Question 1

Does Ethos have agents?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ethos was built to make the application process easy and personalized to your preferences. That’s why, when you apply, you don’t need to talk to an agent if you don’t want to. But if you need help or have questions, our in-house team of licensed, expert agents are happy to help you through any part of the process.

In addition, Ethos allows a network of independent agents to sell the policies we offer. Some people enjoy working with agents, and allowing independent agents to sell policies ensures that people can buy life insurance the way they want.

Life insurance is not a one-size-fits-all product, which is why we’ve designed Ethos to give people the flexibility to personalize their experience how they like.

Question 2

Can I change my coverage amount or term length once I apply?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the details of the coverage you applied for are not set in stone. You can change your coverage amount or term length after you apply. Once your application is approved, you can review various coverage options with a licensed agent to choose the coverage that works best for you and your loved ones.

Question 3

Can I choose more than one beneficiary?

Accepted Answer

If you decide to have more than one beneficiary, you will allocate a percentage of the death benefit for each, so that the total allocation equals 100%. A simple example of this would be allocating 50% to your partner, and 25% to each of your two children, for a total of 100%. When your death benefit is paid, your beneficiaries will receive the percentage based on your allocations.

Alternatively, you can choose a primary and contingent beneficiary. Your primary beneficiary will receive the death benefit if they are still living at the time of your death. Otherwise, the death benefit will be paid to your contingent beneficiaries. For example, you have named your partner as your primary beneficiary with 100% allocation, and your two children are named as your contingent beneficiaries, each with a 50% allocation. If your partner passes away before you do, then your children will receive the death benefit. It’s a good idea to name a contingent beneficiary, since it’s possible that your primary beneficiary could pass away before you do.

Question 4

Do I get a refund if I cancel my policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with our 30-day money-back guarantee, you are eligible for a full refund if you cancel your policy during the first 30 days. After the first 30 days, you may cancel your policy anytime for no additional cancellation fee.

Question 5

Can I get coverage with Ethos, even if I’ve had health problems?

Accepted Answer

At Ethos, we look at every customer individually to find a policy that can provide you with coverage as quickly as possible. Our innovative process takes several factors into consideration, including, age, gender, and in most cases your medical history. While we can’t promise that everyone who applies will get approved, we make it our mission to find coverage for every Ethos applicant.

Having health issues should not prevent you from applying for coverage. Coverage has been approved for many customers with a history of health problems.

Question 6

How do I manage my beneficiaries?

Accepted Answer

To change your beneficiary or beneficiaries, send us an email to accounts@getethos.com. We will be happy to assist with updating your current beneficiary or beneficiaries.

Question 7

Can I insure my spouse, parents, or children?

Accepted Answer

To apply for coverage for your spouse or adult child, simply have them complete the online application process—it’s that easy! Remember, applications are limited to those between the ages of 20 and 65.

Question 8

Can I replace a policy from another company with Ethos?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the product, Ethos may not be able to offer you coverage if you intend to replace existing coverage.

With any policy purchased through Ethos and issued by Legal & General, America you can apply to replace your current coverage. If you decide to replace any existing coverage, be careful not to terminate your existing coverage until your new application has been approved, to avoid any gaps in coverage.

Question 9

Can I speak with a real person if I have questions?

Accepted Answer

Yes—we’re happy to assist and support you anytime. You can speak with our customer success team by sending us an email anytime at support@ethoslife.com.

Question 10

Can only the beneficiary submit the claim?

Accepted Answer

The listed beneficiary must be the one to complete all claim requirements in order to receive the benefit amount, however the initial notification of the claim does not have to come from the beneficiary.

Question 11

Do I need life insurance?

Accepted Answer

Personal finance experts recommend that you have savings and/or coverage that areat least ten times your annual salary, if not more. If you have already built up enough savings to provide that safety net on your own, then you may not need life insurance. If your savings falls a bit short, getting a term or guaranteed issue whole life insurance policy can help protect your family’s future.

