Financial Strength Rating

A++

Pros

Cons

AARP Life Insurance

AARP Life Insurance

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AARP Life Insurance

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Pros

Cons

USAA Life Insurance

JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating

881

AM Best Financial Strength Rating

A++

USAA Life Insurance

JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating

881

AM Best Financial Strength Rating

A++

compare policies and rates with Policygenius

USAA Life Insurance

compare policies and rates with Policygenius

Details

JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating

881

AM Best Financial Strength Rating

A++

Pros

Cons

More Information

Prudential Life Insurance

Features & Discounts

Offers aggressive financial plans.

JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating

773

AM Best Financial Strength Rating

A+

Prudential Life Insurance

Features & Discounts

Offers aggressive financial plans.

JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating

773

AM Best Financial Strength Rating

A+

compare policies and rates with Policygenius

Prudential Life Insurance

compare policies and rates with Policygenius

The aggressive financial plans offered by Prudential may appeal to many younger buyers and those with a stable income. However, those with lower income or buyers who aren't sure about the financial system may be more hesitant to engage with Prudential. Like many other industry giants, Prudential is working to change this perception.

Details

Features & Discounts

Offers aggressive financial plans.

JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating

773

AM Best Financial Strength Rating

A+

Pros

Cons

Ethos Life

JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating

Not Rated

AM Best Financial Strength Rating

A

Ethos Life

JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating

Not Rated

AM Best Financial Strength Rating

A

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Ethos Life

compare policies and rates with Policygenius

Details

JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating

Not Rated

AM Best Financial Strength Rating

A

Pros

Cons

Mutual of Omaha Life Insurance

JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating

795

AM Best Financial Strength Rating

A+

Mutual of Omaha Life Insurance

JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating

795

AM Best Financial Strength Rating

A+

compare policies and rates with Policygenius

Mutual of Omaha Life Insurance

compare policies and rates with Policygenius

Details

JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating

795

AM Best Financial Strength Rating

A+

Pros

Cons

AAA Life Insurance

JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating

844

AM Best Financial Strength Rating

A

AAA Life Insurance

JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating

844

AM Best Financial Strength Rating

A

compare policies and rates with Policygenius

AAA Life Insurance

compare policies and rates with Policygenius

Details

JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating

844

AM Best Financial Strength Rating

A

Pros

Cons

The coverage and riders offered are vital parts of our evaluation. We also look at the speed of payouts, customer satisfaction, and financial strength ratings. All of these factor into the immediate and long-term performance of the life insurance companies we review.

If you're looking for more information about a specific life insurer, our individual reviews offer a deep dive into individual policies, riders, and more. The same considerations are used for all competitors to ensure readers have the edge to make informed decisions in an ever-changing market.

See our insurance rating methodology for more details.

A no medical exam life insurance policy could be right for you if you're able to qualify and don't need special coverage. These policies are the easiest to get for young applicants with no significant health issues. Older applicants can buy with some companies, but acceptance is not guaranteed. No medical exam policies offer less coverage with higher premiums in most cases. If you do not qualify for the no medical exam policy you want, insurance agents can help you explore alternatives. 

No medical exam means life insurance companies will not check your blood pressure, cholesterol, etc. However, companies have access to prescription history and other personal records, and underwriters base decisions partly on this history.

You'll have to decide whether you prefer a whole or term policy based on your situation if you're getting no medical life insurance. A term policy has an expiration date, and extensions or conversions to a whole life policy are not guaranteed. If anything, your rate may be higher if you try to convert your policy. The insurer looks at you just as it would any other applicant of your age, health, etc. A whole life policy locks in premiums and payouts.

There are alternatives to a new medical exam life insurance policy. Insurance agents can quote you medical exam policies if you're denied a no medical exam option. An experienced agent may be able to assess your application before starting the process to avoid official denials. If you're concerned about premium limits, you can explore options like IUL (indexed universal life) for permanent life insurance that increases your benefit as long as you make premium payments.

A no medical exam life insurance policy may hold a certain appeal for older applicants and those in failing health. However, the life insurance market is the opposite of what you might expect. These policies are best for young people (typically under 50 years old) in good health. The no medical exam process is often more efficient, streamlining your approval, and life insurance companies can only do this with low-risk applicants.

If a provider sees red flags that might disqualify you, it won't necessarily prevent you from getting coverage. Instead, the agent would most likely offer to run more conventional life insurance quotes for you.

