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Tips and tricks for traveling and vacation

Be prepared when you head out on your next adventure

Travel & Vacation Planning

Whether you travel for business or pleasure, circumnavigate the globe with a backpack, fly first class, visit the neighboring state or foreign lands—all travel carries certain risks.

Lessen that risk and hit the road!

With the following tips, we help keep you safe while traveling and help to increase your enjoyment level.

Keep connected, but keep it quiet

Keep close friends and family updated on where you are, what you are doing, and where you are going next. This assures that they know where you are, and when they can expect to hear from you. Leave a copy of your itinerary with them, and include contact information for your accommodations, people you’re visiting, and any other information that will help them track you down if necessary.

However, as much fun as it is to share with everyone; do not announce your travel plans on social media. To the wrong people, this can be an open invitation to visit your home while you’re away.

Pack and carry your valuables wisely

When you pack or carry your belongings, keep in mind that they could get lost or stolen. Leave a copy of important documents with close friends or family, and put a copy in a cloud-based storage so you can access it from anywhere.

Don’t keep all your payment methods, IDs and documents in one location, and keep a secret emergency cash stash hidden away somewhere deep in your carry-on luggage. Use your hotel safe, and only carry with you what you’ll need when you venture out.

Let your credit card issuer know when you’re traveling internationally, so that your charges aren’t rejected. Watch out for double-billing, and keep an eye on your card at all times. Your Redstone Visa® card comes with liability and fraud protection.

Always keep your medication in their original containers, and pack them in your carry-on luggage. Most airlines will not reimburse you for jewelry, electronics or other valuables if they lose your suitcase. That's why it's best to use your carry-on luggage for anything you can’t stand losing.

Spend a little extra time securing your luggage when on public transportation so you’re less likely to nod off and wake up to a bag picked clean or missing.

Bring a door stop wedge

Whether you’re staying in a hotel, Airbnb, or couch surfing, you want to feel safe when settling in for the night. A door stop wedge is a cheap, easy, and portable security measure that will keep accidental or intentional intruders out of your room. As an added bonus, you’ll never wake up to housekeeping barging in on you again.

Buy travel insurance

Travel insurance offers peace of mind before and during travel and is the indispensable ingredient that will save your vacation, and your wallet, should things go awry.

Redstone Insurance Services ® can provide several value-priced travel insurance options. Your Redstone Visa Signature® card offers Travel Emergency Assistance, and Visa Concierge services.

Keep your wits about you

Meeting and engaging with locals is one of the absolute greatest benefits of traveling. Don’t be afraid to spend time and interact with the local population. They’re the ones that can truly teach you about the place and people you’re visiting, advise you on anything from cab fares to drinking water, show you how the locals really live, and maybe even become your friend. However, always keep your wits about you, especially if you’re traveling alone.

Don’t go anywhere with someone alone, and don’t divulge too much about your travel arrangements or yourself. If you’re recommended a local spot, look it up online or check with the hotel staff, tourist information, or police department before going. Stay aware of your surroundings.

Checklist for the international traveler

Check your passport’s expiration date. Some countries require that a traveler’s passport be valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of the trip.

Some countries also require a visa for U.S. travelers. Whether you need a visa depends on the country or countries you will be visiting and the length and purpose of your stay. Visa requirements change frequently, and it can take several weeks to obtain one. Do your research.

Prepare for an emergency and know what to do and who to contact. Regularly check the U.S. Department of State website for travel alerts, crisis situations, financial assistance, or medical emergencies.

Register your travel plans with the State Department. You can register your trip through the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program . Registration is free, and allows the federal government to contact you if there is a family emergency stateside or if unsafe conditions arise in the area in which you are traveling.

If your family needs to reach you because of an emergency at home or if they are worried about your welfare, they should call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in Washington, DC at 888-407-4747.

Vaccinations are required for entry to some countries. Learn what medical services your health insurance provider will cover overseas. Social Security and Medicare do not provide coverage outside of the U.S.

Tips for traveling with seniors or children

Planning is key when traveling with the elderly or young children. When possible, book non-stop flights and avoid regional jets. Look for special discounts for the elderly and make certain to take advantage of the resources available by the airport, such as wheelchair or cart assistance. Airlines will usually allow you to book wheelchairs at no extra cost.

Always pack snacks and items to keep children occupied, including a favorite blanket and earphones for electronic devices.

Babies often cry at take-off and landing because their ears hurt. Babies' ears are more susceptible to feeling pressure change than an adult's ears. Allow babies to nurse or give them a bottle during take-off and landing. The sucking will relieve some pressure in their ears.

Here are two websites that offer lots of insight and advice for traveling with seniors and children: aarp.org or parents.com .

By following these essential tips for travel, you should experience a positive and stress-free trip. The world is your oyster—go explore!

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Travel Insurance

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Protect yourself with the CUMIS Travel Insurance Program. Enjoy that secure feeling knowing the unique coverage and service offered are designed with your needs in mind.

Whether you are still in school, well into retirement, a world traveller or off on a quick weekend escape, coverage options are available that fit your lifestyle. 

Key Benefits of Emergency Hospital and Medical Insurance coverage:

• Up to $10 million for emergency treatment of an injury or sickness.
• Emergency medical evacuation via air ambulance to a hospital in your province, when medically necessary.
• Up to $4,000 for treatment for an accidental dental injury
• Up to $3,000 to transport a family member or friend to your hospital bedside if you are hospitalized, plus up to $1,000 for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them.
• Coverage for the cost to return an accompanying family member home, when necessary

Click here  to review the many plans and options designed just for credit union members under the CUMIS Travel Insurance Program. If you have any questions about additional coverage or want to know more, call 1-877-885-284

Click here to view procedures and download claim forms.  

