# Ethos Life Insurance

> Founded in 2016 and publicly traded on Nasdaq (LIFE) as of January 2026, Ethos is an online life insurance platform connecting applicants with term life, whole life, Indexed Universal Life (IUL), and final expense insurance through multiple top-rated carriers. Eligible applicants can get covered in as little as 10 minutes without a medical exam, with term life coverage up to $3 million.

Ethos holds a BBB A+ rating, 4.9/5 on Trustpilot, and 4.6/5 on Google Business Profile. Ethos is licensed in 49 U.S. states plus Washington, D.C. (not available in New York). Content on Ethos.com is informational and educational and does not constitute financial, legal, or insurance advice; product availability, eligibility, pricing, features, and terms vary by state and individual circumstances.

Last reviewed: September 2026.

## Get Started

- [Get a Free Life Insurance Quote](https://www.ethos.com/): Apply for instant life insurance coverage - no medical exam, 100% online, with quotes in seconds
- [How It Works](https://www.ethos.com/how-it-works/): Ethos's online process from quote to coverage
- [Life Insurance Calculator](https://www.ethos.com/life/calculator/): Free interactive tool to estimate how much coverage you need and what it will cost, based on income, debts, and dependents

## Core Products

- [Life Insurance](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/): Life insurance overview - coverage types, how it works, and pricing
- [Term Life Insurance](https://www.ethos.com/life/term-life-policies/): How term life insurance works, what it costs, coverage lengths, and renewal options
- [Whole Life Insurance](https://www.ethos.com/life/whole-life-policies/): Ethos's traditional whole life - cash value, simplified underwriting, and who it fits
- [Indexed Universal Life (IUL) Insurance](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/what-is-indexed-universal-life-insurance-iul/): How IUL works - up to $1M in coverage without a medical exam, and whether it fits your goals
- [Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/guaranteed-issue-life-insurance/): Ethos's no-exam whole life for older applicants - coverage caps, waiting periods, and who it's for
- [Burial & Final Expense Insurance](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/final-expense-life-insurance/): Burial and final expense whole life insurance - how it works, policy types, costs, and waiting period rules
- [No Medical Exam Life Insurance](https://www.ethos.com/life/term-life-insurance-no-medical-exam/): Life insurance without a medical exam - policy types, costs by age, and how fast you can get approved

## Coverage by Term Length

- [10-Year Term Life Insurance](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/10-year-term-life-insurance/): Short-term coverage - costs by age, and why it fits a business loan or bridge to retirement
- [15-Year Term Life Insurance](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/15-year-term-life-insurance/): Fixed-premium coverage for 15 years - costs by age, and why it suits a mortgage payoff or retirement within 15 years
- [20-Year Term Life Insurance](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/20-year-term-life-insurance/): Fixed-premium coverage for 20 years - costs by age, and why it's the most common term for a mortgage or growing family
- [25-Year Term Life Insurance](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/25-year-term-life-insurance/): A middle ground between 20- and 30-year terms - costs by age, and why it fits
- [30-Year Term Life Insurance](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/30-year-term-life-insurance/): Fixed-premium coverage for 30 years - costs by age, and why it lines up with a standard 30-year mortgage
- [40-Year Term Life Insurance](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/40-year-term-life-insurance/): Longest term option - costs by age, and why it's mainly available to applicants under 45-50

## Coverage by Amount

- [$100K Life Insurance Policy](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/100000-life-insurance/): Costs by age, and why it often covers final expenses or debt more than full income replacement
- [$200K Life Insurance Policy](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/200000-life-insurance/): Costs by age, and whether $200K is enough to cover a mortgage or debts
- [$250K Life Insurance Policy](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/250000-life-insurance/): Costs by age and term, and why it fits a partial need better than full income replacement
- [$300K Life Insurance Policy](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/300000-life-insurance/): Costs by age, and how far it stretches for income replacement versus a mortgage
- [$400K Life Insurance Policy](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/400000-life-insurance/): Costs by age, and why it's often sized to cover lost income and new costs like childcare together
- [$500K Life Insurance Policy](https://www.ethos.com/life/500000-dollar-life-insurance-policy/): Costs by age, and whether $500K is enough
- [$750K Life Insurance Policy](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/750000-life-insurance/): Costs by age, and who typically needs this level of protection
- [$1M Life Insurance Policy](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/one-million-dollar-life-insurance-policy/): Costs by age, and why it's the most common amount for a mortgage-and-dependents household
- [$2M Life Insurance Policy](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/2-million-dollar-life-insurance/): Costs by age, and why large incomes or business loans often need this level
- [$3M Life Insurance Policy](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/3-million-dollar-life-insurance/): Costs by age, and the maximum coverage amount available to eligible applicants

