Best Life Insurance for Nurses in 2025 (Top 10 Companies Ranked)

The top providers of the best life insurance for nurses are MassMutual, Northwestern Mutual, and Prudential, each earning top marks for offering affordable coverage that aligns with the demands of nursing careers.

MassMutual leads overall with occupation-based riders, like a waiver of premium for disability and strong whole-life growth potential. Northwestern Mutual stands out for blending term and permanent policies, allowing nurses to adjust their coverage as their financial responsibilities change.

Our Top 10 Company Picks: Best Life Insurance for Nurse

Prudential ranks highly for its no-medical-exam options, high maximum face amounts, and optional living benefits, ideal for nurses balancing fast-paced work with long-term planning.

By comparing quotes from top insurance providers, nurses can make confident decisions about their life insurance needs. You can get affordable life insurance for healthcare workers by entering your ZIP code into our free comparison tool.

#1 – MassMutual: Best for Long-Term Security

Pros

• Disability Waiver Rider: MassMutual allows nurses to waive premium payments if they become disabled, ideal for high-risk roles.
• Strong Cash Value Growth: Whole life policies help nurses build long-term savings alongside life insurance protection. Learn what sets them apart in our MassMutual insurance review.
• A.M. Best Rating of A++: Nurses can rely on MassMutual’s superior financial stability to support long-term policy performance.

Cons

• Limited Online Tools: Nurses may find it difficult to manage or quote policies without in-person or agent interaction.
• Higher Initial Underwriting Standards: Nurses with pre-existing conditions may face more stringent approval requirements.

#2 – Northwestern Mutual: Best for Policy Flexibility

Pros

• Blended Policy Options: Nurses can combine term and whole life coverage to align with evolving financial goals.
• Customizable Riders: Nurses can add child term riders or accelerated benefits for greater control over coverage. Discover what sets it apart in our Northwestern Mutual insurance review.
• Strong Dividend History: Participating whole life policies provide dividends that nurses can reinvest or use to reduce premiums.

Cons

• Limited Term-Only Options: Nurses seeking short-term coverage only may find fewer standalone term plans available.
• Longer Policy Setup Time: Nurses may experience delays due to detailed medical underwriting and financial planning sessions.

#3 – Prudential: Best for No-Exam Options

Pros

• No-Medical-Exam Availability: Nurses needing fast coverage can get up to $500,000 in term life insurance without a medical exam.
• High Face Amounts: Prudential offers coverage up to $10 million, which is useful for nurses with significant financial responsibilities.
• Living Benefits Included: Nurses can access accelerated death benefits in the event of a chronic or terminal illness. Get insights on term and whole life plans in our Prudential insurance review.

Cons

• A.M. Best Rating of A+: Although strong, Prudential’s rating is slightly below that of top-tier insurers trusted by many nurses.
• Higher Premiums for Smokers: Nurses who smoke may pay more, even if otherwise healthy, due to Prudential’s tiered rating.

#4 – Mutual of Omaha: Best for Simplified Issue Policies

Pros

• Simplified Underwriting: Nurses can apply for term and whole life coverage without medical exams or invasive questions.
• Terminal Illness Benefit: Mutual of Omaha allows nurses to access part of their death benefit when facing a terminal diagnosis.
• Affordable Final Expense Plans: Nurses can secure guaranteed issue whole life coverage starting at lower face values. Compare its strengths and weaknesses in the Mutual of Omaha insurance review & ratings.

Cons

• Lower Coverage Ceiling: Nurses requiring more than $250,000 in no-exam policies may need to explore traditional underwriting.
• Limited Digital Account Tools: Nurses may not have access to mobile apps or full-featured online policy management.

#5 – Guardian Life: Best for High-Risk Coverage Customization

Pros

• Robust Rider Options: Guardian offers waiver of premium and long-term care riders that appeal to nurses who are exposed to occupational risks.
• HIV+ Underwriting Policy: Nurses living with HIV can qualify under Guardian’s progressive underwriting guidelines.
• Policy Loans on Whole Life: Nurses can borrow against the cash value of their policy to cover emergencies or debt. Uncover key policy details inside our Guardian Life Insurance review.

Cons

• Strict Financial Reviews: Nurses with inconsistent income history may need to provide detailed financial documentation.
• Fewer Term Plan Variants: Nurses seeking term-only policies may find limited choices compared to competitors.