Travel insurance does not cover everything. For a complete description of benefits and exclusions, please see the certificate of insurance. This product is underwritten by CUMIS General Insurance Company, a member of The Co-operators group of companies, and administered by Allianz Global Assistance. Allianz Global Assistance is a registered business name of AZGA Service Canada Inc. and AZGA Insurance Agency Canada Ltd.

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Travel Insurance: Protect Your Trip From the Unexpected

With travel insurance in your back pocket, you can focus on enjoying your trip fully instead of worrying about ‘what-ifs.’

Be sure to check out our rates prior to booking your trip with a travel agent or airline; you may be pleasantly surprised!

Not a Member?  Join Today!

Going on a Trip? Don’t Forget to Pack Travel Insurance.

Traveling is an investment. Travel insurance helps protect your investment if something goes wrong or if you have to cancel your plans altogether. Here are some examples of what your policy could cover:

Compensation for lost or stolen luggage

Trip cancellation or interruptions (including flight delays and cancellations), insurance coverage for your rental car, a $100 “inconvenience payout” if your luggage or flight is delayed, emergency medical insurance (or evacuation, if necessary), and more—speak to an insurance representative for details, insurance coverage that takes care of your littlest travelers..

With travel insurance through Quorum’s trusted partner, children under 17 are covered for free when traveling with a parent. And if you get sick on vacation and need a relative to come get your kids, that expense may be covered too.

Other Helpful Resources:

Why Travel Insurance Makes Sense

How to Save Money on Your Next Vacation Using Your Phone

15 Ways to Stay Cybersafe When You’re Traveling

Bundle up build an insurance package and save..

Bundle your home and auto insurance to save even more on your monthly bill. Learn more about the benefits of having all of your policies with one company, and build a complete insurance package tailor-made for your individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do i need travel insurance.

Just as you have home or car insurance, travel insurance is no different, as it allows you to protect the investment you make in your travel plans. Travel insurance can protect your financial investment (up to the amount of your policy limits) should your trip be cancelled or interrupted for a covered reason, as well as provide additional benefits like baggage protection and emergency medical and dental.

What does travel insurance cover?

Travel insurance can provide benefits for a number of situations that may occur before or your during your trip, including:

• Trip Cancellation Protection
• Trip Interruption Protection
• Emergency Medical/Dental
• Emergency Medical Transportation
• Lost/Stolen/Damaged Baggage
• Travel Delay

Note: Not all plans include each benefit listed here. Please refer to your Certificate of Insurance/Policy for definition of terms, conditions, and exclusions. Or   speak to an agent   to choose the right policy for you.

If I cancel my trip, do I get my money back?

Trip cancellation protection provides cash back for prepaid, nonrefundable payments if you have to cancel your trip for one of the reasons covered by your plan. Some reasons include: sudden covered medical emergencies, financial default of a covered airline, cruise line or tour operator, employer termination, terrorist incidents, and jury duty. Some reasons for cancellation aren’t covered, such as changing your mind about taking a trip or other things not named in your policy/certificate of insurance. Not all plans include trip cancellation. Please see your Certificate of Insurance/Policy for terms, conditions, and exclusions.

If you cancel your trip for a covered reason, you must notify your travel supplier(s) within 72 hours of the cancellation.

A Few Things You Should Know

Quorum will help you through the process and help you find the best rates with our third-party insurance agencies. Discounts are not available in all states and discounts vary by state. Products are not insured by the NCUA. Insurance products are not obligations of, or guaranteed by, Quorum Federal Credit Union. Insurance products are issued by MassDrive Insurance Group.

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Travel Insurance: The Benefits and Limitations

Union members can see more for less with Union Plus Travel Savings! Save on flights , hotels , car rentals , entertainment , and more.

The different types of travel insurance and what they cover

Montezuma's revenge? Broke your arm bicycling through the Swiss Alps? Wear your travel misfortunes like badges of honor -- your friends will call you a hero just for coming home alive.

As for the financial details of your troubles while on the road, that's the job of travel insurance. If you need to cancel or interrupt your trip, or if you become ill during your journey, travel insurance will reimburse you for the expenses you incur due to your bad luck.

Many travelers, however, purchase insurance that they do not need. Many standard homeowner's or health insurance policies, for instance, cover lost luggage or accidents abroad.

Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance are generally the most useful types of travel insurance, because they cover losses that are usually not covered by most travelers' existing coverage. These two types of insurance are often bundled and sold as a package.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

• Interruption Insurance

Other Types of Travel Insurance

Trip cancellation insurance covers you for the period of time before you travel. It reimburses you for any prepaid, non-refundable expenses, such as airline tickets or hotel rooms, that you cannot use because you had to cancel your trip.

Trip cancellation insurance generally kicks in if the cancellation is due to an unforeseen accident, illness or other specified event that affects you, a close family member or your traveling companion. Obviously, many terms are open to interpretation: "unforeseen," "other specified event," and "close family member" are not always self-explanatory.

