Best No-Exam Life Insurance Companies in 2026

Q: Which type of no-exam life insurance is best for most people?

For many applicants, term life insurance with accelerated underwriting offers the best balance of affordability and coverage. Eligible individuals can often qualify for higher coverage amounts without a medical exam, while premiums are typically lower than those for permanent or guaranteed issue policies. Other no-exam options include whole life and final expense insurance, which are usually offered through simplified or guaranteed issue underwriting. These policies provide permanent coverage but generally have lower coverage limits and higher premiums compared with term life insurance. Availability, eligibility, and pricing vary by company and underwriting approach.

Q: How much coverage can I get from a no-exam life insurance policy?

Coverage limits depend on the underwriting type and the company offering the policy. Accelerated underwriting term policies can reach several million dollars for eligible applicants, while simplified issue policies are typically capped at lower amounts. Guaranteed issue life insurance products usually offer smaller coverage amounts designed to cover final expenses.

Q: Are no-exam life insurance rates higher, and what factors affect the price?

No-exam life insurance rates can be higher than fully underwritten policies because companies take on more risk without a medical exam. Pricing is influenced by factors such as age, health history, coverage amount, policy type, and the underwriting method used. Each company applies these factors differently.

Q: What’s the difference between traditional and digital no-exam life insurance companies?

Digital no-exam life insurance companies use online applications, automated underwriting, and third-party data to deliver faster decisions with minimal paperwork. Traditional life insurance companies may also offer no-exam policies, but often pair them with more established underwriting processes and agent guidance. Both options can provide no-exam coverage and quicker approval, though speed, pricing, and eligibility vary by company and policy.

Getting life insurance no longer requires a medical exam for every applicant. Many life insurance companies now offer no-exam life insurance that allows eligible applicants to apply and receive a decision without blood tests, lab work, or in-person exams. These no medical exam options are popular with people who want a faster application process or prefer to apply online while still working with established insurance companies. This guide compares the best no-exam life insurance companies of 2026, focusing on approval speed, coverage options, and available policy types.

No-exam life insurance can be a good fit for people who want faster coverage or prefer an online application, though coverage limits and pricing may differ from fully underwritten policies. The companies below represent a mix of digital platforms and traditional insurers offering life insurance without a medical exam.

Ethos: Best overall digital no-exam platform
Fabric: Best all-digital experience from a single carrier
State Farm: Best for smaller term and final expense coverage
Penn Mutual: Best for high coverage limits
Banner Life (formerly Legal & General America): Best for term-length options
Pacific Life: Best for term conversions
Nationwide: Best for instant decisions on smaller policies
AARP (New York Life): Best for seniors

Last updated: February 05, 2026

Compare the Best No-Exam Life Insurance Companies

The table below compares no-exam life insurance companies by policy type and maximum coverage available through simplified or accelerated underwriting, which relies on application information and third-party data rather than medical exams.

Company	Policy Type	Max Coverage
Ethos (digital platform)	Term, Guaranteed Issue Whole Life, Indexed UL	~$3M (term); varies for GIWL and IUL
Fabric (digital platform)	Term (issued by Western & Southern)	~$1.5M - $3M depending on eligibility
State Farm	Term, Final Expense	~$250K (term); ~$25K (final expense)
Penn Mutual	Term and Permanent (participating Whole Life; select UL); Accelerated Underwriting	~$10M
Banner (formerly Legal & General America)	Term (10-40 years), Convertible Term, Universal Life	About ~$2M, depending on risk profile
Pacific Life	Simplified Issue Term, Universal Life	~$3M
Nationwide	Term (instant decision), Final Expense	~$500K+ (Term); lower for burial/final expense coverage
AARP/New York Life	Simplified Issue Term, Whole Life	~$150K

Swipe to see more data

No-Exam Life Insurance Coverage Limits Explained

Coverage limits for no-exam life insurance vary widely by company and underwriting approach. Some insurers offer coverage in the millions through accelerated underwriting, while others focus on smaller policies intended to cover final expenses or burial costs.

Eligibility and maximum coverage depend on factors such as age, health history, and risk class. Because underwriting rules differ by company, comparing coverage limits and eligibility guidelines can help set realistic expectations before applying.

How We Chose the Best No-Exam Life Insurance Companies

To identify the best no-exam life insurance companies, we applied clear selection criteria focused on underwriting approach, coverage limits, financial strength, and overall consumer experience.

