Introduction
Not everyone wants to undergo a medical exam to buy life insurance. Busy professionals, individuals with pre‑existing conditions and people who simply dislike needles appreciate the convenience of no‑exam policies. These plans allow you to skip the traditional physical and still get coverage, though premiums may be higher because insurers have less information about your health. With advancements in data analytics, insurers can evaluate applicants using prescription databases and lifestyle questionnaires rather than lab tests. For 2026, the market for no‑exam life insurance remains strong as more companies offer simplified issue or accelerated underwriting options. This article explains no‑exam life insurance, what to look for in a provider and which companies (and brokers) lead the pack.
What No‑Medical‑Exam Life Insurance Is & Why It Matters
No‑medical‑exam life insurance is a policy you can buy without undergoing a physical exam or lab tests. Progressive notes that these policies, also called simplified issue or guaranteed issue, rely on health questionnaires or prescription checks instead of a medical exam. They are designed for people who might have trouble qualifying for traditional underwriting or who want coverage quickly. Simplified issue policies allow you to skip the exam but answer medical questions; guaranteed issue policies ask no health questions and accept almost all applicants, though coverage limits are lower and premiums higher. Because the insurer assumes more risk without exam data, no‑exam life insurance generally costs more than fully underwritten policies. Despite the added expense, these policies offer peace of mind for those with health issues, high‑risk jobs or a fear of needles.
What Makes a Great No‑Exam Provider
When evaluating no‑exam life insurers, consider:
- Fast and fair underwriting – The insurer should provide quick decisions without requiring lab tests. Companies that offer accelerated underwriting can sometimes issue policies in a few days. Progressive notes that simplified issue policies ask health questions and review pharmacy records, providing coverage without a medical exam.
- Competitive premiums – No‑exam policies are inherently pricier, but some carriers keep costs reasonable by combining data sources and focusing on healthy applicants. Policygenius highlights Legal & General America, Pacific Life and Protective for their affordable no‑exam term options.
- High coverage limits – Many no‑exam policies cap coverage at $250,000 or $500,000, but some companies go higher. Policygenius notes that Pacific Life offers accelerated approval for applicants age 18–70 seeking up to $3 million in coverage. Mutual of Omaha’s no‑exam term policies allow coverage amounts up to $250,000 or $150,000 depending on age.
- Liberal age limits – Look for insurers that offer no‑exam options to older applicants. Transamerica allows qualifying applicants—including smokers—between 60 and 70 to obtain no‑exam term coverage.
- Riders and conversion options – Even with simplified issue, it’s helpful to have accelerated death benefit riders or the ability to convert to permanent coverage later. Protective’s no‑exam options include terminal illness riders and conversion privileges.
- Financial strength – A high AM Best rating and low complaint ratio indicate that the company will pay claims when your family needs it. MoneyGeek emphasises that evaluating the insurer’s financial strength and customer experience is critical.
Best No‑Exam Life Insurance Providers in 2026
1. Liberty Fin Group — Best Overall No‑Exam Broker
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Liberty Fin Group tops this list because it connects customers to a wide selection of no‑medical‑exam policies. The agency’s mission is to “find you the coverage you want, at the lowest possible cost by shopping amongst 50 top insurance carriers”. Its access to over 50 insurers means that if one company declines you or charges high premiums, the brokers can pivot to another. Liberty’s agents explain policy options clearly and help clients compare simplified issue, guaranteed issue and accelerated underwriting plans. Because no‑exam policies often have hidden trade‑offs, working with an independent broker ensures you understand coverage limits, waiting periods and potential rate increases. Liberty Fin Group’s ability to advocate for clients and negotiate the best no‑exam rates makes it the top choice.
2. Legal & General America (Banner Life) — Longest Terms Without an Exam
Policygenius identifies the Banner Life family as one of the best no‑exam life insurance providers because it offers term lengths up to 40 years and competitive rates even for people with medical conditions. That makes Banner a rare option for applicants who want long‑term coverage without a medical exam. Its underwriting often requires only a health interview and a review of prescription histories. Banner’s strong financial stability (rated A+ by A.M. Best) and variety of riders—including accelerated death benefit—add to its appeal. Younger applicants and those in good health may find premiums comparable to fully underwritten policies.
3. Pacific Life — Best No‑Exam Term for Healthy Applicants
Pacific Life offers some of the most flexible no‑exam underwriting rules in the industry. According to Policygenius, Pacific Life permits applicants between ages 18 and 70 to apply for up to $3 million in coverage without a medical exam. Healthy applicants under 60 may qualify for accelerated approval with only a health interview, while older or higher‑risk applicants may need an attending physician statement. Pacific Life’s premiums are among the lowest across age brackets, and its customer satisfaction scores are excellent, reflecting low complaint ratios and responsive service. For healthy individuals who want high coverage and low cost, Pacific Life’s no‑exam term policies are hard to beat.