## Core Concepts

- [How Does Life Insurance Work?](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/how-does-life-insurance-work/): Step-by-step explanation of how life insurance works, how policies pay out, and how beneficiaries receive coverage
- [Types of Life Insurance](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/types-of-life-insurance/): Overview of term, permanent, cash-value, and no-exam policy types to help you find the right fit
- [What Does Life Insurance Cover?](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/what-does-life-insurance-cover/): What life insurance covers - natural death, accidental death, illness, exclusions, and how coverage varies by policy type
- [Do I Need Life Insurance?](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/do-i-need-life-insurance/): Who typically needs life insurance, why it makes sense at different life stages, and how to decide if it's right for you
- [How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/how-much-life-insurance-do-i-need/): How to calculate the right coverage amount based on income, debts, and family needs
- [How to Buy Life Insurance](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/how-to-buy-life-insurance/): Step-by-step guide to buying life insurance - what affects rates, how to apply, and how to get covered quickly
- [Is Life Insurance Worth It?](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/is-life-insurance-worth-it/): When life insurance is worth the cost, how it protects your family, and which coverage type fits your needs
- [Is Term Life Insurance Worth It?](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/is-term-life-insurance-worth-it/): When term life makes sense, when it doesn't, and how to choose coverage based on age, family, and finances
- [Is Whole Life Insurance Worth It?](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/is-whole-life-insurance-worth-it/): When whole life makes sense, how cash value works, and how it compares to term life as an investment
- [Life Insurance Underwriting](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/life-insurance-underwriting/): How underwriting works, what factors are reviewed, how long it takes, and how to improve your approval chances

## Comparisons

- [Term Life vs Whole Life Insurance](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/whole-life-insurance-vs-term-life-insurance/): Key differences between term and whole life insurance to help you decide which policy type fits your needs
- [Term vs Permanent Life Insurance](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/term-vs-permanent-life-insurance/): How term and permanent life insurance differ in cost, coverage length, cash value, and long-term value
- [Universal Life vs Whole Life Insurance](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/whole-life-vs-universal-life-insurance/): Key differences between universal and whole life insurance - pros, cons, and which fits your financial goals
- [Burial Insurance vs Life Insurance](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/burial-insurance-vs-life-insurance/): How burial insurance and standard life insurance differ in coverage, cost, eligibility, and purpose
- [Life Insurance vs 401(k)](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/life-insurance-vs-401k/): How life insurance and 401(k) plans differ for retirement planning, including tax treatment and how to use both together

## Health Conditions & Eligibility

- [Life Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/with-a-preexisting-condition/): How insurers evaluate health history, which policy types are available, and how to find coverage with a pre-existing condition
- [Life Insurance for Diabetics](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/life-insurance-for-diabetics/): How diabetes affects eligibility and premiums, with policy options and tips for finding affordable coverage
- [Life Insurance for Smokers](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/life-insurance-for-smokers/): Life insurance options and pricing for smokers - how tobacco use affects rates and where to find coverage
- [Life Insurance for Cancer Patients](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/life-insurance-for-cancer-patients/): Eligibility, policy types, costs, and strategies for cancer patients and survivors seeking life insurance
- [Life Insurance for Heart Patients](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/life-insurance-after-heart-attack/): What's possible after a heart attack or with a heart condition - what insurers look for, costs, and how to improve your odds
- [Life Insurance for High-Risk Applicants](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/life-insurance-for-high-risk-applicants/): What insurers check for high-risk applicants, which policies may work, and how to improve your chances of approval
- [Disqualifying Conditions for Life Insurance](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/disqualifying-conditions-for-life-insurance/): Medical conditions, lifestyle factors, and application issues that may disqualify you at underwriting - and what options still exist
- [What to Do If You're Denied Life Insurance](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/what-to-do-if-you-are-denied-life-insurance/): Why insurers deny applications, what makes someone uninsurable, and how to still get covered after a denial