Most of our customers are one or more of the following:

Parents: According to USA Today, it costs about $234K to raise a child to adulthood, not including college tuition. A life insurance policy can help ensure financial security for your family.
Homeowners: A mortgage is likely the most significant debt you will ever take on. If you are a homeowner, consider a life insurance policy that lasts the same length as your mortgage term so your family is not stuck in a financially unsustainable situation.
Partners: You’d do anything for your partner, which means ensuring they are taken care of if you die unexpectedly. Be sure to take into account any shared debt, expenses, and future financial plans.
Students: Your debt doesn’t disappear when you die. If you had a private student loan, your parents or other cosigners might be on the hook for your debt if you pass away.
Business owners: It’s not just your family that depends on you when you own a business. Ensuring your business can still run even after you're gone is a smart move.
Retirees: It’s natural to have concerns with covering your final expense if you’re at or approaching retirement age. A whole life insurance policy can help cover these expenses, giving you and your loved ones valuable peace of mind.
Caretakers: If someone depends on you, like an elderly parent or family member with a disability, what would happen to them if you weren’t around? You may want to consider coverage to make sure they’d be taken care of.

Question 12

Does life insurance cover coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Accepted Answer

The policies we sell do cover coronavirus. This is true even if you’ve recently traveled or have been exposed to someone with the virus. You can also still apply for life insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information about coronavirus and life insurance, read this article.

Question 13

Does Ethos offer policies that include riders?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some Ethos policies include riders. To find out more information on our policies and the riders they offer, refer to your policy docs or contact one of our dedicated life insurance specialists.

Question 14

Does Ethos only offer term life insurance?

Accepted Answer

We are continually looking for additional products that we think could benefit families who are in need of insurance coverage.

Our goal at Ethos is to use our state of the art technology to quickly match you with affordable coverage. When you submit your application, we look not just at your application and our underwriting guidelines, but we also consider all of the products we have available, and offer you coverage that fits your unique situation.

Question 15

How can I fix incorrect information on my application?

Accepted Answer

To update any information, please send us an email at support@ethoslife.com, and let us know what needs to be changed. Please note that some changes may require a newly completed application.

Question 16

How do I access my policy details?

Accepted Answer

You can find your details once your policy is activated through your Ethos portal online at app.ethoslife.com/login. If you have trouble accessing your account, please let us know by emailing support@ethoslife.com.

Question 17

How do I apply?

Accepted Answer

Get started by answering a few questions to get an initial quote. We’ll instantly present you with a few coverage options to choose from, or you can customize your coverage.

Our online application can be completed in minutes. For your application to go quickly and smoothly, it’s a good idea to have the following information handy:

Driver license information
Social security number
Personal and family medical history
Current prescription information

All the information you provide is always protected with the highest safety standards. If you have questions at any point, our team is happy to help.

Contact us →

Question 18

How do I make a premium payment and update my billing information?

Accepted Answer

We offer monthly payments by debit or credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express. Payments will be automatically drafted the same date your policy was issued unless you change your payment date before you activate your coverage.

To change your payment method, please go to your account at ethoslife.com/login and click on the 'Policies' tab, then click the 'Change Payment Method' button.

At this time, we do not offer bank drafts or annual payments, but we do intend to in the future.

Question 19

How do I know that your policies are reliable?

Accepted Answer

We work with some of the industry’s largest and most respected companies —so you get the reliability of centuries-old industry leaders with the convenience of a modern technology company.

As a third-party administrator, Ethos administers policies issued by Legal & General, America (est. 1836), which has A+ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best and serves 10 million customers worldwide through its family of companies. These policies are reinsured by Munich Re (est. 1880), which also holds an A+ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best. Together, these insurance giants have paid out hundreds of millions of dollars in life insurance claims for over a hundred years.

We have also teamed up with TruStage to secure coverage for any person who we could not otherwise offer coverage to. Trustage administers policies for CMFG Life Insurance company (est. 1935), which has an A (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best and protects more than 20 million families across the U.S.

Question 20

How do I update my contact information?

Accepted Answer

You can send any changes to your contact information (email, phone number, etc) to accounts@ethoslife.com.

Question 21

How do I view, make changes, or cancel my TruStage policy?

Accepted Answer

To access your TruStage policy and make changes such as updating beneficiary info or changing your payment method, please log in to your TruStage account at http://trustage.com/my-account/login or contact TruStage Customer Care at (855) 591-9026.

Question 22

Can I refer someone to Ethos?

Accepted Answer

We love referrals! Share Ethos with friends and family—anyone you think may benefit from life insurance, as long as they meet our general eligibility requirements.

Question 23

How is accidental death different from life insurance?

