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Why choose Equitable Life of Canada Travel Insurance?

• Coverage for Medical Expenses
• Medical evacuation
• Support in incidents such as baggage loss or missing passport
• Cashless treatment in case of a medical emergency
• Accidental dismemberment
• Coverage for Legal liabilities
• Delay in flights
• Convenience - Travel Insurance policies at Equitable life are designed particularly to support the convenience of students, elderly citizens, and frequently travelling people.
• Coverage of Medical Emergencies - We offer emergency medical coverage during international flights.
• Reimbursement for trip cancellation & interruption- Equitable Life of Canada Travel Insurance pays you the costs involved in case you meet any loss as a result of trip cancellation.
• Luggage & documents- Equitable Life of Canada also compensates for any loss of important documents or luggage.
• Personal accident: This Travel Insurance covers accidental death and disability too.

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11 Best Travel Insurance Companies in August 2024

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

If the past few years have shown us anything, it’s that travelers need to be prepared for the unexpected — from a pandemic to flight troubles to the crowded airport terminals so many of us have encountered.

If you don't have sufficient travel insurance coverage via your credit card , you can supplement your policies with third-party plans.

Whether you’re looking for an international travel insurance plan, emergency medical care or a policy that includes extreme sports, these are the best travel insurance providers to get you covered.

How we found the best travel insurance

We looked at quotes from various companies for a 10-day trip to Mexico in September 2024. The traveler was a 55-year-old woman from Florida who spent $3,000 total on the trip, including airfare.

On average, the price of each company’s most basic coverage plan was $126.53. The costs displayed below do not include optional add-ons, such as Cancel For Any Reason coverage or pre-existing medical condition coverage.

Read our full analysis about the average cost of travel insurance so you can budget better for your next trip.

However, depending on the plan, you may be able to customize at an added cost.

As we continue to evaluate more travel insurance companies and receive fresh market data, this collection of best travel insurance companies is likely to change. See our full methodology for more details.

Best insurance companies

Types of travel insurance

What does travel insurance cover, what’s not covered, how much does it cost, do i need travel insurance, how to choose the best travel insurance policy, what are the top travel destinations in 2024, more resources for travel insurance shoppers.

Top credit cards with travel insurance

Methodology

Best travel insurance overall: berkshire hathaway travel protection.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

• ExactCare Value (basic) plan is among the least expensive we surveyed.
• Speciality plans available for road trips, luxury travel, adventure activities, flights and cruises.
• Company may reimburse claimants faster than average, including possible same-day compensation.
• Multiple "Trip Delay" coverage types might make claims confusing.
• Cheapest plan only includes fixed amounts for its coverage.

Under the direction of chair and CEO Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has been around since 2014. Its plans provide numerous opportunities for travelers to customize coverage to their needs.

At $135 for our sample trip, the ExactCare Value (basic) plan from Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offers protection roughly $10 above the average price.

Want something cheaper? Air travelers looking for inexpensive, less comprehensive protections might opt for a basic AirCare plan that includes fixed amounts for its coverage .

Read our full review of Berkshire Hathaway .

What else makes Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection great:

Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers available at nearly all plan levels. 

Plans available for travelers going on a cruise, participating in extreme sports or taking a luxury trip.

ExactCare Value (basic) plan was among the least expensive we surveyed.

Best for emergency medical coverage: Allianz Global Assistance

Annual or single-trip policies are available.

• Multiple types of insurance available.
• All plans include access to a 24/7 assistance hotline.
• More expensive than average.
• CFAR upgrades are not available.
• Rental car protection is only available by adding the One Trip Rental Car protector to your plan or by purchasing a standalone rental car plan.

Allianz Global Assistance is a reputable travel insurance company offering plans for over 25 years. Customers can choose from a variety of single and annual policies to fit their needs. On top of comprehensive coverage, some travelers might opt for the more affordable OneTrip Cancellation Plus, which is geared toward domestic travelers looking for trip protections but don’t need post-departure benefits like emergency medical or baggage lost.

For our test trip, Allianz Global Assistance’s basic coverage cost $149, about $22 above average.

What else makes Allianz Global Assistance great:

Annual and single-trip plans.

Plans are available for international and domestic trips.

Stand-alone and add-on rental car damage product available.

Read our full review of Allianz Global Assistance .

Best for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions: Travel Guard by AIG

Travel Guard by AIG

• Offers last-minute coverage.
• Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Exclusion Waiver available at all plan levels.
• Plan available for business travelers.
• Cancel For Any reason coverage only available for higher-level plans, and only reimburses up to 50% of the trip cost.
• Trip interruption coverage doesn't apply to trips paid for with points and miles.

Travel Guard by AIG offers a variety of plans and coverages to fit travelers’ needs. On top of more standard trip protections like trip cancellation, interruption, baggage and medical coverage, the Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available on certain Travel Guard plans, which allows you to cancel a trip for any reason and get 50% of your nonrefundable deposit back as long as the trip is canceled at least two days before the scheduled departure date.

At $107 for our sample trip, the Essential plan was below average, saving roughly $20.

What else makes Travel Guard by AIG great:

Three comprehensive plans and a Pack N' Go plan for last-minute travelers who don't need cancellation benefits.

Flight protection, car rental, and medical evacuation coverage, as well as annual plans available.

Pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver available on all plan levels, as long as it's purchased within 15 days.

Read our full review of Travel Guard by AIG .

Best for those who pack expensive equipment: Travel Insured International

Travel Insured International

• Higher-level plan include optional add-ons for event tickets and for electronic equipment
• Rental car protection add-on for just $8 per day, even on lower-level plan.
• Many of the customizations are only available on the higher-tier plan.
• Coverage cost comes in above average in our latest analysis.

Travel Insured International offers several customization options. For instance, those going to see a show may want to add on event ticket registration fee protection. Traveling with expensive gear?Consider adding on coverage for electronic equipment for up to $2,000 in coverage.

Be sure to check which policies are available in your state. You will need to input your destination, residence, trip dates and the number of travelers to get a quote and see coverages.

What else makes Travel Insured International great:

Comprehensive plans include medical expense reimbursement accidents, sickness, evacuation and pre-existing conditions, depending on the plan.

Flight plans include coverage for missed and canceled flights and lost or stolen baggage.

Read our full review of Travel Insured International .

Best for adventurous travelers: World Nomads

World Nomads

• Travelers can extend coverage mid-trip.
• The standard plan covers up to $300,000 in emergency evacuation costs.
• Plans automatically cover 200+ adventurous activities.
• No Cancel For Any Reason upgrades are available.
• No pre-existing medical condition waivers are available.

Many travel insurance plans contain exclusions for adventure sports activities. If you plan to ski, bungee jump, windsurf or parasail, this might be a plan to consider.

Note that the Standard plan ($72 for our sample trip), while the most affordable, provides less coverage than other plans. But it can be a good choice for travelers who are satisfied with trip cancellation and interruption coverage of $2,500 or less, do not need rental car damage protection, find the limits to be sufficient and do not need coverage for certain more adventurous activities.

What else makes World Nomads great:

Comprehensive international travel insurance plans.

Coverage available for adventure activities, such as trekking, mountain biking and scuba diving.