Financial strength: We prioritized companies with strong financial stability, focusing on insurers rated A- or higher by AM Best, along with ratings from other major agencies when available.
Availability of accelerated underwriting: Preference was given to companies that offer accelerated underwriting pathways, allowing eligible applicants to skip medical exams while still qualifying for higher coverage amounts.
Maximum coverage without medical exams: We compared the highest coverage limits available through no-exam options, recognizing that limits vary by age, health profile, and underwriting method.
Customer satisfaction and complaint context: We reviewed complaint data and customer experience indicators from established sources to understand how companies perform after policies are issued.
Speed and ease of application: Companies were evaluated on how quickly applicants can complete the application, receive a decision, and put coverage in place.
Policy types offered: We considered the range of no-exam policy options available, including term life, whole life, final expense, and select permanent policies.
Independent editorial recognition: We referenced rankings and reviews from established third-party outlets such as MoneyGeek, Investopedia, NerdWallet, and Forbes to help validate overall consumer value.

Why Choose No-Exam Life Insurance?

No-exam life insurance has become more popular in recent years because it removes one of the biggest barriers to getting coverage: the medical exam.

Instead of scheduling a nurse visit, providing blood or urine samples, and waiting weeks for lab results, eligible applicants can apply and receive a decision through a faster, simpler process.

Why No-Exam Life Insurance Companies Are Gaining Popularity

Advances in accelerated underwriting have made no exam life insurance more widely available. Many insurers now use application responses and digital data, such as prescription history and available medical records, to evaluate risk without requiring in person exams. As a result, both digital platforms and traditional insurance companies have expanded their no medical exam life insurance options. Some now offer higher coverage limits than in the past, while others focus on smaller policies designed to cover final expenses.

Convenience and Speed

For many people, the biggest advantage is how quickly coverage can begin. In some cases, approval takes just minutes, and policies can be active within days instead of weeks. This can be especially helpful for families who want protection in place quickly.

When It Makes Sense

No-exam life insurance may be a good fit for:

Busy applicants who don’t want to schedule lab work
People who prefer a fully online application process
Older adults seeking smaller coverage amounts for final expenses
Applicants with minor health concerns

Trade-Offs to Consider

The convenience of no-exam life insurance can come with limitations:

Premiums may be higher than fully underwritten policies
Coverage limits can be capped
Some applicants may still be asked to complete a medical exam

Two Ways to Buy No-Exam Life Insurance

Not all no-exam life insurance companies operate the same way. Some act as digital platforms that connect applicants with partner insurers, while others are traditional carriers that issue and underwrite policies directly. Understanding the difference can help you know who is actually providing your coverage and what kind of experience to expect.

Digital Platforms and Online Providers

Digital platforms like Ethos and Fabric focus on speed and convenience through streamlined, online applications. With Ethos, applicants complete a single application, and the platform matches them with coverage from a partner carrier based on eligibility. This model emphasizes flexibility and fast decisions, though the issuing insurance company may vary from one applicant to another.

Fabric takes a slightly different approach by partnering with a single issuing carrier to offer term life insurance online. Fabric also offers tools like a mobile app and family finance features, making it a good fit for those who want an all-digital experience backed by a known insurer.

Ethos, Fabric, and other digital-first providers are popular choices for applicants who value a faster, more streamlined application experience without a medical exam.

Direct Insurance Carriers

These are traditional insurance companies, such as State Farm, Penn Mutual, or Nationwide. When you buy a policy, you know the insurer’s name up front, and your policy is directly underwritten by that company.

These carriers may appeal to applicants who prefer working directly with a well-known insurance company, want clearer visibility into who is issuing the policy, or value agent support alongside no-exam options.

Any of these options can work depending on whether you value a familiar brand name or a fully online, flexible process.

In-Depth Reviews of the Best No-Exam Life Insurance Companies

Below are our reviews of best no-exam life insurance providers, chosen for financial strength, customer experience, and the breadth of no-exam policy options. Many are also recognized by independent sources like MoneyGeek, U.S. News, Investopedia, NerdWallet, and Forbes. Each review covers who the company is best for and the key trade-offs to keep in mind.

Ethos

Quick snapshot: No-exam term life insurance up to about $3 million; online application with instant decisions. Applicants answer just a few health questions.
Stand-out features: Entirely digital process; coverage available quickly. A variety of coverage options from various insurance companies, including term, whole life, and indexed universal life.
Best for: Applicants who want a fast, online-first experience.
Unique offerings: Matches applicants with leading carriers; also provides guaranteed issue whole life for seniors.

Fabric

Quick snapshot: Term life insurance available online, with many applicants qualifying for no-exam coverage. Policies are issued by Western & Southern Life Assurance Company.
Stand-out features: Fast, 10-minute digital application; policies can be managed through a mobile app; includes family finance tools.
Best for: Applicants who want a simple, all-digital process from a single established insurer and are interested in term coverage only.
Unique offerings: Bundles life insurance with financial-planning features for families.