Accepted Answer

While life insurance generally protects you if you pass away for any reason while the policy is active, accidental death insurance only provides coverage in the event of a covered accident. Accidental death coverage is guaranteed as long as you are between the ages of 18-70 and the premium is substantially lower per dollar of coverage.

Question 24

What makes Ethos different?

Accepted Answer

Ethos makes applying for life insurance easy and straightforward. Traditionally, applications could take weeks and often involved confusing paperwork and lengthy medical exams. With Ethos, applying for life insurance is fast, simple, and affordable.

Our streamlined application can be completed in just minutes. We offer personalized coverage that’s tailored to fit your individual needs, saving our customers time and money.

Question 25

How is my final price calculated?

Accepted Answer

You can quickly get a quote on our site by answering a few basic questions about yourself to get an idea of how much your monthly premiums could be. However, this is an estimate based on the information you provide. When you submit your application, underwriters review your detailed information and calculate the actual cost of insuring you. Your ultimate cost is based on a number of factors, including the term length you select, your medical history, health, age, and lifestyle. Other factors that may affect your price include your driving record, criminal record, credit score, occupation, and any risky hobbies you may have.

Question 26

How long does it take to get a decision on my application?

Accepted Answer

Some applicants are approved immediately. Otherwise, our underwriting process usually takes a couple of days or weeks to complete, and usually depends on any outstanding additional information that may be needed to review your application.

Question 27

How long will it take for a claim to be paid?

Accepted Answer

The process to evaluate your claim could be relatively quick, or it may take a little time, depending on the information that is presented at the time of claim. To help your beneficiary receive the death benefit, you can provide them with a copy of your policy as part of your estate planning process. At a minimum, provide your beneficiary with your insurance company’s full legal name so they are able to contact the insurance company if needed.

Question 28

How much coverage can I apply for?

Accepted Answer

Our term life policies offer coverage for term lengths ranging from 10 to 30 years. For anyone up to age 50, we offer coverage up to $2 million, and for anyone over age 50, we have term policies up to $500k.

We also offer whole life insurance for coverage up to $30k.

The amount of coverage you need can vary, depending on your location and unique situation. If you have options or would like to chat with one of our licensed professionals to find the right coverage, please get in touch!

Question 29

How much coverage do I need?

Accepted Answer

It’s different for everyone. In general, you can find your ideal coverage amount by calculating your long-term financial obligations and then subtracting your assets. The remainder is the gap that life insurance needs to fill. It can be difficult to know what to include in your calculations, so we created a term life insurance calculator to help you determine your coverage needs.

There also are a few rules of thumb that can help guide you. One easy way is to multiply your annual income by 10. You can also use the DIME formula as a starting point in calculating your life insurance needs. DIME is an acronym for Debt, Income, Mortgage, and Education.

Debt: Total monetary value of all debt (student loans, credit cards, car loans, etc.) You’ll likely want to include anticipated funeral expenses here.
Income: Take your annual income and multiply it by the number of years your family will need the support (e.g., until your youngest child reaches a predetermined age, such as 18, 21, or 25). For example, if you make $50,000 per year after taxes and your youngest child is 10, and you want income protection until he or she is 21, then the income formula would be $50,000 x 11 years = $550,000. If you’re a stay-at-home parent, include the cost to replace the services that you provide, such as child care.
Mortgage: Having enough life insurance can help keep your family in your home. With this step, simply add up the remaining balance on your mortgage. If you are renting, consider adding 10 years of rental income to your plan as a substitute.
Education: Estimate the cost of sending your children to college or private school. It is common to estimate $100,000 per child for a four-year university education at a state school. That includes tuition fees, room and board, and books.

Question 30

How do I cancel my policy?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel your policy by calling or emailing us, and requesting a surrender form for you to sign electronically. We will cancel your policy upon receipt, and there's never any cancellation fees.

Question 31

I was asked for follow-up information–what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

Underwriters occasionally have additional questions based on the information you’ve provided. This is no cause for alarm—it simply means they need more clarification on certain points.

Question 32

I already have life insurance through work. Is it enough?

Accepted Answer

Employer-sponsored life insurance is a great benefit, but it may not provide enough coverage to protect your family. Most employer-sponsored policies offer coverage that is the equivalent of 1 to 2 times your annual salary. So if you make $50,000 per year, your employer may offer $100,000 in life insurance coverage at minimal cost to you. While this is helpful, your family would likely need much more support in the event of your death. Many financial experts recommend that you have coverage with a benefit of at least 10x times your annual salary.