Read our full review of World Nomads .

Best for medical coverage: Travelex Insurance Services

Travelex Insurance Services

• Top-tier plan doesn’t break the bank and provides more customization opportunities.
• Offers a plan specifically for domestic travel.
• Sells a post-departure medical coverage plan.
• Fewer customization opportunities on the Basic plan.
• Though perhaps a plus for domestic travelers, keep in mind the Travel America plan only covers domestic trips.

For starters, basic coverage from Travelex Insurance Services came in at $125, almost exactly average for our sample trip.

Travelex’s plans focus heavily on providing protections that are personalized to your travel style and trip type.

While the company does offer comprehensive plans that include medical benefits, you can also choose between cheaper plans that don’t provide cancellation coverage but do offer protections during your travels.

Read our full review of Travelex Insurance Services .

What else makes Travelex Insurance Services great:

Three comprehensive plans available, two of which cover international trips.

Offers a post-departure plan geared exclusively toward disruptions after you leave home.

Two flight insurance plans available.

Best if you have travel credit card coverage: Seven Corners

Seven Corners

• Annual, medical-only and backpacker plans are available.
• Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available for the cheapest plan.
• Cheapest plan also features a much less costly Interruption for Any Reason add-on.
• Offers only one annual policy option.

Each Seven Corners plan offers several optional add-ons. Among the more unique is a Trip Interruption for Any Reason, which allows you to interrupt a trip 48 hours after the scheduled departure date (for any reason) and receive a refund of up to 75% of your unused nonrefundable deposits.

» Jump to the best cards with travel insurance

The basic coverage plan for our trip to Mexico costs $124 — right around the average.

What else makes Seven Corners great:

Comprehensive plans for U.S. residents and foreigners, including travelers visiting the U.S.

Cheap add-ons for rental car damage, sporting equipment rental or trip interruption for any reason.

Read our full review of Seven Corners .

Best for long-term travelers: IMG

• Coverage available for adventure travelers.
• Offers direct billing.
• Claim approval can be lengthy.

While some travel insurance companies offer just a handful of plans, with IMG, you’ll really have your pick. Though this requires a bit more research, it allows you to search for coverage that fits your travel needs.

However, travelers will want to be aware that IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel Lite is expensive. Coming in at $149.85, it’s the costliest plan on our list.

Read our full review of IMG .

What else makes IMG great:

More affordable than average.

Many plans to choose from to fit your needs.

Best for travelers with unpredictable work demands: Tin Leg

• In addition Cancel For Any Reason, some plans offer cancel for work reason coverage.
• Adventure sports-specific coverage is available.
• Plans have overlap that can be hard to distinguish.
• Only one plan includes Rental Car Damage coverage available as an add-on.

Tin Leg’s Basic plan came in at $134 for our sample trip, adding about $8 onto the average basic policy cost. Note that you’ll pay a lot more if you shop for the most comprehensive coverage, and there are eight plans to choose from for trips abroad.

The multitude of plans can help you find coverage that fits your needs, but with so many to choose from, deciding can be daunting.

The only real way to figure out your ideal plan is to compare them all, look at the plan details and decide which features and coverage suit you and your travel style best.

Read our full Tin Leg review .

Best for booking travel with points and miles: TravelSafe

• Covers up to $300 redepositing points and miles on eligible canceled award flights.
• Optional add-on protection for business equipment or sports rentals.
• Multi-trip or year-long plans aren’t available.

Selecting your travel insurance plan with TravelSafe is a fairly straightforward process. The company’s website also makes it easy to visualize how optional add-on elements influence the total cost, displaying the final price as soon as you click the coverage.

However, at $136, the Basic plan was among the more expensive for our trip to Mexico.

What else makes TravelSafe great:

Rental car damage coverage add-on is available on both plans.

Cancel For Any Reason coverage available on the TravelSafe Classic plan.

Read our full TravelSafe review .

Best for group travel insurance: HTH Insurance

HTH Travel Insurance

• Covers travelers up to 95 years old.
• Includes direct pay option so members can avoid having to pay up front for services.
• A 24-hour delay is required for baggage delay coverage on the TripProtector Economy plan.
• No waivers for pre-existing conditions on the lower-level plan.

HTH offers single-trip and multitrip medical insurance coverage as well as trip protection plans.

At around $125, the Trip Protector Economy policy is at the average mark for plans we reviewed.

You can choose to insure group trips for educators, crew, religious missionaries and corporate travelers.

What else makes HTH Insurance great:

Medical-only coverage and trip protection coverage.

Lots of options for group travelers.

Read our full review of HTH Insurance .

As you shop for travel insurance, you’ll find many of the same coverage categories across numerous plans.

Trip cancellation

This covers the prepaid costs you make for your trip in cases when you need to cancel for a covered reason. This coverage helps you recoup upfront costs paid for flights and nonrefundable hotel reservations.

Trip interruption

Trip interruption benefits generally involve disruptions after you depart. It helps reimburse costs incurred for flight delays, cancellations and plenty of other covered disruptions you might encounter during your travels.

This coverage can cover the costs for you to return home or reimburse unexpected expenses like an extra hotel stay, meals and ground transportation.

Trip delay coverage helps cover unexpected costs when your trip is delayed. This is another coverage that helps offset the costs of flight trouble or other travel disruptions.

Note that many policies have a total amount a traveler can claim, with caps on per diem benefits, too.

Cancel For Any Reason

Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows you to recoup some of the upfront costs you paid for a trip even if you’re canceling for a reason not otherwise covered by your standard travel insurance policy.

Typically, adding this protection to your plan costs extra.

Baggage delay

This coverage helps cover the costs of essential items you might need when your luggage is delayed. Think toiletries, clothing and other immediate items you might need if your luggage didn’t make it on your flight.

Many travel insurance plans with baggage delay protection will specify how long (six, 12, 24 hours, etc.) your luggage must be delayed before you can make a claim.

Lost baggage

Used for travelers whose luggage is lost or stolen, this helps recoup the lost value of the items in your bag.

You’ll want to make sure you closely follow the correct procedures for your plan. Many plans include a maximum total amount you can claim under this coverage and a per-item cap.

Travel medical insurance

This covers out-of-pocket medical costs when travelers run into an emergency.

Because many travelers’ health insurance plans don’t cover medical care overseas, travel medical insurance can help offset out-of-pocket health care costs.

In addition to emergency medical coverage, many plans have medical evacuation or repatriation coverage for costs incurred when you must be taken to a hospital or return to your home country because of a medical situation.

Most travel insurance plans cover many trip protections that can help you be prepared for unexpected travel disruptions and expenses.

These coverages are generally aimed at protecting the money you put into your trip, expenses you incur because of travel trouble and costs incurred if you have a medical emergency overseas.

On top of core coverages like trip cancellation and interruption and travel medical coverage, some plans offer add-on options like waivers for pre-existing conditions, rental car collision damage waivers or adventure sports riders. These usually cost extra or must be added within a specified timeframe.

Typical travel insurance policies offer coverage for many unforeseen events, but as you research to select a plan, consider your needs. Though every plan differs, there are some commonly excluded coverages.