For instance, if your chronic back problem flared up and forced you to cancel your trip, your policy might not reimburse you because your illness was foreseeable. Many policies, in fact, specifically exclude pre-existing conditions. Injuries sustained during high-risk activities such as sky-diving are also usually excluded. And, strangely enough, almost every insurer excludes pregnancy from coverage. Be sure you know what reasons for cancellation will be accepted.

Similarly, be aware that your insurer may define "close family member" differently than you do. If you plan a trip with your live-in partner, for instance, and your partner falls seriously ill before you leave, you might not be covered for canceling your trip if only spouses are included in the definition of close family member.

Terrorism or political unrest in the country where you are headed may be an allowable reason to cancel, but they are sometimes specifically excluded from coverage.

Finally, keep in mind that trip cancellation insurance covers you before your departure, not during your trip. But when does your trip actually start? Be sure that your policy covers you while you are on the way from home to your departure point. If you have a car accident on the way to the airport, for example, your insurer might consider you to have already departed and refuse tocover your cancellation. Make sure you are covered for the entire period of time before you actually set sail, so to speak.

Trip Interruption Insurance

Trip interruption insurance covers you during your trip. If, while you are travelling, an injury, illness or other event prevents you from continuing, trip interruption coverage will reimburse you for expenses you incur because of the accident. Some policies also reimburse you for any unused prepaid expenses. Most commonly, trip interruption coverage is used to cover expenses for returning home early. Or, if you are delayed during your trip and wish to catch up to your original schedule, this type of coverage will often pay the economy fare to rejoin your itinerary. Additional living expenses may also be reimbursed if caused by a coverable delay.

Many trip interruption policies also cover medical evacuation costs, such as transporting you by helicopter to the nearest medical facility if you are injured while mountain climbing. Like trip cancellation policies, however, these policies generally exclude pre-existing conditions, so be careful not to aggravate your chronic back problem while hundreds of miles away from civilization.

Finally, some trip interruption policies cover expenses in the event that you die during your trip. If you like to prepare for every possible contingency, you might inquire about this coverage.

Other kinds of travel insurance are generally unnecessary because standard health, homeowner's or renter's insurance covers the same ground. For example, travel accident insurance covers medical expenses stemming from accidents during a trip, but the coverage is usually quite small and is often already covered by your health or automobile insurance. The same is true for sickness-hospitalization medical insurance. (But check your health insurance policy if you plan to travel in a foreign country. Not all policies cover medical expenses incurred abroad.) And with both, beware of pre-existing conditionexclusions.

Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance covers injuries that result in severe maiming or death. Again, most standard accident, disability or life insurance policies cover these accidents, which rarely happen during travel.

Finally, baggage insurance is usually unnecessary if you already carry homeowner's or renter's insurance. And it usually contains a significant number of exclusions, so the amount of coverage is usually quite limited.

Source: Reprinted with permission from the publisher, Nolo, Copyright 2002, http://www.nolo.com

Life Credit Union

Life credit union is now a part of the fortera family.

Life is Now Part of Fortera

Start Exploring and Bookmark Your New Financial Home The Life Credit Union website is now part of Fortera. We invite you to bookmark forteracu.com and start exploring. Discover how our united strengths create new opportunities for you to thrive financially and personally. Welcome to a bigger, better, and more empowering financial journey with Fortera. We've included some quick links below to get you started. Important Numbers to Know

• Routing Number: 264182120
• Mailing Address for loan payments: PO Box 30669, Clarksville TN 37040

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Please visit our Locations page to find one of our many convenient branch locations across Clarksville, Fort Campbell, Hopkinsville, and Nashville.

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Visit our Rates page or our Business Rates page for the latest on our great low rates.

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Register by visiting our Online Banking or by downloading our Fortera Credit Union Mobile App. Our App is available in the App Store and Google Play . With Mobile Banking, you get all the convenience of Online Banking plus Mobile Check Deposit. It's definitely a win.

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If you have a question, we'd be happy to answer it. You can contact us through a variety of ways including text, phone, online chat, and video chat . Visit our Get Help page for more information.

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Life insurance can help you create a financial plan to protect your family or business, ensure a comfortable retirement or prepare a tax-sheltered savings plan for your child’s education.

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With the CUMIS Travel Insurance Program, you can feel secure knowing the unique coverage and service offered was designed just to meet the needs of credit union members.

Read more about travel insurance

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Should You Take the Travel Insurance?

Almost anytime you book travel online or over the phone, websites or agents will ask whether you would like to purchase travel insurance for your trip. The pitch for travel insurance is usually a hard sell. Companies warn that failure to purchase travel insurance could leave you responsible for cancellation fees and other expenses.

The reality is that most people are not sure whether it is necessary or not. They may add it on blindly (or fail to buy it) without fully understanding what it offers or how it might impact their travel plans. It is essential to weigh the pros and cons of purchasing travel insurance for your particular situation since there are many factors to consider and exclusions to take into account.

What is Travel Insurance?

In a nutshell, travel insurance is designed to protect you, the traveler, from financial losses that could occur during your travel. However, only certain situations and benefits are covered, plan coverage varies, and there are many exclusions.

When Should You Take It?

One of the prime times to consider travel insurance is when you are traveling out of the country. When traveling abroad, choose a robust travel insurance plan and understand the intricacies of offerings for things like:

• Medical expenses while traveling (most U.S. insurance companies exclude expenses while traveling out of the country).
• Medical evacuation costs (if you need to be transported back to the U.S. under medical supervision the costs can be astronomical without this vital protection).
• When you have expensive non-refundable tickets that are more than you can easily afford to lose.
• When you are taking a cruise. Cruises are different because they are widely vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms and are fairly high-ticket items. Make sure when you book that you purchase travel insurance and that hurricanes are not excluded from this protection.

