Direct Answer
Several insurers provide life insurance without requiring a medical exam, typically called simplified issue or guaranteed issue policies. Major carriers that regularly offer these options include AIG, Banner Life, Colonial Life, Prudential, and Mutual of Omaha, along with newer digital providers such as Ethos, Haven Life, and Fabric.
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How No‑Exam Policies Differ
These policies replace the traditional physical exam and extensive lab work with a brief health questionnaire. Because the insurer has less medical data, premiums are higher than fully underwritten policies and coverage limits are often lower. Two main types exist:
- Simplified issue – asks 3‑5 health questions, offers coverage up to $500,000, and typically approves within days.
- Guaranteed issue – requires no health questions, guarantees acceptance, but limits face amounts (often $25,000‑$50,000) and includes a graded death benefit for the first two years.
Key Companies and Their Offerings
The following table summarizes the most common no‑exam providers, the type of policy they focus on, and typical coverage limits.
| Company | Policy Type | Typical Max Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| AIG | Simplified Issue | $500,000 |
| Banner Life | Simplified Issue | $500,000 |
| Colonial Life | Guaranteed Issue | $25,000 |
| Prudential | Simplified Issue | $500,000 |
| Mutual of Omaha | Guaranteed Issue | $25,000 |
| Ethos | Simplified Issue (online) | $500,000 |
| Haven Life | Simplified Issue (via MassMutual) | $500,000 |
| Fabric | Simplified Issue (online) | $500,000 |
Eligibility Considerations
Even without a physical exam, insurers still evaluate risk based on age, gender, smoking status, and the answers you provide. Applicants over 70, heavy smokers, or those with serious chronic conditions may be limited to guaranteed‑issue products or denied entirely.
Pros and Cons
Benefits include fast approval, convenience, and accessibility for those who cannot undergo a medical exam. Drawbacks are higher premiums, lower face amounts, and sometimes a graded death benefit that pays only a portion of the claim if death occurs within the first two policy years.
Choosing the Right Provider
Compare quote tools from multiple carriers, focus on the premium-to‑coverage ratio, and read the fine print on exclusions and the graded benefit period. For healthy individuals seeking larger coverage, simplified‑issue policies from AIG, Banner Life, or Ethos often deliver the best balance of speed and cost. Those with significant health issues may need a guaranteed‑issue product from Colonial Life or Mutual of Omaha, accepting the lower face value in exchange for assured acceptance.