For instance, you typically can’t get coverage for a named storm if you bought the coverage after the storm was named. In other words, if you have a trip to the Caribbean booked for Sept. 25 and on Sept. 20 a hurricane develops and is named, you generally won’t be able to buy a travel insurance plan Sept. 21 in hopes of getting your money back.

Many plans also don’t cover activities performed under the influence of drugs or alcohol or any extreme sports. If the latter applies to you, you might want to consider a plan with specific coverages for adventure-seekers.

For numerous plans, a few other situations don’t qualify as an acceptable reason to cancel and make a claim, such as fear of travel, medical tourism or pregnancies (unless you booked a trip and bought insurance before you became pregnant or there are complications with the pregnancy). This is where a Cancel For Any Reason add-on to your coverage can be helpful.

You can also run into trouble if you give up on a trip too soon: a minor (or even multihour) flight delay likely isn’t sufficient to cancel your entire trip and get reimbursed through your plan. Be sure to review what requirements your specific plan has when it comes to canceling a trip, claiming trip interruption, etc.

Travel insurance costs vary widely. The final price of your plan will fluctuate based on your age, length of trip and destination.

It will also depend on how much coverage you need, whether you add on specialized policies (like Cancel For Any Reason or pre-existing conditions coverage), whether you plan to participate in extreme sports and other factors.

In our examples above, for instance, the 35-year-old traveler taking a $2,000 trip to Italy would have spent an average $76 for a basic plan to get coverage for things like trip cancellation and interruption, baggage protection, etc. That’s a little less than 4% of the total trip cost — lower than average.

If there were multiple members in a traveling party or if they were going on, say, a rock-climbing or bungee-jumping excursion, the costs would go up.

On average, travel insurance comes to about 5% to 10% of the trip cost. However, considering many of the plans reimburse up to 100% of the trip cost (or more) for disruptions like trip cancellation or interruption, it can be a worthwhile expense if something goes wrong.

It depends. Consider the following factors that might affect your decision: You’re young and healthy, all your bookings are refundable or cancelable without a penalty, your flights are nonstop, you’re not checking bags and a credit card you carry offers some travel protections . In that case, travel insurance might not be necessary.

On the other hand, if you prepaid a large chunk of money for a nonrefundable African safari, you’re going on a Caribbean cruise in the middle of a hurricane season or you’re going somewhere where the cost of health care is high, it’s not a bad idea to buy a travel insurance plan. Here’s how to find the best travel insurance coverage for you.

If you’re thinking of booking a trip and not planning to buy travel insurance, you may want to consider at least booking refundable airfare and not prepaying for hotel, rental car and activity reservations. That way, if something goes wrong, you can cancel without losing any money.

Selecting the best travel insurance policy comes down to your needs, concerns, preferences and budget.

As you book, take a few minutes to consider what most concerns you. Is it getting stranded because of flight trouble? Having the ability to cancel for any reason you see fit without losing money? Getting sick or injured right before departure and needing to postpone the trip? Injuring yourself or falling ill while overseas?

Ultimately, you want a plan that protects you, your money and the large investment in your trip — but doesn’t cost too much, either.

Medical coverage. If your priority is having adequate medical coverage abroad, you might want to look for plans with high limits for medical emergencies and medical evacuation.

Complex travel itinerary. If your itinerary has lots of flight connections, prepaid hotels and deposits for activities you can’t get back, prioritizing a plan with the best coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions may land at the top of your list.

Travel uncertainty. If you’re on the fence about a trip and have nonrefundable reservations, you may want to select a plan with a Cancel For Any Reason coverage option, which can help you recoup about 50% to 75% of the costs. This helps provide peace of mind, placing the decision on whether to travel entirely in your hands.

Car rentals. If you’re renting a car, a collision damage waiver is often worth looking into.

The following destinations are the top insured destinations in 2024, according to Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner).

The Bahamas.

Costa Rica.

Antarctica.

In 2022, travelers spent about 25.53% more on trips than they did before the pandemic.

As of December, NerdWallet analysis determined travel prices are 10% higher than pre-pandemic. Each statistic makes a strong case for protecting your travel investment as you plan your next trip.

Bookmark these resources to help you make smart money moves as you shop for travel insurance.

What is travel insurance?

CFAR explained.

Is travel insurance worth getting?

10 credit cards that provide travel insurance.

We used the following factors to choose insurance providers to highlight:

Breadth of coverage: We looked at how many plans each company offered plus the range of their standard plans. 

Depth of coverage: We considered two data points to get a sense of how much each company pays out for common travel issues — the maximum caps for trip cancellation and trip interruption claims.

Cost: By looking at the costs for basic coverage across multiple companies, we determined an average cost for shoppers to benchmark plan prices against.

Customizability: While standard plans can cover a lot of ground, sometimes you need something a little more personal.

Customer satisfaction. Using data from Squaremouth when available, and Google Reviews as a backup, we can give kudos to companies with better track records from their clients.

No, it doesn’t necessarily get more expensive the longer you wait to purchase. However, as you put off buying insurance, you may lose access to potential plans and coverage options.

In general, buying travel insurance within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.

But, generally, many plans do allow you to buy coverage quite close to your departure date.

To get the most out of your travel insurance plan, buy it soon after making your initial prepayment or deposit to ensure you have access to the biggest menu of plans possible.

Select a plan that’s comprehensive enough to cover the travel scenarios you’re most concerned about or likely to encounter but not too expensive or laden with protections you’d never likely need.

Whatever your coverage, thoroughly review the plan so you understand what’s covered and what’s not, plus how to adhere to the plan’s rules for making a claim.

Travelers frequently use phrases like “trip insurance” and “travel insurance,” as well as “trip protection,” interchangeably, but they do mean different things, according to Stan Sandberg, founder of insurance comparison site TravelInsurance.com.

Trip insurance, or trip protection, generally refers to predeparture (or preevent) coverage if you need to cancel. You may see these plans sold by airlines, online travel agencies or even ticketed event sellers.

“You could refer to it as the portion that protects the investment in the trip,” Sandberg says.

A travel insurance plan typically includes that — plus more comprehensive benefits to protect you during your trip, from medical coverage to trip delay and lost baggage protections, and many more elements, depending on the plan.

Though travel insurance is typically not required for international trips, your personal circumstances will play a key role in whether it’s a good investment.

For instance, young, healthy travelers with few prepaid trip expenses embarking on a relatively risk-free trip may not see a need to buy a plan.

Older travelers with complicated itineraries who are visiting destinations where they could potentially fall ill or get injured — or who could encounter bad weather or some other disrupting factor along the way — may want to buy coverage.

Consider a few key questions:

How well would your health insurance plan cover you if you needed to visit a hospital overseas?

How much did you prepay for a hotel or rental car?

How much money would you be out if weather or some other flight issue derailed your itinerary?

Could you afford an unexpected night in a city where you have a connecting flight?

Do you already have a credit card that provides some travel protections?

Your answers to these questions can help you decide whether you need travel insurance for your international trip.

In general, buying travel insurance

within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit

for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

Equitable Life Insurance

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• Why You Should Trust Us

Equitable Life Insurance Review 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate life insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Initially founded in 1859 as Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, Equitable life insurance company has over 150 years of experience in life insurance and other investment products. It ultimately rebranded under the sole name of "Equitable" in 2020 and operates under this same name today.