Even in these situations, you might want to check to see if you have coverage and protection elsewhere, such as through your credit card provider, first.

When Should You Skip It?

The short answer to this question is “some of the time.” That is the case when traveling domestically on a short trip where the cost of the trip is minimal.

Another time to skip the travel insurance is when your credit card company offers protection already. No one wants to pay for the same service twice. More importantly, most credit card companies provide more robust coverage than the average add-on insurance plan when booking flights and hotels.

Also, some airlines offer no change fees, which allows you to change your flight without incurring a cost to do so. If you book your trip through an airline offering this perk, then considering skipping travel insurance for this portion of your itinerary.

Further, many of the items “covered” by flight insurance are available to airline passengers automatically. Some of them allow airlines to get out of what they owe to passengers, according to Smarter Travel.

Lastly, consider the exclusions in the travel insurance plan. A recent NBC news report states that travel insurance protection is actually very thin, and the exclusions make the coverage somewhat sketchy. Those inclusions include things like delays caused by the following common reasons for flight delays and/or cancellations:

• Natural disasters (like hurricanes and earthquakes)
• Air, water, or other pollution
• Civil unrest
• Terrorist events
• Nuclear disasters

It also excludes things considered pre-existing conditions, including pregnancy and childbirth or “reasonably foreseeable” problems resulting in delayed or canceled flights from protection.

Considerations Concerning Travel Insurance

The next time you are faced with the question of travel insurance when booking your travel, consider these points before clicking to buy.

• Does your credit card company offer better protection for free?
• Are you traveling domestically are abroad?
• Does your airline offer “no change fees”?
• Are you taking a cruise?
• Are you traveling to an area affected by hurricanes and it is hurricane season?
• How much are you willing to lose for the flexibility your travels require?

Most of the time, the answer to these questions will answer your questions about the necessity of travel insurance.

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Life insurance

Best life insurance companies of June 2024

Kat Tretina

Jennifer Lobb

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Heidi Gollub

Updated 8:30 a.m. UTC June 3, 2024

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Protective is the best life insurance company of 2024 . It tops our rating of the best companies for life insurance because of its competitive rates, history of solid portfolio performance and array of coverage options. Protective also has fewer customer complaints than the national average.

Pacific Life also gets 5 stars in our rating. It boasts many of the same benefits as Protective, including competitive rates and a low number of customer complaints. Pacific Life also has the best universal life insurance among insurers we analyzed.

The best life insurance companies of 2024

Why trust our life insurance experts

To help you find the best life insurance for your unique needs, our life insurance experts analyzed thousands of life insurance policies, evaluating data points that matter, such as rates, a company’s financial strength, policy features and customer complaints. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content . You can read more about our methodology below.

• 9,000+ life insurance policies evaluated.
• 38 million data points analyzed.
• 5 levels of fact-checking.

Our Partner

Policy analyzed, term lengths available, median time to approval.

Top-rated life insurance companies

Best life insurance.

Online quotes available

Customer complaint level, am best rating, types of life insurance sold.

• Whole life.
• Universal life.
• Indexed universal life.
• Variable universal life.

Pros and cons

• Life insurance term lengths up to 40 years.
• Up to $50 million in term life coverage.
• Term life insurance policies can be converted to one of eight permanent life policies available.
• Generally low internal costs for permanent policies, so more of your premium goes toward cash value and less toward paying the company’s policy expenses.
• Must work with an agent for quotes and details about permanent life insurance policies.
• Cash value may accumulate slower in the early years of a permanent life policy.

Why it’s the best

Protective is the best life insurance company , based on our in-depth analysis of its rates, historical portfolio performance, consumer complaints and array of coverage options. Protective’s Classic Choice Term product offers term life insurance with 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, 30-, 35- or 40-year options and up to $50 million in coverage. It’s one of the few insurers to offer terms up to 40 years. Its rates for term coverage are also some of the lowest among insurers we analyzed. 

Protective also offers a range of low-cost cash value life insurance policies, including whole life insurance, universal life insurance, indexed universal life insurance and variable universal life insurance. 

Best for universal life insurance

Pacific life.

• Competitive life insurance rates.
• Best universal life insurance company among insurers we analyzed.
• Some riders, such as accelerated death benefits for terminal illness, are included in select permanent life insurance policies.
• Term life insurance available to applicants up to age 75 and guaranteed renewable until age 95.
• Must work with an agent to get detailed coverage information or purchase a policy.
• Cannot get quotes for coverage online.
• Whole life insurance not available.

Why it’s the best

Pacific Life customers can choose from multiple permanent life insurance options, including the best universal life insurance in our rating. It also sells variable universal and indexed universal life insurance but does not offer whole life insurance. Pacific Life also has competitively priced term life insurance. 

Older applicants should also consider Pacific Life. While some companies have strict age limitations, Pacific Life offers greater flexibility. It offers term life coverage to people as old as 75, with a guaranteed renewable option until 95. Permanent policies are available with coverage up to age 121.

Best life insurance for customized coverage

Corebridge financial.