Guaranteed issue life insurance policies do not require a medical exam. This type of life insurance is typically limited to people ages 50 or older, and the tradeoff is that policies are usually more expensive than ones that do require a medical exam. That said, if your health conditions would otherwise prevent you from getting a life insurance policy, guaranteed issue insurance is a useful option, and it's offered by a variety of insurers including AIG, AAA, New York Life, and Gerber Life.

Yes, you can really get life insurance without a medical exam, but your options will be different. That's because you'll need to choose a guaranteed issue policy — a specific type of insurance that lets you bypass the medical exam requirement — and it will probably cost more than a regular policy including a medical exam.

The highest amount of life insurance you can get without a medical exam is lower than what you could get with a medical exam. Guaranteed issue policies that don't require medical exams typically top out at $25,000 or $50,000 in coverage, while standard life insurance policies can offer millions in coverage.

Haven Life No Medical Exam Life Insurance

Haven offers term policies for healthy adults with limits as high as $3 million. For those who prefer to avoid a medical exam, the limit is $500,000. The Haven Simple no medical exam policy is available in all states except California, Delaware, South Dakota, North Dakota, and New York. All applications are filed online. Accelerated death benefits are available with this policy if you become disabled, and riders can be added to eliminate future payment obligations if you become disabled.

Haven Life exclusively sells online policies with limited payouts. So if you're looking for larger benefits, extensive financial planning, or agent support, it may not meet the mark. However, its quick online application and ease of use has significant appeal for many people.

Haven Life Insurance Review

AARP No Medical Exam Life Insurance

AARP caters to senior clients for insurance and many other financial products. Older adults between 50 and 74 may qualify as long as they are AARP members. Term policies are available with limits up to $150,000 in most states. Montana and New York residents may be eligible for up to $100,000. Whole life policy limits max out at $25,000.

Whole life policies can be issued without any health exams or medical questions. The term policies, on the other hand, may ask some health questions.

AARP Life Insurance Review

USAA No Medical Exam Life Insurance

Military members and their immediate family members may qualify for competitive banking, insurance, and other financial services through USAA. Pricing is lower, payouts are higher, and customer service is strong. Of course, these services are only available to military and qualifying family members. For the children of a deceased military member to use any USAA products, the military member would need to be signed up before their death.

Guaranteed whole life policies are available in 49 states, excluding Montana. USAA life insurance coverage is available from $2,000 to $25,000 with no medical exam or questions. Applicants who want higher coverage limits can explore medical exam policy options with a licensed agent.

USAA Life Insurance Review

Prudential No Medical Exam Life Insurance

Prudential offers up to $3 million in coverage for term life policies. Adults up to 60 years old are eligible for coverage with a short application involving some medical questions. For younger applicants, conversion options may also be available later to make term policies into whole life policies. However, due to the higher limits, Prudential's application process may also be longer.

Prudential Life Insurance Review

Ethos No Medical Exam Life Insurance

One of the benefits of term life insurance is lower premiums for higher coverage. No medical exam life insurance is no exception. Like no medical exam policies, term policies are geared toward younger applicants looking to save money. Ethos accepts applicants up to age 65 with a 100% online application process. Limits are as high as $2 million.

Ethos Life asks a few basic medical questions, but coverage is effective immediately once approved. In addition, every customer buying policies like this from Ethos Life is eligible for a 30-day look period, which is another way to say you can cancel and get your money back in the first 30 days with no penalties.

Ethos Life Insurance Review

Mutual of Omaha No Medical Exam Life Insurance

Mutual of Omaha has high financial stability and customer satisfaction ratings across different types of insurance. Guaranteed life policies are available for adults between the ages of 45 and 85. In New York state, the age range is 50-75. Policies can be as small as $2,000 in most states and as large as $25,000 with no health questions or medical exams.

Mutual of Omaha's no medical exam policies have a graded death benefit. If you die within two years of the policy start date, the company will not pay the full policy. Instead, it delivers 110% of the premiums paid. The Mutual of Omaha website boasts same-day payouts on most policies. Policies for children are also available.

Mutual of Omaha Life Insurance Review

AAA No Medical Exam Life Insurance

AAA offers immediate death benefits for qualified applicants between 18 and 75. In other words, once your policy starts, you are eligible for the full policy benefit. Policies are available with limits as low as $25,000 and as high as $500,000. While a medical exam is not required, health questions are.