On the plus side, 150 years in the industry indicates Equitable may be more stable than companies that have been around for five to ten years. Equitable's A rating with AM Best also supports the idea that the company will be around for the foreseeable future.

When discussing a life insurance policy that might pay out in 20+ years, longevity is crucial to building trust between the consumer and the company. Financial stability is one factor in shopping for the best life insurance company to meet your needs.

Currently, Equitable offers a range of employee benefits and retirement plans in addition to life insurance. Life insurance products offered by the company include term life, variable universal life insurance, and indexed universal life insurance.

If you're considering term or permanent life insurance and wondering if Equitable may be the right provider for your needs, read on to learn more about the policies it offers, available riders, and the average cost of life insurance .

Equitable Life Insurance Cost

Many factors control how much you'll pay for life insurance from Equitable, including the type of life insurance you want. Other factors that impact the cost of your policy include:

• Death benefit
• Additional riders

The Equitable Term-in-10 policy promises term life insurance coverage with no medical exam required with an application process that takes 10 minutes or less. However, all policies have to be quoted by an Equitable agent. In some ways, this is good as it allows the buyer to ask questions and get answers to questions they might not otherwise know to ask.

Even among financially savvy people, life insurance often needs to be clarified. A qualified professional guiding you through the process could help you avoid confusion and mishaps. However, buyers looking for an online experience may not get what they want with Equitable. It also makes it harder for buyers to compare pricing with other companies before starting a formal application.

With that in mind, some average costs apply to all types of life insurance coverage. As an example, a 30-year-old male in excellent health may be able to purchase $250,000 in term life insurance that lasts 30 years for as little as $276 per year (or $23 per month). Meanwhile, a 40-year-old female in excellent health may pay $372 per year ($31 per month) for $250,000 in term coverage that lasts for 30 years.

Getting an online quote for permanent life insurance is relatively rare. However, most online quotes still leave room for change. So it would be best if you spoke with a qualified life insurance agent to get accurate pricing and ensure you include all the coverage you want.

Also, permanent life insurance's monthly premiums may be higher early on. But buyers pay less overall for permanent life insurance compared to similar term policies. This cost difference is especially stark if the policy is not used in the original term. Regardless, permanent life insurance has advantages like a lifetime death benefit and cash value accumulation.

How to File a Claim With Equitable Life Insurance

Equitable policies are quoted exclusively by licensed life insurance professionals. However, the claims process is largely self-managed. Customers with an Equitable life insurance claim can call the company to file a claim at (800) 777-6510 or online.

Equitable also combines all applicable life insurance claims forms you might need onto one page of its website. Regardless of where you file your Equitable claim, you'll need to have the following documentation and forms:

• Completed death claim form (Required for all beneficiaries listed on the policy)
• Copy of the original life insurance policy (if available)
• Certified copy of death certificate
• Additional death claim forms that can apply

We also recommend having the policyholder's name, date of birth, and social security number on hand. Once you have filed a life insurance claim with the company, you'll need to send the required documentation to one of the addresses below.

Regular Mail

PO Box 1047

Charlotte, NC 28201-1047

Express Mail

National Operations Center

8501 IBM Drive, Suite 150

Charlotte, NC 28262

Ideal Customers for Equitable

Because Equitable requires applicants to work with an agent to purchase its policies, it isn't the best option for people who only want cheap term coverage with online quoting. Equitable term policies also last up to 20 years, whereas some companies offer term life insurance for up to 40 years.

With that in mind, Equitable is not the right company if you want term coverage that lasts as long as possible. However, customers may get more support in buying Equitable's term policies. Its universal life insurance policies also have riders making it a cost-effective option for buyers who want a modest permanent life insurance policy .

Also, note that Equitable does not offer whole life insurance. So individuals who want this type of coverage will need to look elsewhere.

Equity's promise of an "agent experience" can be a significant plus. Buyers who need more clarification about life insurance can ask questions and get an expert opinion. In addition, buyers can dispel misinformation they didn't know they were victims of.

Equitable Life Insurance Plans

Equitable offers both term and permanent life insurance coverage options. This means you can purchase life insurance that only lasts for a certain number of years or a policy that provides a lifetime death benefit. If you choose a term policy upfront, you can also discuss conversion options with a licensed life insurance agent.

Its term policies are relatively cut and dry. Buyers pay for a set death benefit in the event of their unexpected passing. If the buyer lives beyond the set term, they can discuss conversion or allow the policy to lapse.

Its permanent life insurance options are a little more diverse. Buyers can build cash value to borrow against for various purposes throughout their lifetime. Some life insurance options from Equitable also offer premiums that can be adjusted over time based on your changing needs.

Term Life Insurance from Equitable

Term life insurance is limited to a specific term ranging from one to 20 years with Equitable. Life insurers offer artificially low monthly premiums upfront. If and when you convert to a permanent policy, you would renegotiate the monthly premiums, and your death benefit would drop. However, if you died during the preset term, your beneficiaries would enjoy a higher payout given your monthly premiums.

Customers who choose term coverage pay their premiums for the entire policy term. At that point, coverage is suspended, and premiums are no longer due. Buyers pay for a permanent policy up to an agreed-upon point. Then it's available until you take out a loan, take early withdrawals, or pass on, depending on the terms of your policy.

If you're solely looking at the monthly premium, term life insurance may seem more affordable. However, even without accounting for the lapse in coverage once the term ends, buyers spend more on a term policy than a whole life insurance or permanent universal life policy. In addition, once you convert your policy, monthly premiums will also be higher with the term coverage.

A unique term policy offered by Equitable is called the Equitable Term-in-10. It promises easy term coverage with no medical exam required and an application process that takes ten minutes or less. This type of coverage can provide a death benefit worth up to $1 million upon approval.

However, we caution against taking the ease of application for granted. The concept of "you get what you pay for" also applies to the time you spend buying a life insurance product. The application process is more straightforward, but it comes with other costs.

• Term policies can be converted to permanent life insurance policies for qualified buyers.
• Some plans don't require a medical exam to qualify, though underwriters may use medical history.
• Initial monthly premiums may be lower than a comparable whole life insurance policy.

Variable Universal Life Insurance from Equitable

Equitable also offers a type of permanent life insurance known as variable universal life. This coverage provides tax-deferred growth and a lifetime death benefit, and it can build cash value you can borrow against later in life. The appeal for many consumers is that you can continue contributing to the policy and increase your death benefit or available funds for retirement, medical bills, and more.

It also offers the flexibility to adjust premiums when life changes. Specific terms around a lapse in payment due to layoffs, financial losses, etc., should be discussed with a licensed life insurance agent familiar with Equitable.

As you make payments toward a variable universal life insurance policy, the company invests the money in various ways. The investments come with a higher risk profile, so a young buyer typically purchases this policy to be adjusted over time. However, aggressive investments also create more significant returns overall. Individual Equitable variable universal life insurance policies can be broken down as follows.