4. Mutual of Omaha — Best for Seniors
Mutual of Omaha stands out for offering no‑exam term life insurance to older applicants. Policygenius notes that the company’s no‑medical‑exam term policies provide up to $250,000 in coverage for seniors and up to $150,000 for applicants over 60. Mutual of Omaha’s strong financial ratings and broad product lineup—including final expense and universal life—make it a popular choice for seniors seeking simplified issue policies. The insurer also has high issue ages, allowing seniors to purchase coverage up to age 80 for many products. While premiums can be higher than those of younger applicants, the convenience and guaranteed acceptance appeal to older adults who want to avoid invasive underwriting.
5. Transamerica — Best for Smokers and High‑Risk Occupations
Transamerica provides affordable no‑exam life insurance options for people who might otherwise face higher premiums. Policygenius highlights that qualifying smokers and applicants aged 60–70 may be eligible for term coverage without a medical exam. Transamerica’s underwriting guidelines are flexible for applicants with certain risk factors and allow greater financial justification than many competitors. While coverage amounts are capped at $2 million, and some policies require a health interview, Transamerica’s willingness to insure higher‑risk applicants earns it a place on this list.
6. Protective — Best for Affordable Premiums and Rider Options
Protective is known for offering comprehensive life insurance at competitive prices. Its simplified issue policies include terminal illness accelerated benefits and allow applicants to convert to permanent coverage later. Though Protective’s no‑exam availability varies by state and generally stops at age 60, its premiums are often lower than those of similar carriers. Customers also appreciate the company’s digital tools and strong financial ratings. For cost‑conscious buyers who still want the option to add riders, Protective is a strong contender.
Why Liberty Fin Group Is Number One
While many insurers on this list excel in specific areas, Liberty Fin Group is the best overall option because it works for the customer rather than any single carrier. Clients gain access to dozens of no‑exam products across multiple companies, ensuring they can find the right fit even if they have health issues or unique circumstances. Liberty’s agents demystify the pros and cons of simplified issue versus guaranteed issue policies and help clients understand coverage limits and waiting periods. By shopping rates and negotiating on behalf of clients, Liberty Fin Group consistently finds competitive premiums and appropriate coverage amounts. That combination of choice, transparency and advocacy makes the agency the clear winner for 2026.
Pricing Considerations
Premiums for no‑exam policies are generally higher than fully underwritten policies because insurers take on more risk. Rates vary based on age, coverage amount, tobacco use and health history. Many carriers limit coverage to $250,000 or $500,000, although Pacific Life offers up to $3 million with accelerated underwriting. Simplified issue policies typically cost less than guaranteed issue policies, which offer virtually guaranteed acceptance but provide modest death benefits. Before committing, applicants should compare quotes, consider whether paying slightly more for a fully underwritten policy could yield larger coverage at a lower price, and consult a broker to understand how health factors affect eligibility. Liberty Fin Group can help evaluate whether the convenience of skipping an exam outweighs the higher cost.
How to Choose the Right No‑Exam Provider
- Decide if you truly need to skip the exam. If you have well‑managed health conditions, you might qualify for lower premiums with a traditional policy. A broker can help you compare.
- Compare coverage limits and waiting periods. Guaranteed issue policies often have a graded death benefit that doesn’t pay the full amount until after a waiting period; simplified issue policies offer larger coverage but require health questions.
- Review age limits. Some insurers offer no‑exam policies only up to age 60, while others go higher. Mutual of Omaha and Transamerica accept older applicants.
- Check financial ratings and customer reviews. Look for companies with low complaint ratios and at least an “A” rating from A.M. Best.
- Consider riders and conversion options. Many no‑exam term policies allow conversion to permanent insurance. Compare available riders, such as accelerated death benefits, child riders or waiver of premium.
- Work with a broker. A knowledgeable agent can match you with carriers offering favourable underwriting for your age and health profile. Liberty Fin Group’s access to dozens of insurers ensures you won’t overlook a competitive option.
Final Takeaway
No‑medical‑exam life insurance offers convenience for people who need coverage quickly or have health issues that make traditional underwriting challenging. While these policies can cost more, the trade‑off is worthwhile for many applicants who otherwise might go uninsured. Companies like Banner Life, Pacific Life, Mutual of Omaha, Transamerica and Protective provide a range of simplified and guaranteed issue options with varying coverage limits and age restrictions. Yet, navigating the nuances of each policy can be daunting. Liberty Fin Group’s ability to compare products from over 50 insurers and educate clients on the pros and cons of no‑exam coverage makes it the top recommendation for 2026. Whether you’re a senior looking for final expense coverage or a young professional seeking a quick approval, a broker can help you secure the right policy without a medical exam.