• Guaranteed issue.
• Final expense coverage.
• Offers customizable life insurance terms, such as 12 or 15+ years.
• Offers convertible term life and renewable term life insurance.
• You can apply for up to $2 million in term life insurance online.
• Higher-than-average level of consumer complaints.
• Due to rebranding efforts, navigating its website can be confusing, as some pages are older and outdated.
• Must submit your personal information and speak with an agent to get quotes for most policies.

Corebridge Financial, formerly AIG, offers several term life insurance options that provide greater flexibility than other companies . For instance, you can customize your term length with Corebridge. If you only want life insurance coverage until you pay off your mortgage in 12 years, you can choose a 12-year term life insurance policy.

You can also opt for a renewable term life policy, which will extend or maintain your coverage at a reasonable rate without requiring a medical exam. And, you have the option to convert your term policy to a whole life insurance policy. 

See our full Corebridge Financial life insurance review .

Best for living benefits

Transamerica.

• Final expense.
• Trendsetter LB policy includes living benefits in cases of terminal, chronic or critical illnesses.
• Up to $2 million in term coverage without a medical exam.
• Several other optional riders are available to customize your coverage.
• Online quotes aren’t available for most of Transamerica’s policies.
• Lower customer satisfaction scores than most companies reviewed.
• You must work with an agent to purchase most forms of coverage.

Most insurance companies let you customize your life insurance policy by adding riders, but often at an additional cost. Transamerica’s Trendsetter LB term life insurance policy includes three accelerated death benefits (ADB) at no extra cost : critical illness ADB, chronic illness ADB and terminal illness ADB. For an additional cost, you can also add a monthly disability income rider or disability waiver of premium rider. These benefits allow you to leverage your life insurance death benefit early under certain medical conditions. 

Transamerica is also worth considering if you’re shopping for no-exam life insurance. Eligible applicants can apply for up to $2 million in coverage without a medical exam.

• Best term life insurance

• Variable universal life insurance.
• Up to $3 million of term life coverage is available without medical exams.
• You can customize your policy by adding one or more optional riders, including accidental death and children’s term riders.
• A terminal illness rider is included with term life coverage at no additional cost.
• Has only one term life insurance option and two indexed universal life insurance policy options.
• Must work with an agent to get a life insurance quote for a permanent policy.
• Insurance agent must start the term life application for you. You cannot purchase it on your own.

Symetra SwiftTerm has the most affordable term life insurance of policies we analyzed and gets the top score in our rating of the best term life insurance . 

You can purchase a Symetra life insurance policy with an agent in minutes without needing a medical exam. Your policy will go into effect as soon as you make your first life insurance premium payment, so you can get coverage to protect your loved ones as soon as today. 

Symetra Life also has two permanent life insurance options, allowing you to invest your cash value and potentially grow your money.

Excellent for whole life insurance

Penn mutual.

• Strong long-term portfolio performance.
• Relatively low fund fees, so you keep more of your earnings.
• Detailed information about policy investments available online.
• Convertible term life insurance available.
• Minimal information about available policies online, requiring you to work with a financial professional.
• No online quote tool.
• Barebones website with few educational resources or tools.

Penn Mutual has several life insurance options, including top-ranking whole life insurance . It also offers seven universal life insurance policies with a range of funds and securities you can invest in with your cash value. You can choose a policy that protects your assets, but it also has more aggressive options you can use to potentially grow your money faster. 

Penn Mutual’s long-term portfolio performance is strong, and it has relatively low internal fees, so you keep more of your earnings. 

See our full Penn Mutual life insurance review .

Methodology

To determine the best life insurance companies, our life insurance experts evaluated term life and permanent life insurance policies. To analyze term life insurance, we used our research and data provided by AccuQuote , a national online life insurance agency. For our cash value life insurance analysis, we used data provided by Veralytic , an independent publisher of life insurance research and analytics.

Each life insurance company included in our evaluation had the opportunity to earn up to 100 points based on the following factors:

Best life insurance companies for you

The best life insurance for you depends on your needs. We’ve analyzed life insurance companies and policies for the profiles below to help you find the best life insurance for your specific coverage requirements: 

• Best whole life insurance
• Best universal life insurance
• Best no-exam life insurance
• Best life insurance over 50
• Best life insurance for seniors
• Best life insurance for smokers
• Cheapest life insurance

Best term life insurance: Symetra

If you’re shopping for term coverage, get quotes from Symetra , which has the highest overall score in our best term life insurance companies rating. Pacific Life is also a top-ranked term life insurance company to consider.

Example monthly rates for a $250,000 term life insurance policy

Best whole life insurance company: state farm.

Though it didn’t make the cut for our main best life insurance companies rating, State Farm earns the highest rating in our analysis of the best whole life insurance companies . If you’re in the market for whole life insurance, consider getting life insurance quotes from any of the insurers in the table to jump-start your search. 

Best universal life insurance company: Pacific Life

Pacific Life has the best universal life insurance among the insurers we analyzed, based on critical metrics such as cost competitiveness, historical portfolio performance and cash value growth.

Universal life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance with flexible premiums and a cash value component. There are several types of universal life insurance, including indexed and variable universal life insurance. 

Best no-exam life insurance: Legal & General America

If you’re looking for the best companies for life insurance but would prefer to skip a medical exam, consider Legal & General America and Lincoln Financial. Both top our analysis of the best no-exam life insurance companies .

Best life insurance over 50: Protective

The best life insurance company for applicants over 50 is Protective . It has some of the lowest rates among life insurance providers we analyzed and the top score in our best life insurance companies rating. 