• Equitable Advantage Max promises tax-deferred growth, the potential for tax-free income, and a death benefit beneficiaries can access without paying income taxes. Buyers should discuss specific situations with a licensed tax professional.
• VUL Optimizer® offers cash value accumulation through "customized, professionally-managed investment portfolios" with a wide range of investment options included.
• VUL Legacy® from Equitable allows consumers to put their premiums to work with various "market-sensitive" investment options.

Indexed Universal Life Insurance from Equitable

Indexed universal life insurance is similar to variable universal life in that part of the premiums are automatically invested. However, this type of life insurance also builds cash value, and the universal component allows you to tailor your premiums (the amount you pay) to your financial situation over time.

For many buyers, this could be the difference in keeping a life insurance policy open during hard times. It also allows for continual growth as long as you're making monthly payments, unlike a whole policy limited to a predetermined death benefit/balance.

The main difference is that, with indexed universal life insurance, your funds are invested in an index-linked vehicle. So your returns mimic the performance of said index up to a cap. That said, indexed universal life insurance from Equitable also comes with downside protection. So when the index shows a negative return, policyholders are protected against loss.

The primary indexed universal life insurance policy Equitable offers is called BrightLife® Grow.

Additional Coverage Options from Equitable

Equitable 's term, variable universal, and indexed universal policies have specific presets. For example, term policies expire, while universal policies last a lifetime. However, it also offers several popular riders to customize policies to fit individual needs. It's worth noting that buyers cannot customize all Equitable plans with specific riders.

So potential customers should reach out to an Equitable agent to explore options and find a policy that fits their needs.

The following insurance riders can customize certain Equitable life insurance plans based on availability:

• Cash value plus rider: This rider increases the available cash value on some permanent policies by reducing the surrender charge. According to Equitable, the protections could include partial refunds on other policy deductions.
• Charitable legacy rider: This rider lets you provide additional life insurance coverage for up to two qualified charities.
• Children's term rider: This rider allows the insured to add term life insurance coverage for underage dependents. Dependents can convert their policy to permanent life insurance coverage once they reach adulthood. Minors reaching adulthood can also buy life insurance not connected to the original policy at that time.
• Disability premium waiver rider: This insurance rider provides an automatic waiver of life insurance premiums when the insured becomes fully disabled. Coverage kicks in after the traditional waiting period. Other conditions may apply, and we recommend talking to a licensed agent familiar with Equitable.
• Living benefits rider: This life insurance rider (also called an accelerated death benefit) allows the insured to access all or part of their death benefit if they are diagnosed with a terminal illness and have less than 12 months to live. This money could pay for living expenses, medical bills, and other expenses before the policyholder passes away.
• Long-term care services rider: This rider lets you customize some permanent life insurance options from Equitable with an accelerated death benefit you can use toward long-term care expenses. This would be applicable in the cases of accidents or illnesses that are not necessarily deadly but prevent the policyholder from working, caring for themselves, etc.
• Return of premium death benefit rider: This rider ensures beneficiaries of the policy receive an additional death benefit equal to a set percentage of the premiums paid.

Equitable was founded as the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States and used the name AXA Equitable until 2020. The company now goes by "Equitable."

Consumers can reach Equitable's customer support center at (800) 777-6510 Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Equitable sells or facilitates various retirement plans and products, including annuities.

Equitable is a trustworthy financial firm with an A rating for financial strength from AM Best, an A1 rating from Moody's, and an A + rating from Standard & Poor's.

Initially founded in 1859, Equitable has been in business for over 150 years.

Responsible shopping for life insurance includes getting quotes from multiple providers. Below, see how Equitable compares to other companies that offer life insurance.

Equitable vs. Colonial Penn Life Insurance

Colonial Penn promises permanent life insurance options that start at just $9.95 per month. In addition, its guaranteed acceptance policies don't require a medical exam as long as you're within certain age limits. For senior buyers who meet the requirements, Colonial Penn offers a quick and easy option for funeral costs coverage.

Buyers can complete quotes online, but unlike Equitable, buyers may struggle to connect with a life insurance professional to answer their questions. Both Equitable and Colonial Penn have A ratings with AM Best.

However, Colonial Penn does not offer universal or term life insurance options. Conversely, Equitable does not provide whole life insurance. Both companies offer budget-friendly options. Neither offers more comprehensive policies that could be used for wealth-building and retirement planning.

Equitable vs. Gerber life insurance

Gerber Life Insurance is another company to consider if you're looking for policies for all ages. Gerber's main claim to fame is that it doubles the value of life insurance policies on minors once they reach age 18. However, death benefits for children are relatively low.

Gerber offers term life insurance coverage, whole life insurance, and an adult accident-based policy. Seniors may also be eligible for guaranteed coverage with no medical exams on funeral cost life insurance. Gerber's life insurance plans list is more diverse than Equitable's, and it offers plans geared explicitly towards parents buying plans that will follow children into adulthood.

But both companies seem to apply similar death benefit limits. Neither company provides strong life insurance plans if you're looking for higher limits, financial planning options, etc.

Gerber Life Insurance Review

Equitable vs. Protective Life

Protective Life is another life insurance provider operating for over 100 years. This company also offers a range of life insurance policies, including term life insurance, indexed universal life insurance, variable universal life insurance, and whole life insurance. Equitable offers the same plans minus whole. Both companies also offer comparable insurance riders to customize and enhance coverage.

Protective Life makes it possible to get life insurance quotes for its term policies online. It also offers tools to help you determine how much coverage you need and the type of policy you should buy.

So Protective may appeal more to the tech-savvy buyer. But, especially if you're purchasing life insurance for the first time, we recommend consulting with a licensed life insurance agent.

Protective Life Insurance Review

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed Equitable Life Insurance

To write a comprehensive review of Equitable , we compared the company's life insurance policies with similar policies from a wide range of life insurance providers. We analyzed individual policies based on unique details, benefits, and drawbacks. We only rank companies based on facts gathered.

We rely on the company websites to break down the coverage offered, which can then be compared to other companies. Customer service ratings, financial stability, pricing, and support provided are variables in our decision. You can read our full life insurance rating methodology .

While Business Insider offers a comprehensive overview of the life insurance options offered by different companies, working with a professional life insurance agent can also help you find the appropriate coverage for your family's needs and goals.

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Equitable Life Insurance Review

A financially stable company that accepts digital wallet payments

Amanda Bellucco-Chatham is an editor, writer, and fact-checker with years of experience researching personal finance topics. Specialties include general financial planning, career development, lending, retirement, tax preparation, and credit.

Equitable is one of the oldest life insurers in the world and it has a long track record of offering life insurance and reliably paying death benefits. It has an excellent financial profile and fewer-than-expected customer complaints for a company its size. The company also offers no-medical-exam policies.

But Equitable doesn't offer whole life and other popular individual life insurance policies, nor does it provide an online quote tool to help you compare prices. This is a feature that's becoming an industry standard.

No-medical-exam coverage

Premiums can be paid with Apple Pay

Lower than expected number of customer complaints

Limited types of policies are available

Online quotes aren't offered

• Company Overview
• specifications

New York businessman Henry B. Hyde founded the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States as a mutual firm back in 1859. The company’s name and ownership structure have changed over the last 160-plus years, but it remains one of the leading providers of variable and indexed universal life policies in the United States. Headquartered in New York, Equitable is licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as in Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. But not all products are available in every location.