## Policy Mechanics & Claims

- [Life Insurance Beneficiary](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/life-insurance-beneficiary/): How beneficiary rules work, primary vs contingent designations, payout options, tax implications, and when to update your policy
- [Life Insurance Riders](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/life-insurance-riders/): Optional policy add-ons - types, costs, when they're worth it, and how to choose the right riders
- [Cash Value Life Insurance](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/what-is-cash-value-life-insurance/): How cash value life insurance works and which policies include it
- [Life Insurance Death Benefit](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/life-insurance-death-benefit/): How death benefits work, how payouts are taxed, and how to ensure beneficiaries receive the full amount
- [What Disqualifies a Life Insurance Payout?](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/reasons-life-insurance-wont-pay-out/): Common reasons life insurance claims are denied - contestability, unpaid premiums, exclusions - and how to avoid them
- [Life Insurance Exclusions](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/life-insurance-exclusions/): Common exclusions - suicide clauses, fraud, high-risk activities, contestability periods - and when insurers may deny a claim
- [How to File a Life Insurance Claim](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/life-insurance-claims-process/): Step-by-step guide to filing a claim - documents needed, payout timelines, and what to expect during review
- [How Long Does a Life Insurance Payout Take?](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/how-long-does-life-insurance-take-to-pay-out/): Typical payout timelines, what causes delays, and how beneficiaries can speed up the process

## About Ethos

- [About Ethos](https://www.ethos.com/about/): Ethos company background and mission - reimagining life insurance as a fast, fully online experience
- [Life Insurance Reviews & Ratings](https://www.ethos.com/reviews/): Verified customer reviews and Ethos ratings on BBB, Google, and Trustpilot
- [Carriers](https://www.ethos.com/carriers/): Top-rated life insurance carrier partners that underwrite Ethos policies

## Support

- [Contact & Support](https://www.ethos.com/contact-us/): For policy-specific questions, claims inquiries, or account support
- [FAQs](https://www.ethos.com/faq/): Answers to common questions on eligibility, policies, coverage, and account access

## By Life Stage & Demographics

- [Life Insurance in Your 20s](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/life-insurance-in-your-20s/): Why locking in coverage early pays off, and what it typically costs at this age
- [Life Insurance in Your 30s](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/life-insurance-in-your-30s/): How mortgages, marriage, and kids change coverage needs in your 30s
- [Life Insurance in Your 40s](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/life-insurance-in-your-40s/): How needs and costs shift in your 40s, and how to reassess existing coverage
- [Life Insurance for Young Adults](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/life-insurance-for-young-adults/): How to choose between policy types and coverage amounts as a young adult in your 20s or 30s buying your first policy
- [Why Getting Life Insurance Young Is a Smart Financial Move](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/why-you-should-buy-life-insurance-when-you-are-young/): How locking in a policy early affects your rate for decades, and the real cost of waiting
- [Life Insurance for People Over 50](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/life-insurance-over-50/): How life insurance works after 50, what it costs, and which coverage types make sense at this life stage
- [Life Insurance for Seniors Over 60](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/life-insurance-for-seniors-over-60/): Best life insurance options for 60+ applicants with cost data by age and gender for term, whole life, and no-exam policies
- [Life Insurance for Seniors Over 70](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/life-insurance-for-seniors-over-70/): Life insurance options at 70+, including term vs whole life, final expense coverage, and age limits
- [Life Insurance for New Parents](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/life-insurance-for-new-parents/): Why life insurance matters for new parents, how much coverage you need, and the best policy options for growing families
- [Family Life Insurance](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/life-insurance-for-families/): How to build a coverage plan across multiple family members and life stages, from choosing amounts to coordinating policies for both parents
- [Life Insurance for Children](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/life-insurance-for-children/): How child life insurance works, what it costs, types of policies available, and whether it's the right decision
- [Life Insurance for Aging Parents](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/life-insurance-for-parents/): How life insurance for parents works - eligibility, costs, and policy options for older parents
- [Joint Life Insurance for Married Couples](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/joint-life-insurance-for-married-couples/): How joint life insurance works for couples, how it compares to individual policies, and when separate coverage makes more sense
- [Life Insurance for Women](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/life-insurance-for-women/): Why life insurance matters for women and how to choose the right policy - whether working, parenting, or managing the home
- [Life Insurance for the Self-Employed](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/life-insurance-for-self-employed/): Life insurance options for self-employed individuals without employer-sponsored benefits - how to choose and what to avoid