AAA offers term policies with limits as high as $500,000. For a whole life policy, the limit is $25,000. But applicants can add a rider doubling the payout for accidental death coverage. Younger people have no waiting period for benefits. For applicants over age 45, AAA pays out 130% of the premiums paid up to the date of death for the first two years.

Particularly when choosing life insurance, customization is critical. Buyers don't need to add every rider, but a little research goes a long way in selecting the right company. Some applicants will not qualify for a no medical exam life insurance policy. A life insurance agent can help you run quotes that make sense for you. Then agents can offer realistic insurance policy options and review the costs and benefits of each.

Asking friends and family which insurance agent they use could be your first step to finding the right life policy. Factors like age, medical history, and financial goals play key roles in your decision. So we do not recommend asking loved ones about individual policies. Instead, let a qualified insurance professional find the best policies for you.

Lina Roby

Insurance Editor, LIA, MLO

Evelyn He

Compliance Associate

Evelyn He is a compliance associate at Insider who supports the Personal Finance Insider team. Personal Finance Insider is Insider's personal finance section that incorporates affiliate and commerce partnerships into the news, insights, and advice about money that Insider readers already know and love. The compliance team's mission is to provide readers with stories that are fact-checked and current, so they can make informed financial decisions. The team also works to minimize risk for partners by making sure language is clear, precise, and fully compliant with regulatory and partner marketing guidelines that align with the editorial team. Before joining Insider, she served in various legal and compliance roles in different industries, including the legal and pharmaceutical industries.    Evelyn obtained her M.S. degree in Marketing at Boston University in 2022. Prior to combining and consolidating her knowledge of law and business, she spent one year finishing 1L courses at Suffolk University Law School to further her legal knowledge. She has also completed MBA business law courses while working on her Bachelor of Business Administration in Management at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.  Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her 14-year-old Shih Tzu named Money, and her 5-year-old Bichon named Tibber.

5 Best No Medical Exam Life Insurance Policies for August 2023

In the market for life insurance but want to skip the medical exam for one reason or another?

Here are the best no-exam life insurance policies from highly rated U.S. companies. Some of these policies guarantee acceptance regardless of your health, while others require you to answer a few health questions to qualify for coverage.

Best no medical exam life insurance for August 2023

Our top picks for this category earned a NerdWallet rating of at least 4.5 out of 5 stars.

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

No exam but you may have to answer medical questions.

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

No exam but you may have to answer medical questions.

4.5

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

No exam or medical questions (whole life). No exam but you may have to answer medical questions. (term life).

4.5

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

No exam but you may have to answer medical questions.

4.5

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

No exam but you may have to answer medical questions.

NerdWallet rates insurers at the company level, not the policy level. This means our star rating reflects the company as a whole, and not its no-exam insurance life policy specifically.

How we ranked the top life insurers

NerdWallet’s life insurance ratings are based on consumer experience, complaint index scores from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners for individual life insurance, and weighted averages of financial strength ratings, which indicate a company’s ability to pay future claims. Within the consumer experience category, we consider ease of communication and website transparency, which looks at the depth of policy details available online. To calculate each insurer’s rating, we adjusted the scores to a curved 5-point scale.

These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines.

How we review life insurance companies

In our life insurance reviews, our editorial team considers the customer and the insurer. These are some of the factors we take into account:

Financial strength. We use AM Best ratings to confirm an insurer’s long-term financial stability and ability to pay claims. For life insurance, NerdWallet typically recommends considering insurers with ratings of A- or higher. Here’s the breakdown:

Complaints. These ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The best life insurance companies have fewer than the expected number of complaints.

Buy online. This indicates whether an insurer allows you to apply for and buy a policy completely online.

Best no-exam life insurance policies in 2023

Learn more about each company in our top list by reading the brief summaries below and checking out the NerdWallet review links.

Best online experience

Haven Life

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.

Bottom line: The company’s website is informative and user-friendly, making it easy to buy coverage online.

overview

pros & cons

why we picked it

Financial strength rating These ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.

Exceptional

Online purchase This indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.

Yes

NAIC complaints Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.

Far fewer than expected

Policies offered Term policies last a set number of years, while permanent policies typically last a lifetime. No-exam policies don’t require a medical exam.

Term & no-exam

Known for its user-friendly website and quick application process, Haven Life offers no-exam term policies up to $1 million. Like many no-medical exam policies, you may still need to answer questions about your health and lifestyle.