Pros Explained

Cons explained, complaint index, third-party ratings.

• Available Policies

Available Riders

Customer service, final verdict, methodology.

Equitable has many positive attributes, but it didn't make our list of best life insurance companies .

• No-medical-exam coverage: Healthy applicants can apply for life insurance without having to undergo a medical exam. 
• Premiums can be paid with Apple Pay: Equitable is your answer if you’re looking for a policy that allows you to pay premiums with your digital wallet. It accepts Apple Pay for some products. 
• Lower than expected number of customer complaints : Equitable’s customers have filed fewer than expected complaints against the company.
• Limited types of policies are available: Equitable doesn’t offer many types of insurance products compared to other life insurance companies. You can’t purchase whole life or regular universal life policies. 
• Online quotes aren't offered: It’s essential to compare quotes when you're shopping for life insurance, but Equitable doesn’t provide online quotes. You must call and speak with a representative instead.

Equitable received fewer than expected complaints in 2022, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). The NAIC calculates a complaint index for each insurance company that indicates how many complaints the insurer received relative to its size. Companies with more complaints than expected have an index above 1.00. Companies with fewer complaints than expected have an index below 1.00.

Equitable has an average complaint index of 0.10 over three years as of May 2023, so there haven't been as many customer complaints as one would expect for a company of its size.

J.D. Power ranked Equitable 17th out of 21 large insurers for overall customer satisfaction in 2021, and it didn't even rank the company in its 2022 study.

Equitable’s financial stability is deemed to be excellent. Insurance rating agency AM Best assigned the insurer an A (Excellent) rating for financial strength in 2022. After assessing the company’s financial position, the agency believes Equitable has the financial resources necessary to meet its obligations to policyholders, such as paying claims. 

An A rating from AM Best represents the third highest on a rating scale ranging from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor). Companies that fall on the lower end of the scale are more financially vulnerable and less likely to pay death benefit claims in difficult economic conditions. 

Equitable gets high marks for its financial strength, but the company scored 749 out of 1,000 possible points in J.D. Power's 2021 U.S. Individual Life Insurance Study, falling below the industry average score of 776.

Available Policies 

Equitable doesn’t offer as many policy types as some of the other insurers we've researched. Here’s a look at the policies it does sell.

Term Life Insurance

Equitable offers two term life insurance policies. Term life insurance provides a guaranteed death benefit if the policyholder dies within the specified period. Equitable offers a maximum term of 20 years, which isn’t as high as the 30-year term offered by many other companies.

Unlike permanent insurance, term coverage doesn’t have a savings component. You pay the monthly premium but there’s no cash value. Equitable allows you to convert your term coverage into a plan that’s permanent if you decide you'd prefer a different type of policy.

Variable Universal Life Insurance

Your death benefit and cash value are based on the performance of an underlying investment portfolio if you purchase variable universal life insurance. This requires that you make investment choices and manage your policy to a greater extent than you would with other types of life insurance. This type of policy is considered the riskiest form of permanent life insurance, but it also has the potential for greater rewards. 

Indexed Universal Life Insurance

Indexed universal life insurance offers the potential for cash value growth based on the performance of an index, such as the S&P 500. But your account won’t lose money if the index falls because it’s not directly invested in the stock market. These policies offer more stability than variable universal life policies because your cash value is only pegged to a specific index rather than being directly invested. 

A rider is an add-on to your life insurance policy that provides additional coverage or benefits. These endorsements can help you customize your coverage to meet your exact needs.

Guaranteed Insurability Rider

A guaranteed insurability rider allows you to purchase additional life insurance coverage in the future without having to go through the underwriting process. You can usually increase your coverage upon certain triggering events, such as getting married or having a child, or upon certain policy anniversaries. Guaranteed insurability can be valuable if your health changes after you purchase your policy. 

Child Rider 

Equitable offers a rider that provides term coverage for your children. The rider pays out a death benefit if a covered child dies before reaching a certain age. Coverage is usually convertible to a permanent policy when the child reaches adulthood.

Waiver of Premium Rider

This rider protects you if you become disabled and unable to pay your premiums. It waives your payments if you meet specific qualifications, such as being confined to a nursing home for at least six months or being unable to perform two of the six activities of daily living. 

No Lapse Guarantee Rider

Equitable guarantees that your policy won't be terminated for a stated period if you choose this rider, provided that you’ve paid the premium required to maintain the no-lapse guarantee.

Accelerated Death Benefit: Terminal Illness Rider

This rider allows you to access part of your death benefit before you die if you're diagnosed with a terminal illness. You can use the funds however you’d like. You’re not limited to paying for your care. Equitable includes this accelerated death benefit for no additional cost with many policies. 

Accelerated Death Benefit: Long-term Care Services Rider

This rider is similar to the one for terminal illness but it's specifically for long-term care expenses. It pays out a portion of your death benefit to help cover the costs if you have a chronic condition and have to pay for long-term care.

You can reach Equitable's customer service at (800) 777-6510 between 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET Friday.

You can also mail correspondence to Equitable at P.O. Box 1047, Charlotte, NC 28201-1047. 

There’s no live chat available or email address listed on Equitable's website contact page. 

Equitable Life Insurance provides only term, variable, and indexed universal life insurance, but you won't have to undergo a medical exam to qualify for a policy if you're healthy. The insurer also offers numerous riders. But you may be happier with another insurance company if you want to purchase a policy quickly and without much fuss. You can't get a quote from Equitable online. You must reach out to a representative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is equitable a reputable company.

Equitable has a long track record of issuing life insurance policies and paying out death benefits. It's one of the leading providers of variable and indexed universal life in the United States. NAIC gives Equitable an average complaint index of 0.10, so policyholders have been satisfied with the company's performance.

How do I get my money out of Equitable?

Equitable says that life insurance claims are paid after the company ensures that you're the rightful beneficiary, that the policy is current and in good standing, and that all conditions of the policy have been met. You can access a death claim form on the company's website. You'll have to provide a certified copy of the death certificate. You can call Equitable at 800-777-6510 for further guidance to make a claim.

Is Equitable FDIC-insured?

The FDIC does not insure life insurance policies. FDIC insurance protects you only if you have money in an insured bank that fails.

We designed a comprehensive ranking methodology to rank more than 90 insurers across five general categories: financial stability, customer satisfaction, product and feature variety, the overall buying experience, and cost. It's based on consumer priorities and life insurance company fundamentals.

We collected over 5,000 data points and scored each company based on 55 metrics to accomplish this. We grouped metrics by category to determine how insurers performed in each, then we weighted category scores to determine how companies performed overall.

Read our full Life Insurance Methodology to learn more.

Equitable. " About Equitable ."

NAIC. " NAIC Complaint Index for Equitable ."

J.D. Power. “ 2021 U.S. Individual Life Insurance Study .”

J.D. Power. “ 2022 U.S. Group Life Insurance Study .”

AM Best. " AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Equitable Holdings, Inc. and Its Life Subsidiaries ."

