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4 Best No Medical Exam Life Insurance Policies for December 2023
Skip the tests and get coverage quickly with companies that offer life insurance with no medical exam.
Georgia Rose Lead Writer | Finance, technology, science
Georgia Rose is a lead writer on the international team at NerdWallet. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Independent and The Associated Press. Throughout her career, Georgia has written on a variety of subjects, including personal finance, government policy, science and technology. She enjoys researching complex topics and distilling the information for her readers. Before joining the international team, she wrote for the insurance vertical, specializing in life insurance.
Erica Corbin joined NerdWallet in 2020 as an assistant assigning editor at large. She previously wrote and edited content at companies such as GOBankingRates and Nasdaq. Her work has been syndicated to USA Today, Yahoo Finance, MSN and more. She also has worked as a freelance writer and editor for over a decade for various clients and publications across industries, with particular emphasis on entertainment reporting. Erica believes that money, like most topics, is best discussed with understanding, transparency and a healthy dose of humor.
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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.
Why you can trust NerdWallet: Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure the content on our site is accurate and fair so you can make financial decisions with confidence and choose the products that work best for you. Here is a list of our partners, and here’s how we make money.
Best no medical exam life insurance for December 2023
Our top picks for this category earned a NerdWallet rating of at least 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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'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).
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'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:
Policies offered. There are many types of life insurance on the market, and they fall into three key categories:
Term life insurance offers temporary coverage and a guaranteed payout if the policyholder dies during the term.
Permanent life insurance typically lasts a lifetime and builds cash value that can be borrowed against in the future.
No-exam life insurance issues coverage without the need for a medical exam.
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:
Exceptional: A+, A++.
Strong: A-, A.
Moderate: B, B+.
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.
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.
on Nerdwallet
Financial strength ratingThese ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.
Exceptional
Online purchaseThis indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.
No
NAIC complaintsRatings 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 offeredTerm 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
Pros
Had fewer than the expected number of complaints compared to other companies.
Some policies include free perks for military personnel, such as a $25,000 severe injury payment.
Option to add $100,000 coverage to its term life policy after a major life event.
Cons
Some policies not available in New York, Montana or Arizona.
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.
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.
Financial strength ratingThese ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.
Exceptional
Online purchaseThis indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.
No
NAIC complaintsRatings 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 offeredTerm 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
Pros
Had fewer than the expected number of complaints compared to other companies.
Some policies include free perks for military personnel, such as a $25,000 severe injury payment.
Option to add $100,000 coverage to its term life policy after a major life event.
Cons
Some policies not available in New York, Montana or Arizona.
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 type: Term.
Policy name: Essential Term Life Insurance (not available in Arizona or New York).
Issue age: 21 to 35.
Coverage: $100,000 (renews each year to age 39).
Application: No exam, but you may have to answer questions about your health.
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.
on Nerdwallet
Financial strength ratingThese ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.
Exceptional
Online purchaseThis indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.
No
NAIC complaintsRatings 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 offeredTerm 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
Pros
No medical exams required.
Fewer than the expected number of complaints to state regulators.
Anyone age 50 and up can get access through AARP membership.
Cons
Term life insurance premiums rise every five years.
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.
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.
Financial strength ratingThese ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.
Exceptional
Online purchaseThis indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.
No
NAIC complaintsRatings 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 offeredTerm 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
Pros
No medical exams required.
Fewer than the expected number of complaints to state regulators.
Anyone age 50 and up can get access through AARP membership.
Cons
Term life insurance premiums rise every five years.
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 type: Term.
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 type: Whole.
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).
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.
on Nerdwallet
Financial strength ratingThese ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.
Exceptional
Online purchaseThis indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.
No
NAIC complaintsRatings 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 offeredTerm 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
Pros
Offers multiple insurance products.
Cons
Not available in all states.
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.
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.
Financial strength ratingThese ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.
Exceptional
Online purchaseThis indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.
No
NAIC complaintsRatings 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 offeredTerm 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
Pros
Offers multiple insurance products.
Cons
Not available in all states.
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.
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.
on Nerdwallet
Financial strength ratingThese ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.
Exceptional
Online purchaseThis indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.
No
NAIC complaintsRatings 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 offeredTerm 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
Pros
Lots of policy options and riders to choose from.
Strong digital presence, with plenty of online learning resources and a highly-rated mobile app.
Cons
Not all policies can be paid online.
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.
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.
Financial strength ratingThese ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.
Exceptional
Online purchaseThis indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.
No
NAIC complaintsRatings 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 offeredTerm 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
Pros
Lots of policy options and riders to choose from.
Strong digital presence, with plenty of online learning resources and a highly-rated mobile app.
Cons
Not all policies can be paid online.
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 type: Whole.
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.
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.
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.
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.
