Manhattan Life Insurance Review (2026)
As one of the oldest life insurance companies in the United States, Manhattan Life offers straightforward life insurance coverage options. Its main products include simplified issue term life and final expense whole life insurance, which can be a good fit for people who want to avoid a lengthy underwriting process. However, shoppers looking for more flexible permanent policies or larger death benefits may want to explore other options.
Key Takeaways
Best for: Seniors and individuals seeking no-exam term coverage or final expense insurance, particularly those who prefer working through a licensed agent.
Standout feature: Final expense whole life up to $50,000 with no waiting period, guaranteed premiums, and cash value.
Products offered: Term life and final expense whole life insurance.
Financial strength: B++ (Good) from AM Best.¹
How to access: Agent-only distribution; no online quotes or applications available.
About Manhattan Life Insurance
Manhattan Life Insurance Company was chartered in New York in 1850 and is one of the oldest privately held insurers with over 176 years of continuous service, even through global financial crisis situations. As of now, the company is dedicated to serving over 1 million policyholders across the country.²
Beyond life insurance, Manhattan Life offers Medicare supplement plans, annuities, supplemental health insurance, and employer group benefits including dental, vision, cancer, accident, and hospital indemnity coverage The company operates through a group of affiliated insurers that collectively distribute coverage across the United States and no direct online purchase path is available.
Manhattan Life Insurance Review for 2026
In this 2026 review, we examine Manhattan Life’s financial strength, policy offerings, underwriting requirements, customer experience, and overall value to help determine whether Manhattan Life is the right fit for your life insurance needs.
Manhattan Life Financial Strength and Ratings
Financial strength ratings can help you assess an insurance company's ability to meet its financial obligations and pay claims. Manhattan Life has received ratings from several independent organizations that evaluate financial stability, business practices, and overall reliability such as:
- B++ (Good) from AM Best: Indicates a good ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations and pay claims.¹
- A+from Better Business Bureau (BBB): Accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 2013, reflecting strong business practices and customer complaint handling.³
- A (Exceptional) from Demotech: Signifies exceptional financial stability and a strong ability to meet policyholder obligations.⁴
These ratings suggest that Manhattan Life is a financially stable insurer, with a reliable customer service experience.
Manhattan Life Insurance Products
Rather than offering a wide range of highly customizable policies, Manhattan Life focuses on simplified-issue term life and whole life insurance products that can help applicants secure coverage with fewer underwriting hurdles.
Term Life Insurance
Manhattan Life's term life insurance is designed for applicants seeking affordable coverage with a simplified application process and without requiring a medical exam. Some of the main features may include:⁵
- Coverage amounts available up to $250,000 through a simplified-issue application process.
- No medical exam required for eligible applicants.
- Higher coverage amounts are available through full underwriting.
- Includes a Terminal Illness Accelerated Benefit Rider, allowing policyholders diagnosed with a qualifying terminal illness to access a portion of the death benefit.
- Level premiums throughout the selected term period, helping policyholders maintain predictable costs.
- Provides temporary financial protection for beneficiaries during the policy term.
Final Expense (Whole Life) Insurance
Manhattan Life's whole life policy designed to help cover end-of-life expenses, such as funeral costs, medical bills, and outstanding debts. Some of the main features of this policy includes:⁵
- Coverage amounts available up to $50,000.
- Immediate death benefit coverage with no waiting period for approved applicants.
- Designed for individuals who may have difficulty qualifying for traditional life insurance.
- Guaranteed level premiums and death benefit that remains fixed throughout the life of the policy.
- Accumulates guaranteed cash value over time. Policyholders can borrow against or withdraw from the cash value, subject to policy terms.
- Outstanding policy loans and accrued interest will reduce the death benefit if not repaid.
- Coverage remains in force for the insured's lifetime as long as required premiums are paid.
Available Riders and Add-Ons
Manhattan Life offers limited rider options compared to many competitors. Its main optional add-on is the Accidental Death Benefit Rider, which can provide up to $10,000 in additional benefits if the insured dies in a covered accident. Applicants looking for more policy customization may find fewer rider choices than those offered by other life insurance companies.⁵
Manhattan Life Underwriting and Application Process
Manhattan Life uses a mixed underwriting approach: simplified issue for term coverage under $250,000 and final expense policies, and traditional full underwriting for higher term amounts. All applicants must work through a licensed agent to obtain quotes and complete the application process.
Medical Exam Requirements
- Term life policy: A medical exam is not required for term life coverage up to $250,000. Applicants requiring this coverage amount may complete a simplified issue process based on a health questionnaire rather than a physical exam. For term coverage above $250,000, full underwriting applies and a medical exam may be required.⁵
- Final expense whole life policy: For final expense whole life insurance, Manhattan Life offers simplified-issue coverage up to $50,000. Applicants typically answer health questions instead of completing a medical exam, though approval is still based on eligibility and underwriting guidelines.
How to Apply for Manhattan Life Insurance
Manhattan Life does not currently offer an online quote tool or direct-to-consumer application process. To purchase a life insurance policy, applicants must work with a licensed insurance agent or broker who can guide them through coverage options and underwriting requirements. Here’s how you can apply:
- Contact Manhattan Life directly or connect with a licensed agent or independent broker that offers Manhattan Life products.
- Discuss your coverage needs, budget, and policy preferences with the agent.
- Complete an application and provide basic personal, health, and beneficiary information. Also, make sure to answer any required health questions as part of the underwriting process.
- For simplified-issue policies, coverage decisions may be made more quickly since a medical exam is generally not required. If applying for higher coverage amounts, be prepared for additional underwriting requirements, which may include a medical exam.
- Review and sign the policy documents once approved and pay the first premium to activate coverage.