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Equitable Life Insurance Review

You can offer financial security to your loved ones after your passing with a life insurance policy. Equitable offers various life insurance policies at competitive rates and may be an ideal choice for you and your family.

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Mark Fitzpatrick

Head of Insurance, MoneyGeek

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including [CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/15/cant-keep-up-with-insurance-premiums-heres-what-to-do.html), [NBC News](https://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/flooded-cars-are-problem-their-owners-future-car-buyers-n1278493) and [Mashable](https://mashable.com/article/tesla-insurance-rates). Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.

Kathryn Schroeder

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Kathryn has always loved a good book, but from a very young age, she was constantly distracted by their oh-so-common typos. Enter her commitment to publishing error-free and engaging content, whether related to healthcare, personal finance, SaaS, the arts, travel, or the latest world news. She’s covered those verticals and more in her 15+ year career as an editor and writer for a variety of major publications and companies.  Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Studies with a concentration in theory, and a minor in Women’s Studies, from the University of California, Irvine. She spent nearly a decade traveling the world, writing and editing along the way. With her passport on hiatus, you can find her obsessing over dinosaurs at museums, rewatching the best science fiction movies, or reading maps and geeking out on geography and off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Updated: August 20, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

• Is Equitable Right for You?
• Equitable Overview
• Equitable Policy Options
• Term Life Options
• Universal Life Options
• Rider Options
• What to Do if Denied

MoneyGeek’s Take: Is Equitable Right for You?

Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company is a good fit for a wide range of consumers because it offers a variety of life insurance policy types, including term life insurance and universal life insurance. Additionally, the company offers a number of riders for its universal life insurance policyholders. Universal life may provide excellent cash value and investment options, and you may also be able to obtain a loan for a portion of the cash value.

Although Equitable offers a long-term care rider, it does not offer life insurance designed specifically for seniors . If you are looking for insurance to cover final expenses, Haven Life may be your best option.

Our Equitable life insurance review covers the policies the company offers to help you decide whether one could suit your needs.

• At a Glance: Equitable Life Insurance

Offers permanent and term life insurance

Available in all states and D.C.

Multiple riders for permanent life insurance policies

Not all policies need a medical examination

Limited riders for term life policies

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Equitable is the brand name of Equitable Holdings, Inc.'s retirement and protection companies, including Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (NY). According to data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company has a complaint index of 0.52, which is lower than the industry average. The company also has an excellent rating for financial strength from AM Best, as well as a good rating from Moody’s.

The company sells a range of life insurance products, including:

Term Series

Equitable Term-in-10

• BrightLife Grow

Equitable Advantage Max

VUL Optimizer

VUL Survivorship

Its universal life insurance policies are versatile in terms of premiums, death benefit amounts and cash value, making them appealing to a large number of prospective clients. Borrowing against a portion of the cash value is permitted, and it grows tax-free.

The company also offers a set of riders, only available to certain term and universal life insurance policies. This includes a Long-Term Care Services Rider, which is ideal for those wanting coverage for care later in life, and any unused portion goes to the beneficiary. Its variable universal life insurance policy, VUL Survivorship, is designed for couples to offer tax-free retirement income and a death benefit.

Compare Life Insurance Rates

Ensure you’re getting the best rate for your life insurance. Compare quotes from top providers to find the most affordable life insurance coverage for your needs.

• Equitable Life Insurance Policy Options Explained

Term Life Insurance Options From Equitable

Universal life insurance options from equitable.

• Equitable Life Insurance Riders

How to Buy Life Insurance From Equitable

• What to Do if Equitable Denies You Coverage

Key Takeaways

Equitable offers several universal life insurance policies and two term life insurance policies.

Term life is convertible to a permanent policy within the first few years of the policy term.

Its universal life insurance policies build cash value and offer greater flexibility.

Equitable Policy Options Explained

The 2022 Insurance Barometer Study by the Life Insurance Marketing and Research Association (LIMRA) reveals that 68% of those with financial dependents feel safer with a life insurance policy, and 44% would have financial problems within six months without life insurance. Read more about the various plans offered by Equitable for life insurance so you can choose the best one for your family.

Term life insurance is typically the most cost-effective kind of insurance for temporary or short-term situations. It provides coverage for a certain amount of time but does not accumulate cash value. Your premiums may be fixed for 1, 10, 15 or 20 years with Equitable, or they may be renewable and climb annually depending on your age. A term policy is convertible to permanent insurance for lifelong protection without the need for a medical examination. The guaranteed death benefit is generally tax-free.

Equitable offers two types of term life insurance.

This term life insurance from Equitable is available for 1, 10, 15 or 20 years. After the term, the premiums will climb yearly if the policy continues. Policies lasting one year cannot be renewed. You can get riders to tailor your policy based on your current and future financial demands. If you choose this policy and do not renew it, you can meet your short-term needs for life insurance.

It's a sensible option for those who require life insurance protection in no more than 10 minutes and who want a digital, no-exam process. The duration of the insurance is 10, 15 or 20 years. Throughout the first few years of the policy term, there is also the option to change to a permanent policy.

When considering security and cost, term life insurance is hard to beat. Term life insurance might be a suitable option if you need temporary coverage for a year or if you need to safeguard your family while you pay off large debts. These policies are suitable for those that, should they pass away, want to make sure a child’s education is funded, funeral expenses are paid or mortgage or debt is covered.

Universal life (UL) insurance is permanent life insurance with a savings aspect, flexible premiums and access to loans (through accumulated cash value). Equitable offers three types of variable universal life insurance and one type of indexed universal life insurance.

Indexed Universal Life (IUL)

This is a form of life insurance that protects a single individual and pays a death benefit to the beneficiary of their choosing. Using IUL, you can invest your funds into an indexed-linked option that could increase your cash value in the policy based on how well a certain index performs, up to a certain limit, without having to pay taxes.

BrightLife® Grow

BrightLife® Grow is a form of flexible premium universal life insurance that credits interest based on the performance of major market indexes. You can choose from four indexed options or a Guaranteed Interest Account (GIA). Access to your cash value is available after the first policy year and before the policyholder’s 121st birthday. It offers two death benefit options and a choice of riders.

Variable Universal Life (VUL)

Variable universal life insurance has the potential to accumulate cash value. A portion of your payments go toward the death benefit payout, while the remainder is invested, of which you can choose where. However, it comes with the risk of losing your investment money. The death benefit payout is tax-free and can replace income or cover expenses.

This life insurance policy can be a key component of your general retirement income plan since it offers tax-deferred growth, prospective tax-free income and a death payout that is not subject to income tax. It offers a range of investment options for you to invest your money in. To be eligible, you must qualify financially and medically; your previous medical records will be examined without the need for a medical exam or lab test.

This is a life insurance policy with the possibility for cash value building through tailored, professionally-managed investment portfolios and a wide range of investment opportunities. Besides tax advantages, it offers flexible premiums, two death benefit options to choose from and a choice of riders.

This life insurance policy is aimed at consumers seeking inexpensive permanent life insurance and market-sensitive investment possibilities for their premium dollars. It has flexible premiums, a flexible face amount, two death benefit options, a choice of riders and a tax-free advantage.