Best online experience

Haven Life

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.

Bottom line: The company’s website is informative and user-friendly, making it easy to buy coverage online.

overview

pros & cons

why we picked it

Financial strength rating These ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.

Exceptional

Online purchase This indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.

Yes

NAIC complaints Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.

Far fewer than expected

Policies offered Term policies last a set number of years, while permanent policies typically last a lifetime. No-exam policies don’t require a medical exam.

Term & no-exam

Known for its user-friendly website and quick application process, Haven Life offers no-exam term policies up to $1 million. Like many no-medical exam policies, you may still need to answer questions about your health and lifestyle.

Haven Life no-exam policy details

Policy name: Haven Simple.

Coverage: $25,000 to $1 million.

Application: No exam, but you may have to answer questions about your health.

Best for temporary coverage

USAA

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.

Bottom line: If you need quick, temporary coverage, USAA’s Essential Term Life policy renews annually and offers $100,000 of coverage without an exam.

overview

pros & cons

why we picked it

Financial strength rating These ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.

Exceptional

Online purchase This indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.

No

NAIC complaints Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.

Fewer than expected

Policies offered Term policies last a set number of years, while permanent policies typically last a lifetime. No-exam policies don’t require a medical exam.

Term, permanent & no-exam

If you need a life insurance policy quickly, but for only a short period of time, you may want to consider USAA’s Essential Term Life Insurance policy. This no-medical exam policy renews each year up to age 39, giving you increased flexibility.

Best for temporary coverage

USAA

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.

Bottom line: If you need quick, temporary coverage, USAA’s Essential Term Life policy renews annually and offers $100,000 of coverage without an exam.

overview

pros & cons

why we picked it

Financial strength rating These ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.

Exceptional

Online purchase This indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.

No

NAIC complaints Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.

Fewer than expected

Policies offered Term policies last a set number of years, while permanent policies typically last a lifetime. No-exam policies don’t require a medical exam.

Term, permanent & no-exam

If you need a life insurance policy quickly, but for only a short period of time, you may want to consider USAA’s Essential Term Life Insurance policy. This no-medical exam policy renews each year up to age 39, giving you increased flexibility.

USAA no-exam policy details

Policy name: Essential Term Life Insurance (not available in Arizona or New York).

Coverage: $100,000 (renews each year to age 39).

Application: No exam, but you may have to answer questions about your health.

Best for senior members

AARP

4.5

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.

Bottom line: Great option for senior AARP members. Older applicants can get coverage without answering any medical questions or taking an exam.

overview

pros & cons

why we picked it

Financial strength rating These ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.

Exceptional

Online purchase This indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.

No

NAIC complaints Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.

Fewer than expected

Policies offered Term policies last a set number of years, while permanent policies typically last a lifetime. No-exam policies don’t require a medical exam.

Term, permanent & no-exam

For senior applicants, AARP stands out for offering whole insurance with guaranteed coverage, which means you won’t have to take a medical exam or answer health questions. AARP also offers simplified issue term life insurance, if you’re willing to answer health questions.

Best for senior members

AARP

4.5

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.

Bottom line: Great option for senior AARP members. Older applicants can get coverage without answering any medical questions or taking an exam.

overview

pros & cons

why we picked it

Financial strength rating These ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.

Exceptional

Online purchase This indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.

No

NAIC complaints Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.

Fewer than expected

Policies offered Term policies last a set number of years, while permanent policies typically last a lifetime. No-exam policies don’t require a medical exam.

Term, permanent & no-exam

For senior applicants, AARP stands out for offering whole insurance with guaranteed coverage, which means you won’t have to take a medical exam or answer health questions. AARP also offers simplified issue term life insurance, if you’re willing to answer health questions.

AARP no-exam policy details

Policy name: Level Benefit Term Life Insurance.

Issue age: 50 to 74 for AARP members (45 to 74 for partners and spouses).

Coverage: $10,000 to $150,000 (up to $100,000 for New York residents).

Application: No exam, but you may have to answer questions about your health.

Policy name: Guaranteed Acceptance Life Insurance.

Issue age: 50 to 80 for AARP members and 45 to 80 for partners and spouses (50 to 75 for members and spouses in New York).

Application: No health questions or exam.

Best for customization

Country Financial

4.5

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.

Bottom line: A range of life insurance riders can be added to both term and whole life policies so you can customize your coverage.

overview

pros & cons

why we picked it

Financial strength rating These ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.