Manhattan Life Insurance Customer Experience
Manhattan Life operates a primarily agent-centric service model. Policyholders manage their coverage through a licensed representative, and the company provides telephone and email-based support for general policyholder inquiries.
Customer Service and Contact Options
Policyholders can reach Manhattan Life customer service by phone or by email for individual life insurance inquiries.⁶
- Phone: 800-669-9030
- Email: [email protected]
- Fax: 713-583-3253 (for policyholder services), 713-583-8508 (for claims processing)
- Mailing Address: P.O. Box 925309, Houston, Texas 77292-5309
Policyholders can also use Manhattan Life's online client portal to view policy details, access forms and correspondence, manage account information, and submit certain service requests.
Manhattan Life Insurance Claims Process
Manhattan Life allows beneficiaries to start the claims process through its online claims portal. Here’s how you can file a claim with Manhattan Life:
- Use the Find a Claim Form tool on Manhattan Life's website to locate the appropriate claim form.
- Complete the claimant statement and provide the required policy information.
- Submit the original policy document. If it has been lost or destroyed, complete an Affidavit of Lost Policy form.
- Include a certified copy of the death certificate, which must show the cause of death.
- If there are multiple beneficiaries, each beneficiary must submit a separate claimant statement.
- Submit all forms and supporting documentation according to Manhattan Life's instructions.
Mobile App and Online Access
Manhattan Life offers mobile tools that make it easier for policyholders to manage their coverage and submit claims. Manhattan Life’s client services app, available for iOS and Android, lets users view policy information, file claims, and access digital ID cards. For uploading documents, there is another dedicated app that allows customers to securely submit claims forms, medical bills, receipts, and other paperwork using their smartphone.
Manhattan Life Insurance Pros and Cons
Manhattan Life may appeal to consumers looking for simplified life insurance coverage and a faster application process. However, its product lineup and customization options are more limited than those of many larger life insurance companies.
Pros of Manhattan Life Insurance
- Holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), reflecting strong business practices and customer complaint resolution.
- Offers no-exam term life insurance coverage up to $250,000 for eligible applicants.
- Provides final expense whole life insurance with no waiting period for approved applicants.
- Offers a wide range of supplemental health and ancillary insurance products in addition to life insurance coverage.
Cons of Manhattan Life Insurance
- Has a limited permanent life insurance product lineup, with fewer options than many competing insurers.
- Does not provide online quotes or direct online applications, requiring consumers to work through an agent or broker.
- Offers only one optional rider for individual life insurance policies, limiting policy customization opportunities.
Ethos vs. Manhattan Life Insurance
Ethos and Manhattan Life serve different types of life insurance shoppers. Understanding these differences can help you choose the option that best fits your coverage needs and buying preferences.
Product Range
- Ethos: Offers access to term life, whole life and other permanent life policies from multiple insurers, giving shoppers more coverage options and flexibility through a single application.
- Manhattan Life: Focuses primarily on simplified-issue term life and final expense whole life insurance products.
Coverage Limits and Underwriting Experience
- Ethos: Can connect eligible applicants with higher coverage amounts (up to $3 million) and may offer instant decisions through participating carriers.
- Manhattan Life: Provides no-exam term coverage up to $250,000, with larger coverage amounts requiring full underwriting.⁵
Online Buying Experience
- Ethos: Features a fully online application process that allows consumers to compare, apply for, and purchase coverage digitally.
- Manhattan Life: Requires applicants to work with a licensed agent or broker, as online quotes and applications are not available.
Best Fit Profile
- Ethos: Best for shoppers who want a convenient online experience, access to multiple insurers, and a wider range of coverage options.
- Manhattan Life: Best for consumers seeking straightforward term or final expense coverage and who prefer working with an insurance professional.
More Life Insurance Reviews
FAQs on Manhattan Life Insurance
Manhattan Life works well for consumers who want straightforward life insurance coverage with a simplified application process. Its no-exam term life insurance and final expense policies may appeal to seniors, individuals with modest coverage needs, and applicants who prefer working with an insurance agent rather than purchasing coverage online.
Manhattan Life primarily offers simplified-issue term life insurance and final expense whole life insurance. Its term policies provide temporary coverage with level premiums, while its final expense policies offer lifelong protection, guaranteed cash value growth, and benefits designed to help cover funeral costs and other end-of-life expenses.
Beneficiaries can begin the claims process using Manhattan Life's online Find a Claim Form tool. To submit a claim, claimants typically need a completed claimant statement, the original policy document or an Affidavit of Lost Policy, and a certified death certificate showing the cause of death. Separate claimant statements are required for multiple beneficiaries.
Manhattan Life may be an option for individuals with certain health conditions because it offers simplified-issue products that rely on health questionnaires rather than medical exams. Eligibility depends on the applicant's medical history and answers to underwriting questions, but the process can be more accessible than traditional fully underwritten policies.
In many cases, individuals can own multiple life insurance policies, provided they meet the insurer's underwriting requirements and demonstrate an insurable need for the additional coverage. Coverage limits, eligibility requirements, and policy availability may vary based on age, health status, and the type of policy being purchased.
Compared with many larger insurers, Manhattan Life offers a narrower product lineup and fewer rider options. However, it stands out for its simplified-issue term life insurance and final expense coverage. Buyers seeking extensive policy customization, higher coverage amounts, or a fully digital application experience may find stronger alternatives elsewhere.
Author
Chief Underwriter
Expert review
Chief Compliance & Privacy Officer
Last updated: July 15, 2026
%2F2025%2520Update%2FAdobeStock_396125169_ov85k4.jpg&w=828&q=75)
%2FStocksy_txpdf1a777167U200_Medium_1911062_horizontalEdited_znqhgh.jpg&w=828&q=75)