Example monthly rates for $250,000, 20-year term life insurance policy 

Best life insurance for seniors: protective.

As you enter your 60s and 70s, life insurance becomes increasingly expensive, and it can be challenging to find a life insurance provider that issues policies to individuals in this age bracket. The companies below provide the best life insurance for seniors based on our analysis of rates, historical portfolio performance, financial strength and cost competitiveness. 

Average monthly cost of a $500,000 10-year term life insurance policy

Best life insurance for smokers: midland national.

If you are or have been a smoker, consider getting a life insurance quote from Midland National. It offers competitive rates, has a very low rate of complaints to state insurance departments and offers guaranteed renewable term life insurance policies. Its Premier 20 Term life insurance policy is also convertible until age 70, meaning you can choose to convert it to a permanent life insurance policy if you decide that better suits your needs. 

Average monthly cost of a $250,000 20-year term life insurance

Cheapest life insurance companies of 2024.

Shopping around for life insurance can help you find an affordable policy that meets your needs. If you’re looking for a good life insurance company that offers affordable term coverage, consider a policy from one of the insurers in our rating of the cheapest life insurance companies .

Average cost of a $250,000, 20-year term life insurance policy by company

How to choose the best life insurance company.

Consider the following factors when comparing life insurance companies to find the best policy for your needs. 

• Policy and product availability. When comparing life insurance companies, look at the types of policies they offer, as well as variable details like term lengths, life insurance riders and eligibility criteria. These can differ by insurer and by policy. 
• Financial strength. Check the financial strength of insurers you are considering. Companies like AM Best, Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s assess the creditworthiness of insurers, applying letter grades to insurers based on their financial strength. Life insurance providers are evaluated on several factors, including their balance sheet, enterprise risk management (ERM) and operating performance. Top life insurance companies generally receive A or higher grades, such as A++ (Superior), which means they are more likely to be able to pay out your policy’s death benefit to your life insurance beneficiaries . 
• Cost. The cost of life insurance isn’t limited to your premium’s face value. Life insurance premiums also include fees and internal costs. If you’re shopping for permanent life insurance, those fees can impact how your cash value account grows. A good life insurance company can provide you with a schedule of those fees. 

Expert tip: Compare at least three life insurance quotes before deciding which policy to buy

How much does life insurance cost?

Your age and health are two of the leading factors insurers use to determine your premium. The tables below show the average annual rate for a $250,000, 20-year term life insurance policy for females and males in excellent and average health at various ages. 

Average cost of a $250,000, 20-year term policy for female

Source: USA TODAY Blueprint research. Average rates are based on the three lowest quotes we found online for nonsmokers of average weight and height.

Average cost of a $250,000, 20-year term policy for male

Source: USA TODAY Blueprint research. Average rates are based on the three lowest quotes we found online for nonsmokers of average weight and height. 

The older you get, the more you will pay for life insurance. Generally, men pay more for life insurance than women, and you’ll also pay more for life insurance policies with a higher coverage amount. The chart below shows how rates substantially increase in your 50s and 60s. 

Factors that affect your life insurance costs

The cost of life insurance varies based on several factors, including:

• Your age and gender.
• Type of policy you choose.
• Smoking status.
• Height and weight.
• Your health (past and current).
• Prescription history.
• Family medical history.
• Driving record.
• Criminal record.
• Occupation and hobbies.

Is life insurance worth it?

Life insurance may be worth the investment if any of the following are true:

• You have people who financially depend on you. Beneficiaries can use the proceeds of a life insurance policy to help a surviving spouse, partner or dependents to cover expenses such as mortgage or rent payments, tuition, utilities, groceries and other necessities. 
• You want your final expenses covered. According to the most recent National Funeral Directors Association data, the national median funeral cost is $8,300. Even a small death benefit , such as that offered by burial insurance, can help your loved ones cover expenses. 
• You think your loved ones may need to pay estate taxes. If the value of your estate exceeds IRS estate tax limits, your loved ones can use the proceeds of a life insurance policy to cover the tax bill. 
• You are a business owner. If you own or co-own a business, life insurance can be part of your succession or continuity plan, such as a buy/sell agreement. It can also be used to equalize inheritances. For instance, if one child is inheriting the business, you can leave the life insurance benefit to another child/children. 

Despite the benefits, there are some reasons you may not want to consider a life insurance policy. For example, if your dependents don’t rely on your income, and there are no extenuating circumstances, such as a sizable debt (e.g., a mortgage that will pass to a loved one), estate tax concerns or business succession needs, a life insurance policy may not be worth it for you. 

2024 life insurance trends

According to the most recent LIMRA Barometer report, about 102 million people, or 42% of Americans, admit they either need life insurance or need more coverage if they already have a policy. If you’re one of those Americans, here are some trends that may affect your life insurance shopping experience this year. 

• Buying life insurance will get easier for many buyers as technology, including AI, expedites the underwriting process.
• Younger consumers may see more products and processes geared toward their purchasing preferences. Efforts may include embedded products, such as long-term care or financial services, or more opportunities to bundle life insurance with other coverage needs, such as home or car insurance. 
• Insurers will continue efforts to decrease the coverage need gap, which is highest among women (44%), millennials (47%) and members of Gen Z (49%), black (49%) and hispanic (49%) individuals and households with an annual income less than $50,000 (56%).