Another issue with relying on employer-sponsored coverage is that many policies through work only last as long as you are employed there. Many people tend to lose their insurance coverage when they change jobs, are laid off, or when they retire. Have you thought about owning coverage outside of your employer-sponsored coverage?

You might consider supplementing your employer-sponsored life insurance with an additional policy—so you get the full coverage you need to protect your family when they need it the most.

Question 33

Is Guaranteed Issue Whole Life right for me?

Accepted Answer

It may be the right fit if:

You need help to cover final expenses
You want a quick and easy acceptance process, with no medical exam or health questions
You want a policy that builds cash value over time. Benefits may be reduced by any loans and unpaid interest on the policy
You need a policy with guaranteed level premiums

Explore other options if:

You need more than $25,000 in permanent coverage
You want coverage that lasts for a shorter amount of time

Question 34

What if I change my mind during or after my application?

Accepted Answer

You may start an application and withdraw from the application process at any time without penalty. Before issuing any coverage to you, we will tell you the amount of coverage and premium we will offer you. If you like our offer, you can add your electronic signature at the end of the application to confirm the information provided is correct, and you will be issued coverage. You always have a 30 day period to cancel coverage and get your money back if you change your mind.

Question 35

What are key features of Guaranteed Issue Whole Life Policies?

Accepted Answer

Instant approval: If you are between the ages of 66 and 85, you are guaranteed to be accepted for this coverage at the rates provided when you apply, regardless of your health, any pre-existing conditions, previous denial of coverage, or even risk factors.
Graded Death Benefit Feature: Depending on eligibility and state availability, your death benefit will either kick in immediately or after 2-3 years time to cover deaths from illness, disease, or old age. All accidental deaths are covered immediately.
Guaranteed building of cash value: This is a whole life insurance policy, which means it uses parts of your premiums to build cash value automatically over time.

Question 36

What are the benefits of a guaranteed issue whole life insurance policy?

Accepted Answer

This policy requires no medical or physical exams.
Once locked in, your monthly policy premiums will never go up, as long as they are paid when due.
At age 100, your policy stays in effect with premium payments no longer being required.
This policy builds cash value over time.

Question 37

What happens after I submit my application?

Accepted Answer

When you submit your application, underwriters review your application and make a determination about insuring you. Traditionally, underwriting could take months, but Ethos uses new technology to help expedite this process.

If the underwriters don’t have any further questions about your application, you could be approved in as soon as a day to a couple of weeks. If approved, a licensed Ethos agent will reach out to review your coverage details, make any adjustments, and get you covered.

The underwriters may need more information, and you could be asked to answer a few follow-up questions or get a medical exam before they can continue evaluating your application. If this happens, we’ll help you get this done as quickly as possible.

If your application is denied, you’ll receive an email from us letting you know.

Question 38

What does a policy administered by Ethos cover?

Accepted Answer

The death benefit will be paid to your beneficiary at the time of claim if you have died for any reason except the following:
It has been determined that insurance fraud has been committed
Questions within the application were not answered truthfully and are discovered during the two year contestable period
Your death is the result of suicide during the first two years of the policy being in force.
Does the policy I apply for with Ethos include any riders?
Yes, the policy includes an accelerated death benefit. This rider allows the insured the ability to access a portion of the death benefit upon qualified diagnosis of a terminal illness. The accelerated benefit can be used to pay medical expenses or anything else the insured decides. The accelerated amount will reduce the total death benefit, so the amount paid to the beneficiary upon death of the insured is less. Refer to the accelerated death benefit rider for details.
Expenses covered by life insurance
Typically, the life insurance death benefit is used to help cover expenses like home mortgages, funeral expenses, children’s college tuition, existing debt, child care or dependent care, medical bills, living expenses, cosigned debt, or any other expenses your loved ones may have after your passing. However, it’s ultimately up to your beneficiary (or beneficiaries) to decide how to use the death benefit.

Question 39

What does life insurance cover?

Accepted Answer

Life insurance is a way of helping your family cope financially when you die. The payout can be used to help your loved ones with everyday expenses when they can't rely on your salary or income any longer. So the question of what life insurance covers can be answered two ways: the expenses it covers, and the types of death it covers.