This life insurance policy protects couples who seek insurance as well as the opportunity to supplement their retirement income. Besides the tax benefits, it lets you tailor your investment options to suit your needs as well as customize your policy using optional life insurance riders. It has the potential to generate tax-free retirement income.

If you desire lifelong protection but expect your insurance needs to change over time, universal life insurance may be the best option for you. Investors that place a premium on policy adaptability and substantial growth in cash value may find these products appealing.

Equitable’s Life Insurance Riders

A life insurance rider is a fee-based or free add-on that you can apply to your policy. For Equitable’s life insurance, you get to choose from multiple riders, depending on your policy type. We review some of the options below.

How to Get Equitable Life Insurance

Learning how to get a life insurance policy from Equitable is the next step after becoming familiar with the many insurance choices available. It's prudent to have a plan B in place in case Equitable rejects your application. In this part, we'll talk about both.

Do Your Research

It is important to be informed about the many options for life insurance. You can use Equitable’s online resources or speak with a broker or insurance representative to discover more about your options.

It's always a good idea to compare quotes for life insurance, even if you think you found what you need. Your premiums will vary widely depending on details, such as your age, gender, health status, lifestyle choices and medical history. For example, if the one you're thinking about with Equitable is prohibitively pricey, you might want to consider looking into alternatives.

Health Check

Next, you'll need to submit an application and, if necessary, pass a health screening. In most cases, the doctor will conduct both a physical assessment and a phone interview. An underwriter may request additional information from you in order to better evaluate your profile's risk.

If your insurance application is accepted, Equitable will grant you a policy. If you need to know more, talk to your insurance agent or broker.

What to Do if Equitable Insurance Denies You Coverage

Contact your broker.

Finding out more about what happened can be done by getting in touch with your broker or the company's representative and asking for details.

Lifestyle Changes

If you were rejected due to a lifestyle habit, such as smoking or a negative medical examination, make changes to your lifestyle to improve your health and better your chances of getting approved. With the changes, you may even get life insurance at a better rate.

Explore Other Options

Finally, you should look into other insurance choices, especially those that do not require a medical exam. You may have to settle for less coverage or a higher premium as a result.

Frequently Asked Questions About Equitable Life Insurance

MoneyGeek discusses the most prevalent questions related to Equitable life insurance products.

Yes. You might be able to borrow money against a certain portion of the cash value of your universal life insurance policy.

These details are not available on Equitable's website. Your age, gender and health are among the elements that, in addition to the plan itself, define the maximum level of coverage for which you are eligible. The best approach to learning all the details is to speak with an agent.

Maybe. Dividends may be available from Equitable’s life insurance policies if they are tied to an index. A company representative can explain further.

Equitable does not indicate whether or not it provides life insurance for cancer patients. Consult an insurance agent or an insurance broker for the best advice.

Whether or not deaths caused by drug overdoses are covered under Equitable's insurance is not disclosed. Again, talking to a company insurance rep is your best bet if you need clarification.

Equitable does not specify if it provides policies with coverage for deaths caused by suicide. If you require clarity, it would be wise to speak with an agent.

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About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC , NBC News and Mashable .

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.

• Equitable . " BrightLife® Grow ." Accessed March 8, 2023 .
• Equitable . " Equitable Term-in-10 ." Accessed March 8, 2023 .
• Equitable . " Equitable Advantage Max ." Accessed March 8, 2023 .
• Equitable . " Indexed Universal Life Insurance ." Accessed March 8, 2023 .
• Equitable . " Life Insurance ." Accessed March 7, 2023 .
• Equitable . " Ratings ." Accessed March 8, 2023 .
• Equitable . " Term Life Insurance ." Accessed March 8, 2023 .
• Equitable . " Term Series ." Accessed March 8, 2023 .
• Equitable . " Variable Universal Life Insurance ." Accessed March 8, 2023 .
• Equitable . " VUL Legacy ." Accessed March 8, 2023 .
• Equitable . " VUL Optimizer ." Accessed March 8, 2023 .
• Equitable . " VUL Survivorship ." Accessed March 8, 2023 .
• LIMRA . " 2022 Insurance Barometer Study ." Accessed March 8, 2023 .
• NAIC . " Equitable Financial Life Ins Co National Complaint Index Report 2023 ." Accessed March 8, 2023 .
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AXA Travel Insurance

Travel is in our DNA. Let AXA protect your next adventure, whether traveling internationally or domestically.

Why should I purchase Travel Insurance? 

Whether you're embarking on a weekend getaway  or a month-long adventure, unexpected events can happen. An AXA protection plan can help ease your mind and help safeguard your trip, offer reimbursement for covered medical costs, and provide travelers with 24/7 access to assistance services, among other benefits.

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Is domestic and international medical coverage provided?

Our travel plans can provide up to $250,000 in medical coverage domestically and internationally for emergencies and accidents while traveling.

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Axa travel insurance benefits.

Medical Travel Benefit

AXA offers coverage for certain emergency medical expenses that result from an accidental injury or illness while traveling as well as emergency medical evacuation and repatriation. Learn more

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We can reimburse you up to the maximum benefit of your selected travel plan, that is due to an unforeseen event including illness and inclement weather and other covered reasons. Learn more

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Frequently asked questions about travel insurance, what is travel insurance, what does travel insurance cover on a cruise, why choose axa, how much does travel insurance cost, what is a pre-existing medical condition, does travel insurance have covid benefits, travel assistance wherever, whenever.

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Common concerns about travel insurance.

• It is a clever idea to purchase travel insurance If you are willing to protect your trip from variety of common travel-related incidents, including trip cancellations, flight delays or cancellations, lost or stolen baggage, and medical emergencies.

• Travel insurance provides coverage against medical expenses, reimbursement for lost or stolen luggage, compensation for expenses incurred due to travel delays and more while you are travelling.

• Travel insurance is to provide financial protection to travelers in case of unexpected events. Without adequate insurance coverage, travelers may face significant financial losses and hardships if they encounter any unforeseen circumstances while traveling in the Schengen Territory.

• A good option for travelers who are concerned about unforeseeable events or who want the freedom to cancel their trip for any reason. When you purchase CFAR coverage, you can cancel the trip without losing your entire prepaid, nonrefundable vacation expenses. Exclusive to Platinum Package holders.

Cincinnati Equitable Life selects the Travel Plan by Inman as their preferred Travel Plan provider

Inman CEO Dave McComb is a funeral director and 37-year veteran of the funeral care industry. He understands the needs of funeral directors as well as the families they serve. “It is our honor to be associated with a company like Cincinnati Equitable Life” said Dave McComb.

The Travel Plan by Inman offers Cincinnati Equitable families peace of mind in knowing loved ones won’t have to worry about details or cost should they die away from home. A one-time fee of $450 covers the cost of bringing a loved one home from anywhere in the world for ceremony if they die more than 75 miles from home. Without this coverage, actual costs could range anywhere from $1,500 – $15,000.

Cincinnati Equitable Life Insurance Company, founded in 1963, maintains an “A” (Excellent) rating from AM Best and is a member of the Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies.

For more information on Cincinnati Equitable visit https://www.cineqlife.com or call 80o-621-1826.

For more information on the Travel Plan by Inman:

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