Best life insurance FAQs

These are the best life insurance companies in the United States, according to our in-depth analysis of policies. 

• Best life insurance companies : Protective 
• Best term life insurance companies : Symetra
• Best whole life insurance companies : State Farm
• Best no-exam life insurance companies : Legal & General America
• Best life insurance companies for seniors : Protective 

Each of these life insurance companies receives 5 stars in its category, the highest score available.

A 30-year-old healthy male can expect to pay an average of $21 a month , or about $251 per year, for a 20-year, $500,000 term life insurance policy , based on our analysis of rates. 

A 30-year-old healthy female buying a policy with the same life insurance coverage amount and term length may pay approximately $17 per month , or about $207 per year. 

Life insurance rates vary by coverage type and amount, as well as factors like age, gender, health, habits, and hobbies. 

For instance, a healthy 60-year-old female shopping for senior life insurance will pay an average of $1,777 a year for a 20-year, $500,000 term life insurance policy. A male of the same age, health and life insurance coverage amount will pay an average of $2,533 per year. 

Comparing multiple life insurance quotes can help you find the most affordable life insurance policy. 

Protective and Pacific Life each receive a 5-star rating in our expert analysis of the best life insurance companies. 

However, life insurance companies are not one-size-fits-all, and you may find that another insurer is best suited for your needs, budget, and coverage preferences. 

To find the best life insurance providers for you, compare life insurance quotes from at least three insurers. Don’t just compare rates, though. Make it a point to compare life insurance reviews, available features and benefits and each company’s financial strength rating.

Term life insurance may be a good choice if you’re looking for financial protection for a certain period of time, such as until you pay off your mortgage or your child graduates school. It is also typically more affordable than whole life insurance, which may make it a better option if you’re on a limited budget. 

Whole life insurance is a better option if you want coverage that lasts a lifetime or you’re interested in having a cash value component that you can access while you’re alive. 

Term and whole life insurance policies accounted for 86% of life insurance sales in the first three quarters of 2022, according to recent data released by LIMRA . 

• Term life insurance is often the most affordable option for buyers, making it a popular choice among individuals and families who want to protect their loved ones but want to stay within their budget. 
• Whole life insurance is often more expensive, but it’s a straightforward, popular choice among people who are looking for permanent coverage. 

There is no time limit for filing a life insurance claim. However, it’s important to remember that life insurance companies can’t keep death benefits indefinitely. 

According to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), unclaimed life insurance benefits will be turned over to the state after a set number of years based on the unclaimed property laws in the state in which the policy was issued. 

If you are the beneficiary of a life insurance policy that has been turned over to the state as unclaimed property, you can typically search the state’s unclaimed property database, typically found on the state’s treasury department. You can also visit the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) website to get started.

A life insurance policy may not cover deaths under the following circumstances:

• Cause of death is homicide and the beneficiary was involved.
• Insured dies by suicide within the first few years of opening the policy.
• Insured dies after their term life insurance policy has expired.
• Insured dies after a lapse in their life insurance premium payments.
• Insured dies during the contestability period and it’s determined the insured lied on their application.

Coverage and exclusions can vary by life insurance company, so it’s important to thoroughly read your policy and contact your insurer if you have questions regarding your coverage.

Yes, you can buy life insurance on someone else, but only if they know about and consent to the purchase. People commonly purchase policies for their:

• Spouses or ex-spouses to replace income, alimony or child support when that person dies.
• Child or grandchild , to ensure their insurability down the road, even if they develop a health condition, and to provide a jump start on cash value accumulation.
• Parents , to cover end-of-life expenses or other bills you may inherit upon their passing.
• Siblings , particularly if they care for a parent or other dependent for whom you will be responsible should they pass.
• Business partner , as part of a buy-sell agreement.

Shopping for coverage? How life insurance works

Life insurance is designed to provide financial protection for your loved ones when you pass away. A life insurance policy pays out a death benefit to the beneficiary when the policyholder dies. 

The death benefit can be spent in any way the beneficiary chooses. They may choose to use the money to cover mortgage payments, tuition or everyday expenses such as utilities and groceries. 

Life insurance can also be an estate-planning tool and the death benefit can be used to cover end-of-life expenses, such as the cost of burial or cremation. 

Exactly how life insurance works , especially at the policy level, often depends on the type of coverage you choose. 

There are two primary types of life insurance:

Term life insurance locks in rates and coverage for a set amount of time, such as 10 or 20 years. 

Permanent life insurance policies offer coverage for life, or until an advanced age, such as 105. Permanent life insurance also usually includes a cash value account that grows over time and can be accessed while you’re alive. 

There are several types of permanent life insurance, including

• Whole life insurance.
• Universal life insurance.
• Indexed universal life insurance. 
• Variable universal life insurance. 

Many life insurance companies also sell variations of the main types of life insurance, such as:

• Burial life insurance, which is designed to cover end-of-life needs.
• No-exam life insurance, which allows eligible applicants to secure coverage without undergoing a medical exam.

Life insurance isn’t a one-size-fits-all financial tool. Learn more about the types of life insurance and which one is best structured for your goals.