Expenses covered by life insurance
Typically, life insurance policy proceeds are used to help cover expenses like home mortgages, funeral expenses, children’s college tuition, existing debt, child care or dependent care, medical bills, living expenses, cosigned debt, or any other expenses your loved ones may have. However, it’s ultimately up to your beneficiary (or beneficiaries) to decide how to use the policy proceeds.
Types of death covered by life insurance
While each policy can be a little different, most life insurance policies cover deaths caused by accidents and natural illnesses. The majority of policies will not pay policy proceeds for a death resulting from suicide during the first two policy years. Also excluded are policies where statements have been falsified by the applicant as described in the incontestability provision of the policy (meaning they lied on the application). The incontestability period is regulated by state, but the typical timeframe is 2 years. Policy proceeds will not be paid if insurance fraud has been committed. Some policies may have additional limitations or exclusions related to the benefits paid, like death as a result of war, aviation, or certain avocation (policies administered by Ethos do not include these additional exclusions). Refer to your policy or ask your carrier if you have questions regarding limitations or exclusions specific to your policy.
What does a policy administered by Ethos cover? When would claims not be paid?
Policy proceeds will be paid to your beneficiary at the time of claim if you have died for any reason except the following:
- It has been determined that insurance fraud has been committed,
- Questions within the application were not answered truthfully and are discovered during the two year contestable period, or
- Your death is the result of suicide during the first two years of the policy being in force.

Question 40

What happens if I miss a payment?

Accepted Answer

If you miss a payment, you will have a 31-day grace period to add a new payment method (or 60 days in California). During this period, your coverage is still active.

Question 41

What happens when my coverage term ends?

Accepted Answer

Ethos term policies are guaranteed renewable up to age 95. So when your coverage term ends, you have the option to renew your policy until you reach the age of 95 without having to go through underwriting. Please be aware, upon renewal your coverage will decrease and your premium will increase.

Question 42

What if my birthday occurs during the application process?

Accepted Answer

If your birthday occurs during the application process, we may be able to use an earlier policy effective date during the application process to get you a lower premium, depending on certain conditions. An agent will reach out to you with any options available to you once you’re approved.

Question 43

What is a beneficiary?

Accepted Answer

A beneficiary is a person or trust designated as the recipient of the policy proceeds after the death of the insured. The beneficiary submits a claim to the life insurance company for the policy proceeds. You, as the policy owner, can decide who to designate as your beneficiary (or beneficiaries).

Question 44

What is a death benefit? Is it taxed?

Accepted Answer

A death benefit, also referred to as the policy proceeds, is the amount of money that an insurer pays to your beneficiary if you pass away during the policy term. Typically, it is paid in a single lump sum.

In most cases, the death benefit is not taxed. That said, if your beneficiary chooses to do something less common like distributing the death benefit in installments while investing it, or including the benefit as part of an estate settlement, there may be tax implications for the beneficiary. Make sure to check with an accountant or financial advisor if you think this may apply to you or your beneficiaries.

Question 45

What is a life insurance rider?

Accepted Answer

A rider is a document that becomes a part of a life insurance policy, which can provide additional coverage or benefits. Endorsements and amendments are additional documents that can become part of your policy. They can also provide benefits or confirm changes made to your coverage.

Question 46

What is life insurance?

Accepted Answer

A life insurance policy is very simply a contract between you and an insurance company. In that contract, you agree to make regularly scheduled premium payments in exchange for a death benefit if you die while the policy is in force. The policy can be in force for a specific number of years or the duration of your life.

Your premium payment can be paid monthly, twice a year, or annually depending on your preference or the options made available to you. The contract is legally binding and regulated by the Departments of Insurance in all 50 states, including Washington DC. If you continue to make premium payments for the duration of the policy, and you die while your policy is in force, the insurance company must meet its obligation to provide your beneficiaries with the stated death benefit. You should refer to your policy for specific details regarding the determination and payment of your death benefit.

Your beneficiary is the person (or persons) who will receive the death benefit proceeds of your life insurance policy if you die while your policy is in force. You may name multiple people as beneficiaries or you can name just one. If needed, most policies allow for a beneficiary designation change. Refer to your specific policy for details.

You are not locked into a life insurance policy, and can typically cancel it by ceasing to pay the premiums or by requesting that the policy be terminated by the insurance company.