State Farm

Quick snapshot: No-exam term and final expense life insurance; rated “Best Instant Coverage” by US News.¹
Stand-out features: Strong customer service and financial stability.
Best for: Applicants looking for both term and final expense coverage.
Unique offerings: Local agent network; wide choice of riders.

Penn Mutual (The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company)

Quick snapshot: Offers accelerated underwriting for applicants up to age 65, with no medical exam required for coverage amounts up to $10 million. Available for both term and permanent policies.
Stand-out features: Exceptional financial strength ratings and one of the lowest customer complaint rates among major insurers. Ranked “Best Overall” and “Best for High Coverage” by Investopedia.²
Best for: Applicants seeking high coverage amounts without a medical exam, or those who prefer the stability of a mutual company.
Unique offerings: The highest no-exam coverage limit currently available, far exceeding most competitors.

Quick snapshot: Offers a wide range of term life policies in 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40-year options. Ranked 4.7 out of 5 for overall performance by NerdWallet.³
Stand-out features: Convertible term policies; accelerated death benefit riders; relatively low complaint rates; longer term options (35-40 yrs) not offered by all carriers.
Best for: Those wanting longer terms, solid overall reputation, and flexibility in converting to permanent coverage. Offers several affordable options.
Unique offerings: Broad term lengths including up to 35 and 40 years which is uncommon in the industry; backed by Legal & General for financial stability.

Pacific Life

Quick snapshot: Rated as “Best Overall” by Forbes Advisor⁴ and MoneyGeek⁵ among companies that offer no-exam options.
Stand-out features: Term lengths available for 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years. Solid financial ratings; competitive pricing for men and women.
Best for: Applicants who want to work with a long-established insurer.
Unique offerings: Term conversion available at any point before age 70 to a new universal life policy, with several competitive UL products available for conversion.

Nationwide

Quick snapshot: Instant decision term and burial insurance, no medical exam required. Rated “Best for Instant Decision” and “Best for Burial Insurance” by Investopedia.²
Stand-out features: Reliable underwriting with flexible coverage options. Strong customer satisfaction ratings, including an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.⁵
Best for: Quick approvals, especially for smaller coverage amounts. Instant decisions available on 10- and 20-year term policies for applicants between 21 and 55.
Unique offerings: Balance of speed and affordability.

AARP (underwritten by New York Life)

Quick snapshot: No-exam policies up to about $150,000 ($100,000 in New York).
Stand-out features: Simplified application designed for older adults. Term coverage can last until age 80, with conversion options available before then.
Best for: Seniors seeking smaller coverage amounts, rated as “Best Overall” by Insuranceopedia.⁶
Unique offerings: Endorsed by AARP; backed by New York Life.

Expert Tip

What data do no-exam life insurance companies use to approve (or decline) applicants, and how does that affect your rate?

Instead of requiring a medical exam, no-exam life insurance companies evaluate risk using existing data sources. This may typically include your application responses, prescription drug history, available medical records, Medical Information Bureau (MIB) reports, and driving history, but may vary depending on the product type.

When these data points reflect stable, well-managed health, applicants may qualify for lower rates or higher coverage through accelerated underwriting. Inconsistent or higher-risk data can result in higher premiums, reduced coverage limits, or a request for a traditional medical exam.

Noby Bakshi

Senior Director Life Underwriting

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How to Choose the Best No-Exam Life Insurance Company

No two no-exam policies are the same. The right choice depends on how much coverage you need, how long you want it to last, and how much you’re comfortable spending for premiums. It also helps to understand the different types of underwriting used and how insurers vary in financial strength.

Coverage Needs vs Premium Cost

Start by thinking about how much protection your family would need if you weren’t around. Larger policies naturally cost more, and with no-exam insurance the premiums are often higher than fully underwritten policies. A smaller policy may be affordable and still cover final expenses, while a higher face amount could provide ongoing income replacement.

Coverage Limits and Eligibility Requirements

No-exam coverage limits vary based on the underwriting approach used. Accelerated underwriting generally allows for higher coverage amounts, while simplified and guaranteed issue policies are capped lower. Age, health history, and risk factors can also affect eligibility, and some applicants may still be asked to complete a medical exam if they fall outside a company’s no-exam guidelines.

Term vs Whole Life vs Final Expense

Term life insurance: Covers you for a set period (such as 10, 20, or 30 years). Often the most affordable way to buy higher amounts of coverage without a medical exam.
Whole life insurance: Permanent coverage that lasts for life, usually with smaller no-exam coverage limits. Premiums are higher but fixed.
Final expense policies: Small whole life policies (often $5,000 to $25,000) designed to cover funeral and end-of-life costs, with simplified applications.