More life insurance ratings

• Best no exam life insurance  

Editor’s Note:   This article contains updated information from previously published stories:

• Here’s why Danica Patrick wants you to get life insurance
• Survey: Gen X seriously short on life insurance
• Don’t dismiss life insurance as too pricey. Here’s how to pick a plan
• Magic Johnson adds life insurance co. to empire
• Older workers may still need life insurance
• How your selfie could affect your life insurance
• Your guide to insuring someone else’s life
• Why free life insurance at work might not be enough
• Does it make sense to have more than one life insurance policy?
• Answer these 5 questions before buying life insurance from your employer
• For Millennials, life insurance can be a bargain not to miss
• Life insurance extras: Which coverage riders are worth the price?
• Your credit history plays a role in setting your life insurance premiums
• How DUIs can wreck your chance to buy life insurance

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

For the past seven years, Kat has been helping people make the best financial decisions for their unique situation, from finding the right insurance policies to paying down debt. Kat holds certifications in student loan and financial education counseling, and her expertise lies in insurance and student loans. She has written about life and disability insurance, health insurance, pet insurance, loans and credit cards for a variety of publications, including the Buy Side from Wall Street Journal, Money, Reader's Digest, The Huffington Post, Forbes Advisor and more.

Jennifer Lobb is deputy editor at USA TODAY Blueprint and is an experienced insurance and personal finance writer. Jennifer served as an insurance staff writer and editor at U.S. News and World Report and deputy editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor. She also spent several years covering finance and insurance for various financial media sites, including LendingTree and Investopedia. For nearly a decade, she’s helped consumers make educated decisions about the products that protect their finances, families and homes.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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For a lot of people, buying car insurance is like buying sliced bread. It’s not the most exciting purchase, and the options all seem similar. So thrifty shoppers might simply reach for the cheapest thing on the shelf. But like cheap bread, cheap car insurance may leave you wishing you spent a little more on quality.

“The cheapest is not always the best,” warns Jessica McNally, an agency owner with Goosehead Insurance in Dallas. That’s because there are lots of factors that make up a car insurance company. And while price is one of them, it’s best to look at the bigger picture.

Here’s what to look for when picking the best car insurance company.

1. Choose a financially stable company

The best car insurance companies have plenty of money on hand to pay for customers’ claims. It’s important to check an insurer’s financial stability before buying a policy, especially if it’s a smaller insurer you’ve never heard of.

There are several independent agencies that evaluate the financial strength of insurance companies. One example is A.M. Best. You can use its online search tool to find an insurer’s financial strength rating. Companies with a rating of A or higher are considered to have an excellent ability to pay out customer claims.

2. Check customer satisfaction ratings and reviews

Not every insurer is customer-first. That’s why it’s important to research the customer satisfaction of insurers you’re considering.

You can turn to surveys from companies like J.D. Power to find insurers with the best customer satisfaction scores [0] J.D. Power . Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction Plummets as Rates Continue to Surge, J.D. Power Finds . Accessed May 21, 2024. View all sources . Or, if you don’t mind doing a little detective work, you can compare customer complaints against insurers by using the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ website . But take other people’s emotionally charged comments about companies or agents you might read online with a grain of salt, McNally advises.

3. Look for convenience

A great auto insurer should offer multiple ways to manage a policy. For example, some insurers allow customers to use a mobile app to file and track claims. But it’s hard to tell how simple it’ll be to file a claim or perform other essential tasks, like paying your premium, before becoming a customer.

Some telltale signs that an insurer will be easy to work with are high mobile app ratings, flexible customer service hours and an easy-to-use website with helpful content. Consider asking a company representative to walk you through the claims process to learn what you’ll need to do if you have to file a claim. And pay attention to how the company communicates with you. "If they don't properly communicate, well, that's a warning sign," says Michael DeLong, a research and advocacy associate for the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America.

4. Pick an affordable company

Car insurance premiums are stretching to record-breaking heights [0] U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS . Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) . Accessed May 21, 2024. View all sources , and almost half of U.S. consumers shopped for a new car insurance policy in the past year, according to an April 2024 report by J.D. Power [0] J.D. Power . Half of Auto Insurance Customers Currently Shopping for New Policies, J.D. Power Finds . Accessed May 21, 2024. View all sources . The best car insurance companies offer competitive rates and a variety of potential discounts.

It’s not hard to get car insurance quotes online from many companies. Make sure you compare the same coverage options throughout the quote-gathering process. And don’t forget to look for car insurance discounts, like breaks for being a good driver, paying your premium in full or driving a new car.

More tips to find the best car insurance

When shopping for the best car insurance, keep the following tips in mind.

Assess your needs. Before buying car insurance, take a moment to reflect on what’s important to you and your family. For example, maybe you prioritize affordability and a well-polished mobile app, but don’t need accident forgiveness .  

Consider small insurers. There are lots of small insurance companies you’ve probably never heard of. These regional insurers may provide lower rates and better customer service than the big companies you see advertised on TV.

Work with an independent agent. While it may be easy to get quotes yourself, independent car insurance agents and brokers can streamline the process. These experts vet companies and compile quotes from small and large insurers on your behalf. Independent agents and brokers can especially come in handy if you have a less-than-perfect driving record and can’t find insurance on your own.

Do your research. Search online for recent mentions of a company in the news before buying a policy, recommends DeLong. If you find a company has lots of recent lawsuits against it, you may want to think twice about signing on the dotted line. “And if they've had to pay out settlements, that's an even bigger red flag,” DeLong says.

Shop around once a year. Make a practice of shopping for car insurance every year — especially if price is important to you. Insurers adjust car insurance rates regularly, so what might have been the most affordable option last year may no longer be a bargain.

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