Question 47

What is permanent and whole life insurance?

Accepted Answer

Permanent life insurance covers you for your whole life as long as you continue to pay your premiums. Whole life insurance is the main type of permanent life insurance you might encounter. This type of coverage often accumulates cash value that may increase the death benefit, or be accessed early by requesting a policy loan or withdrawal.

If the higher premiums are within budget, permanent life insurance can be a good option for those over the age of 65 who are interested in insurance that will accumulate cash value and will not end after a specific term.

We offer a guaranteed issue whole life insurance policy for individuals aged 65-85.

Question 48

What is term life insurance?

Accepted Answer

Term life insurance can be a simple and affordable option when compared to other types of insurance. It provides coverage for a set period of time or “term” (typically 10-30 years), and is designed to protect your dependents. If you pass away during the term period, your beneficiaries receive a lump-sum payment (referred to as the “death benefit”), which can be used to cover expenses or lost income related to your passing. You select a term based on how many years you need protection for your family.

You pay a monthly premium for the term to keep the policy in place (similar to car insurance or a subscription). If you were to pass away during the term, whoever you designate as a beneficiary will receive a lump-sum payment for the policy proceeds.

If you live through the duration of your term, you can either elect to let your life insurance coverage end, or in some cases, you may be able to renew your coverage. You can also re-apply for a new policy. Because life insurance premiums for new policies increase as you age, re-applying after your initial term means your rate will be much higher. So consider a term that lasts until you anticipate no longer needing financial protection for your loved ones.

If you pass away after the term ends and you have not renewed your coverage or bought a new policy, no benefit would be paid.

Question 49

Does Ethos offer a money-back guarantee?

Accepted Answer

Each policy has a 30-day free look period with a money-back guarantee. So if you aren't satisfied, you are eligible for a full refund if you cancel within the first 30 days after purchase.

After the first 30 days, you may cancel your policy whenever you want to, for any reason. There are no cancellation fees or penalties if you choose to cancel your policy.

Question 50

Which term length is right for me?

Accepted Answer

There’s no one-size-fits-all length.If you’re looking for coverage for the duration of your life that doesn’t expire, whole life insurance is likely your best bet. If you want coverage over a specific time period, especially a financially demanding one, term life insurance is a good option.

If you are purchasing term life insurance, it's recommended to choose a term length that covers your family for the number of years they would depend on you. When it comes to determining your term length, you may want a term that covers your family until:

You retire
Your children are grown and are no longer dependents
Your mortgage is paid off
You reach your savings goals

Question 51

What is underwriting?

Accepted Answer

After you submit an application, underwriting begins. Underwriting is the process life insurance companies use to determine whether they are able to offer life insurance coverage to applicants, and the premiums they charge. Factors including an applicant’s age, sex, health, lifestyle, contribute to the life insurance company’s decision.

Want to learn more about underwriting? Read this.

Question 52

What kind of life insurance do I need?

Accepted Answer

There are two main types of life insurance: term life insurance and permanent life insurance.

Term life insurance is typically the more simple and affordable option. It provides coverage for a set period of time or “term,” typically 10-30 years, and is designed to protect your dependents during your income-earning years. If you pass away during the term period, your beneficiaries will receive a lump-sum payment of the policy proceeds.

Permanent life insurance, which includes whole life insurance, provides coverage for your entire life. Some permanent life insurance policies let you access cash value with a policy loan, a withdrawal, or a partial surrender from the policy. Withdrawals, partial surrenders, and outstanding loans will usually reduce the amount paid to beneficiaries.

At Ethos, our goal is to ensure and protect as many families as possible. Offering term and guaranteed issue whole life insurance lets us do just that.

Term life insurance might be right for you, particularly if:

You need coverage to replace your income over a fixed period of time (like when you’re raising children or paying off a mortgage)
You want the most affordable coverage which provides insurance for a specific period of time (like while you are working and saving for retirement)
You want a streamlined and straightforward process to quickly provide your family with protection when they need it most (like while you are a wage earner, covering household expenses)

Guaranteed issue whole life insurance might be right for you, particularly if:

You’re between the ages of 65 and 85
You want a simple process without medical exams or lab tests
You thought you couldn’t get life insurance because of your age or health
You want your policy to build cash value
You want coverage for the rest of your life
You don’t want your family to have to worry about your final expenses
You’re willing to pay a higher premium for the unique benefits of this coverage

Question 53

When does my coverage begin?