Exceptional

Online purchase This indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.

No

NAIC complaints Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.

Fewer than expected

Policies offered Term policies last a set number of years, while permanent policies typically last a lifetime. No-exam policies don’t require a medical exam.

Term & permanent

If you want a no-medical exam policy you can customize to your liking, Country Financial might be right for you. The company sells no-medical exam term and whole life with several riders you can add-on, including accelerated death benefits and child term insurance.

Best for customization

Country Financial

4.5

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.

Bottom line: A range of life insurance riders can be added to both term and whole life policies so you can customize your coverage.

overview

pros & cons

why we picked it

Financial strength rating These ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.

Exceptional

Online purchase This indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.

No

NAIC complaints Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.

Fewer than expected

Policies offered Term policies last a set number of years, while permanent policies typically last a lifetime. No-exam policies don’t require a medical exam.

Term & permanent

If you want a no-medical exam policy you can customize to your liking, Country Financial might be right for you. The company sells no-medical exam term and whole life with several riders you can add-on, including accelerated death benefits and child term insurance.

Country Financial no-exam policy details

Policy type: Simplified term or whole life insurance.

Issue age: 50 or younger.

Coverage: Up to $100,000.

Application: No exam, but you may have to answer questions about your health.

Best for accessibility

Nationwide

4.5

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.

Bottom line: The issue age range for this policy is 80 and younger — a relatively broad age range for this type of coverage.

overview

pros & cons

why we picked it

Financial strength rating These ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.

Exceptional

Online purchase This indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.

No

NAIC complaints Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.

Fewer than expected

Policies offered Term policies last a set number of years, while permanent policies typically last a lifetime. No-exam policies don’t require a medical exam.

Term & permanent

Unlike most other no-exam life insurance, Nationwide’s Simplified Whole LIfe policy offers coverage for customers younger than 20 years old. The company issues policies to applicants 80 years old or younger.

Best for accessibility

Nationwide

4.5

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.

Bottom line: The issue age range for this policy is 80 and younger — a relatively broad age range for this type of coverage.

overview

pros & cons

why we picked it

Financial strength rating These ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.

Exceptional

Online purchase This indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.

No

NAIC complaints Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.

Fewer than expected

Policies offered Term policies last a set number of years, while permanent policies typically last a lifetime. No-exam policies don’t require a medical exam.

Term & permanent

Unlike most other no-exam life insurance, Nationwide’s Simplified Whole LIfe policy offers coverage for customers younger than 20 years old. The company issues policies to applicants 80 years old or younger.

Nationwide no-exam policy details

Policy name: Nationwide Simplified Whole Life.

Issue age: 80 or younger (75 and younger in Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania).

Coverage: $10,000 to $50,000 ($25,000 to $50,000 in Washington).

Application: No exam, but you may have to answer questions about your health.

Find the right life insurance plan for you

Make sure you and your loved ones are covered - compare customized life insurance quotes from our partners.

What is no-exam life insurance?

With traditional life insurance policies, applicants typically have to fill out a questionnaire about their health and lifestyle and take a medical exam. It's similar to an annual physical. A medical professional measures your height, weight, blood pressure and cholesterol and usually takes a blood, urine and saliva sample.

No-medical exam policies remove the exam from the application process. Depending on the type of policy you apply for, you might still need to answer questions about your health and lifestyle — but some policies skip that part, too.

These policies tend to appeal to those with serious health conditions or healthy people who want to speed up the life insurance application process.

Alternatives to no medical exam life insurance

In general, policies that don’t require an exam can be more pricey than ones that do. So if you’re young and healthy, you may want to consider a policy with full medical underwriting. If you’re looking for a quick application process, you may want to consider instant life insurance, which uses big data and complex algorithms to calculate risk and reserves the right to ask for an exam.

More about buying life insurance as a senior

More about top-rated life insurance companies

Looking for a different type of life insurance policy? Check out NerdWallet’s top picks across these categories:

More about buying life insurance with a health condition

Insurer complaints methodology

NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2019-2021. To assess how insurers compare with one another, the NAIC calculates a complaint index each year for each subsidiary, measuring its share of total complaints relative to its size, or share of total premiums in the industry. To evaluate a company’s complaint history, NerdWallet calculated a similar index for each insurer, weighted by market shares of each subsidiary, over the three-year period. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Ratios are determined separately for auto, home (including renters and condo) and life insurance.