Financial Strength and Customer Satisfaction of the Insurer

A life insurance policy is only as strong as the company behind it. Check financial strength ratings from agencies such as AM Best to confirm that the insurer can meet its long-term obligations. Customer service reviews can also give insight into how easy it is to manage your policy or file a claim.

Guaranteed Issue vs Simplified Issue vs Accelerated Underwriting

Not all no-exam life insurance policies work the same way. Some guarantee approval, while others use health questions or digital records to make faster underwriting decisions. Understanding these differences can help set expectations around coverage limits, cost, and eligibility.

Accelerated underwriting: Uses digital health data (like prescription history and/or medical records) to make quick decisions without a medical exam. Coverage limits are typically the highest among no-exam options.
Guaranteed issue: Approval is guaranteed, with no health questions asked. Coverage amounts are usually small, and premiums are higher. Often used for final expense policies.
Simplified issue: Requires a short health questionnaire but no medical exam. Coverage is higher than guaranteed issue but still limited compared to fully underwritten policies.

Please note that all prices quoted are subject to change, including due to underwriting.

FAQs on Best No-Exam Life Insurance Companies

Which type of no-exam life insurance is best for most people?

For many applicants, term life insurance with accelerated underwriting offers the best balance of affordability and coverage. Eligible individuals can often qualify for higher coverage amounts without a medical exam, while premiums are typically lower than those for permanent or guaranteed issue policies.

Other no-exam options include whole life and final expense insurance, which are usually offered through simplified or guaranteed issue underwriting. These policies provide permanent coverage but generally have lower coverage limits and higher premiums compared with term life insurance. Availability, eligibility, and pricing vary by company and underwriting approach.

What are the best no-exam life insurance companies in 2026?

The best no-exam life insurance companies in 2026 are those that combine strong financial ratings with reliable no-exam underwriting options and a clear application process. The right company depends on factors such as your age, health profile, coverage needs, and whether you prefer a digital platform or a traditional insurance company.

Many top-rated providers offer accelerated underwriting, allowing eligible applicants to qualify for higher coverage amounts without a medical exam.

How much coverage can I get from a no-exam life insurance policy?

Coverage limits depend on the underwriting type and the company offering the policy. Accelerated underwriting term policies can reach several million dollars for eligible applicants, while simplified issue policies are typically capped at lower amounts. Guaranteed issue life insurance products usually offer smaller coverage amounts designed to cover final expenses.

Are no-exam life insurance rates higher, and what factors affect the price?

No-exam life insurance rates can be higher than fully underwritten policies because companies take on more risk without a medical exam. Pricing is influenced by factors such as age, health history, coverage amount, policy type, and the underwriting method used. Each company applies these factors differently.

Can I qualify for no-exam life insurance if I have a medical condition?

It depends on the policy type and the company’s underwriting rules. Some companies using simplified or accelerated underwriting may still approve applicants with manageable health conditions, though premiums may be higher. Guaranteed issue policies accept all applicants regardless of medical history, but coverage amounts are smaller and may include a waiting period.

How fast can I get approved by a no-exam life insurance company?

Approval times vary by company, policy type, and underwriting method. Accelerated underwriting can lead to instant decisions or approval within a few days. Simplified issue policies often take several days to about a week, while guaranteed issue coverage is usually issued quickly, with policies often becoming active within days.

What’s the difference between traditional and digital no-exam life insurance companies?

Digital no-exam life insurance companies use online applications, automated underwriting, and third-party data to deliver faster decisions with minimal paperwork. Traditional life insurance companies may also offer no-exam policies, but often pair them with more established underwriting processes and agent guidance. Both options can provide no-exam coverage and quicker approval, though speed, pricing, and eligibility vary by company and policy.

Is financial strength important when choosing a no-exam life insurance company?

Yes. Financial strength is an important factor when choosing a no-exam life insurance company. Life insurance is a long-term commitment, and an insurer’s financial stability helps ensure it can pay future claims and support policies over time. Checking ratings from independent agencies such as AM Best can provide insight into a company’s ability to meet its long-term obligations.

What should I look for when choosing a no-exam life insurance company?

When choosing a no-exam life insurance company, look at coverage limits, underwriting type, premium cost, and the insurer’s financial strength. Some companies offer higher coverage amounts through accelerated underwriting, while others focus on smaller policies such as final expense insurance. Comparing eligibility requirements, pricing, and long-term reliability can help you choose a policy that fits your needs.