Accepted Answer

Once your application qualifies for or is approved for coverage, a licensed Ethos agent will reach out about your policy details and you’ll have the ability to adjust the details of your coverage. When you accept your coverage and are charged for your first premium, you’ll be fully covered.

Question 54

When should I get life insurance?

Accepted Answer

Life insurance rates increase as you age, so the sooner you get it, the lower your premium will likely be. Applying soon means you can lock in your lowest rate. Owning life insurance is important if you have just purchased a home and need to cover the mortgage, if you've recently had a baby or have plans to in the future, or if you would like to provide income replacement for your family in the event of your untimely death.

Question 55

How do I file a claim?

Accepted Answer

When an insured person dies, it’s the responsibility of the beneficiary named on the policy to contact the insurance company to file a death claim. The insurance company will help the beneficiary with the claim process.

Beneficiaries may be able to choose between receiving the death benefit over time instead of as a lump sum payment. Refer to your specific insurance policy for details regarding all possible settlement options available to your beneficiaries at the time of claim processing.

Question 56

Who is eligible to apply for a policy with Ethos?

Accepted Answer

Age

All U.S. citizens and permanent residents ages of 20-85 can apply for coverage with Ethos. If you’re 65 and under, you can own term coverage until age 80. If you are over 65, a guaranteed issue whole life insurance policy might be an easy way for you to get coverage quickly.

Location

Ethos is licensed and operates in 49 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, excluding the state of New York.

If I already bought a policy from Ethos, can I apply for a second policy?

In short, no. If you already have a policy with us, you can’t apply for a second. If you try to apply for a second policy, you should receive a message stating you are ineligible to apply. If you’re looking for more coverage, you would need to cancel your current policy and reapply for higher coverage.

Question 57

Who are your investors?

Accepted Answer

Ethos is proud to be backed by leading investors, including Sequoia Capital, Accel, GV, Softbank Vision Fund 2, and the investment funds of Jay-Z, Will Smith, Kevin Durant, Robert Downey, Jr., and others.

Question 58

Why do I need an Ethos account to apply?

Accepted Answer

We ask that you create an Ethos account using your email address as an additional way to protect the private information you submit during the application process.

Question 59

Why does the application require so much information?

Accepted Answer

We ask you health and personal questions so that the underwriters can have a clear picture of your health and lifestyle while determining your insurability. Some of the information collected during the application process is used to verify your identity, but it is also used to expedite the underwriting process. This is part of what makes applying with Ethos much faster than a traditional paper application. To identify you, in part, we will ask for your Social Security number, driver license number, and credit card to help verify and protect your identity and to ward against insurance fraud. We want to make it easy for you to get insurance, but difficult for anyone who may be committing insurance fraud by trying to assume your identity. You will find that no matter how you shop for life insurance, you will be asked to provide this same information.

Finally, we ask you about your income and other insurance coverage you may have to help determine your coverage needs and eligibility. Once you are approved, we will let you know if you qualify for more insurance or if lessor insurance may be a better fit for your situation. At that point, you make the final decision regarding your coverage term, coverage amount, or the monthly premium you are most comfortable with.

Question 60

Will applying hurt my credit score?

Accepted Answer

Applying for a life insurance policy with Ethos will not affect your credit score. We run something called a soft credit check, which will not change your credit score.

Question 61

Will my premium ever change over time?

Accepted Answer

Nope! All term policies offered by Ethos have level premiums, meaning your price will never increase during your term—even as you age or if your health changes.

Question 62

Are Ethos products only for people in good health?

Accepted Answer

Ethos products can provide coverage for more than 95% of U.S. adults aged 18-85.

Question 63

Are non-citizens eligible for life insurance through Ethos?

Accepted Answer

U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents residing in the U.S. for the past 6 months are eligible to apply. Legal permanent residents should respond to the 'Place of birth' question with the name of the state in which they've been residing for the past 6+ months.

Question 64

How can I market Ethos products?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to promote Ethos life insurance by phone, on your website, via emails, or on social media, such as Facebook or LinkedIn with prior approval. Your agent portal will provide more information, including a video walk-through, email scripts, a digital advertising toolkit, and compliance guidelines.