## Best-Of Roundups

- [Best Life Insurance Companies](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/best-life-insurance-companies/): Expert-reviewed comparison of top-rated life insurance providers by coverage, policy types, and financial strength
- [Best Term Life Insurance Companies](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/best-term-life-insurance-companies/): Expert-reviewed top term life providers compared by coverage options and financial strength
- [Best Whole Life Insurance Companies](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/best-whole-life-insurance-companies/): Expert-reviewed top whole life insurers for lifetime coverage and cash value growth
- [Best Universal Life Insurance Companies](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/best-universal-life-insurance-companies/): Expert-reviewed top universal life providers for flexible premiums, adjustable coverage, and cash value growth
- [Best Burial Insurance Companies](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/best-burial-insurance-companies/): Expert-reviewed top burial insurance companies for affordable final expense plans
- [Best No-Exam Life Insurance Companies](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/best-no-medical-exam-life-insurance-companies/): Expert comparison of top no-exam providers by coverage limits and underwriting type
- [Best Instant Life Insurance Companies](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/best-instant-life-insurance-companies/): Fastest-approval life insurance providers evaluated on speed, coverage limits, and financial strength
- [Cheapest Life Insurance Companies](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/best-cheap-life-insurance-companies/): Expert-reviewed most affordable life insurance companies compared by rates and coverage
- [Best Life Insurance Companies for Seniors](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/best-life-insurance-companies-for-seniors/): Expert-reviewed top providers for seniors by eligibility, coverage options, and retirement-stage plans
- [Best Life Insurance Companies for Young Adults](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/best-life-insurance-companies-for-young-adults/): Affordable term and whole life options from top insurers for buyers in their 20s and 30s
- [Best Family Life Insurance Companies](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/best-family-life-insurance-companies/): Expert-reviewed top family life insurance providers, from no-exam options to 40-year terms

## Tax & Financial

- [Is Life Insurance Taxable?](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/is-life-insurance-taxable/): How life insurance payouts are taxed - when taxes apply across income, estate, and cash-value scenarios
- [Do Beneficiaries Pay Taxes on Life Insurance?](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/do-beneficiaries-pay-taxes-on-life-insurance/): When life insurance benefits are taxable, how estate taxes apply, and how to keep payouts tax-free
- [Is Life Insurance Tax Deductible?](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/is-life-insurance-tax-deductible/): Why most premiums aren't deductible, when businesses and charities may qualify, and what tax advantages still apply
- [Life Insurance as an Investment](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/life-insurance-as-an-investment/): How cash value works as an investment, when it makes sense, and how to weigh it against traditional investing
- [Can You Cash Out a Life Insurance Policy?](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/can-you-cash-out-a-life-insurance-policy/): Cash value options - withdrawing, borrowing, or surrendering - including taxes, penalties, and alternatives
- [How Does a Life Insurance Payout Work?](https://www.ethos.com/life-insurance/how-does-a-life-insurance-payout-work/): How payouts are made to beneficiaries, tax treatment, and available payout options

## Reference Files

- [Sitemap](https://www.ethos.com/sitemap.xml): Primary XML sitemap for Ethos.com
- [Robots.txt](https://www.ethos.com/robots.txt): Official crawl guidance for bots and search engines