Have you heard about Ethos Life Insurance and wondered if it’s worth it? If you’re shopping for life insurance, Ethos might’ve caught your eye with its slick online process and no-fuss vibe. But is it actually a solid choice, or just another flashy option in a crowded market? They promise quick applications, affordable rates, and policies that fit your lifestyle, but how do they really good for you?
Table of Contents
What is Ethos Life Insurance?
Ethos Life Insurance is a digital insurance agency founded in 2016. Its mission is to make life insurance affordable, accessible, and simple. Unlike traditional insurers, Ethos doesn’t underwrite policies itself. Instead, it partners with established companies like Ameritas, Legal & General America, TruStage, Senior Life Insurance Company, Mutual of Omaha, and, as of January 2025, Protective Life (Ethos and Protective Collaborate).
Ethos focuses on a seamless customer experience. You can get a quote, apply, and often get approved online in minutes. There are just a few health questions that might be required. This makes Ethos appealing for those who want quick, hassle-free coverage.
Policy Offerings
Ethos offers two main types of life insurance: term life and whole life. Here’s a closer look:
Term Life Insurance
- Who It’s For: Ages 20 to 65.
- Coverage Amounts: $20,000 to $2 million, depending on your health and other factors.
- Term Lengths: 10, 15, 20, or 30 years, with a new option for 40 years through Protective Life (Ethos and Protective Life Partner).
- Key Features: No medical exam required; answer health questions online. Policies can be renewed up to age 94, but the death benefit may decrease with renewals.
- Additional Notes: Includes an accelerated death benefit rider for terminal illness, though other riders are limited.
Whole Life Insurance
- Who It’s For: Ages 66 to 85.
- Coverage Amounts: $1,000 to $30,000.
- Key Features: Guaranteed approval with no medical exam. Provides lifelong coverage as long as premiums are paid. Has a graded death benefit, meaning beneficiaries may receive only premiums paid plus interest if the insured dies within the first few years (typically two).
New Developments
In January 2025, Ethos partnered with Protective Life to offer term life insurance with term periods from 10 to 40 years and coverage up to $2 million. This expands options for customers seeking longer-term coverage (Ethos Press).
| Policy Type | Age Range | Coverage Amount | Term Length | Medical Exam Required? |
| Term Life | 20-65 | $20,000-$2M | 10-40 years | No |
| Whole Life | 66-85 | $1,000-$30,000 | Lifelong | No |
Pros and Cons of Ethos Life Insurance
Like any provider, Ethos has strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a balanced look:
Pros
- Easy Online Application: The entire process is digital, making it convenient for tech-savvy users.
- No Medical Exam: Ideal for those with health concerns or who want to skip a physical.
- Same-Day Coverage: Many policies are approved and effective immediately, offering quick peace of mind.
- Competitive Rates: While not always the cheapest, rates are reasonable for no-exam policies.
- Trusted Carriers: Policies are backed by financially strong insurers, ensuring reliability.
Cons
- Limited Customization: Few riders or add-ons are available, which may not suit those wanting tailored coverage.
- No Conversion Option: No-exam term policies can’t be converted to permanent life insurance.
- Age Restrictions: Whole life is only for ages 66-85, and term life is for ages 20-65.
- Mixed Customer Service Feedback: Some users report issues with policy cancellations or communication.
Cost Comparison
The cost of Ethos life insurance depends on factors like age, coverage amount, and policy type. Here are some examples for a 20-year term policy with $500,000 coverage.
- Female, Age 40: ~$348/year
- Male, Age 40: ~$456/year
- Female, Age 50: ~$840/year
- Male, Age 50: ~$1,068/year
Compared to competitors, Ethos’ rates may be slightly higher. For example, Legal & General America offers a similar policy for a 40-year-old female at ~$282/year. However, Ethos’ no-exam process and same-day approval can justify the cost for those prioritizing convenience.
| Age | Gender | Coverage Amount | Annual Cost (Ethos) | Competitor Example (Legal & General) |
| 40 | Female | $500,000 | $348 | $282 |
| 40 | Male | $500,000 | $456 | Not specified |
| 50 | Female | $500,000 | $840 | Not specified |
| 50 | Male | $500,000 | $1,068 | Not specified |
Customer Reviews
Customer feedback on Ethos is generally positive. On Trustpilot, Ethos has a 4.8 out of 5-star rating, with users praising the easy application process and helpful agents. The Better Business Bureau gives Ethos a 4.46 out of 5 stars, with similar comments about the digital experience.
However, some negative reviews exist. Customers have reported challenges canceling policies or resolving issues post-purchase. For example, one BBB complaint described difficulties contacting Ethos and unprofessional customer service. While these are not the majority, they suggest areas for improvement (ConsumerAffairs).
Financial Strength of Carriers
Since Ethos doesn’t underwrite policies, the financial stability of its partners is crucial. Ethos works with reputable insurers, all with strong AM Best ratings.
- Ameritas: A (Excellent)
- Legal & General America: A+ (Superior)
- TruStage: A (Excellent)
- Mutual of Omaha: A+ (Superior)
- Protective Life: A+ (Superior)
These ratings indicate that Ethos’ partners are financially stable and likely to pay claims, providing peace of mind for policyholders.
| Carrier | AM Best Rating |
| Ameritas | A (Excellent) |
| Legal & General America | A+ (Superior) |
| TruStage | A (Excellent) |
| Mutual of Omaha | A+ (Superior) |
| Protective Life | A+ (Superior) |
Is Ethos Life Insurance Good?
So, is Ethos Life Insurance a good choice? It depends on your needs and priorities.
Why Ethos Might Be Right for You
Ethos excels in simplicity and speed. It’s a fully online process, with no medical exam policies, and same-day approvals make it ideal for:
- Young to middle-aged adults (20-65) seeking term life insurance.
- Seniors (66-85) looking for guaranteed whole life coverage.
- Those who value convenience and a hassle-free experience.
The strong financial ratings of its carrier partners ensure reliability, and recent developments like the Protective Life partnership show Ethos is expanding its reach.
When to Look Elsewhere
Ethos may not be the best fit if:
- You need highly customized policies with multiple riders.
- You want the option to convert term life to whole life.
- You’re looking for the absolute lowest rates.
- You’re outside the age ranges for their policies.
Some customer complaints about post-purchase support suggest you should be prepared for potential challenges if issues arise.
Making an Informed Decision
Ethos is a strong contender for those prioritizing ease and speed. Its digital platform and no-exam policies are game-changers for many. However, comparing quotes from multiple providers is always wise to ensure you’re getting the best value for your needs.
Conclusion
Ethos Life Insurance offers a modern, user-friendly way to buy life insurance. Its digital-first approach, no-medical-exam policies, and partnerships with financially strong carriers make it a compelling choice for many. While it may not offer the most customization or the lowest rates, its convenience and quick approvals are hard to beat.
If you’re considering Ethos, weigh your priorities. If simplicity and speed are key, Ethos could be a great fit. If you need more flexibility or lower costs, shop around. Life insurance is a big decision, so take the time to find the right policy for you and your loved ones.