#6 – State Farm: Best for Adaptive Term Policies for Nurses

Pros

• Convertible Term Options: Nurses can switch to permanent coverage mid-career without medical exams. Explore our State Farm insurance review to see how it compares.
• Waiver of Premium for Disability: Nurses who face injury or illness can pause their premiums while retaining coverage.
• Accelerated Benefit Riders: Nurses diagnosed with terminal illness may access a portion of their policy early.

Cons

• Limited Whole Life Choices: Nurses seeking lifetime coverage with cash value may find fewer customizable options.
• Manual Enrollment Process: Nurses must contact agents directly, with no streamlined online application tool.

#7 – New York Life: Best for Lifetime Value for Nurses

Pros

• Dividend-Eligible: Nurses can earn annual returns on permanent policies, making them ideal for long-term savings goals.
• Customizable Face Amounts: Nurses can select coverage ranging from $100,000 to over $5 million, based on their financial needs.
• Nursing-Specific Planning Services: Nurses can access advisors trained in the medical profession’s income protection. Learn what sets it apart in our New York Life Insurance review.

Cons

• High Initial Premiums: Nurses just starting their careers may struggle with the affordability of whole life policies.
• Complex Coverage Layers: Nurses may require multiple advisor consultations to understand advanced product structures.

#8 – USAA: Best for Military-Affiliated Nurses Seeking Efficiency

Pros

• Fast Underwriting for Term Plans: Nurses with military backgrounds benefit from approval in under 48 hours. See why customer satisfaction is so high in this USAA insurance review.
• Low Rates for Younger Nurses: Nurses under 35 with good health and military ties get highly competitive pricing.
• Grief and Relocation Assistance: Nurses’ families receive access to specialized support resources after a policy payout.

Cons

• Membership Exclusivity: Nurses without direct or familial military service cannot qualify for coverage.

• Limited Permanent Options: Nurses seeking long-term policy flexibility may need to supplement with external carriers.

#9 – AIG: Best for Nurses With Pre-Existing Health Conditions

Pros

• No Medical Exam Option: Nurses with complex medical histories can still secure coverage without exams.
• Chronic Illness Riders: Nurses can access policy funds in the event of a qualifying serious illness. Learn what sets it apart in our AIG insurance review.
• Flexible Term Lengths: Based on their career plans, nurses can choose terms ranging from 10 to 35 years.

Cons

• Customer Satisfaction Gaps: Nurses may encounter policy delays or limited agent availability, as reflected in service reviews.
• Expensive for Full Coverage: Nurses who need policies exceeding $500,000 may pay higher premiums compared to other providers.

#10 – Erie: Best for Personalized Local Service for Nurses

Pros

• Stable Rate Guarantees: Nurses can lock in their premiums for up to 30 years, making it ideal for long-term financial planning.
• Local Agent Support: Nurses get in-person assistance through Erie’s regional network, which is helpful for policy customization.
• Optional Riders for Families: Nurses with dependents can add child term or accidental death riders affordably. Uncover pros, cons, and pricing in our Erie insurance review.

Cons

• Geographic Restrictions: Nurses outside Erie’s 12-state service region are ineligible for coverage.
• No Online Quotes: Nurses must initiate quotes through agents due to Erie’s limited digital infrastructure.

Cost of Life Insurance for Nurses

Nurses’ life insurance monthly rates vary notably between term and whole policies. USAA offers the cheapest term rate at $46. Northwestern Mutual has the most expensive whole policy at $180. Erie’s rates are mid-range across both categories.

Nurse Life Insurance Monthly Rates by Provider & Policy

Mutual of Omaha shows the lowest whole life price at $158. Term rates mostly cluster in the $45–$55 range. Whole life rates are less uniform. New York Life stands out with a high whole rate of $175. Prudential combines low-term and moderate whole rates.

This table compares monthly life insurance rates for nurses across ten providers. Term policies start as low as $20. Whole policies average between $40 and $55. USAA and AIG have the lowest term premiums.

MassMutual and Prudential rank high for whole life options. Guardian Life sits mid-range in both types. New York Life trends slightly higher. Northwestern Mutual balances both well. Nurses have affordable choices at every tier.

Discover more information in our article, “How does the insurance company determine my premium?”

Life Insurance Options for Nurses

Group life insurance is offered by large entities, such as professional associations, labor organizations, and employers, to members or employees. This type of policy is generally inexpensive and can be an option for nurses. Sometimes, coverage may even be free. However, there are disadvantages to group life insurance plans. The coverage amount is relatively low, as this policy is often part of a larger benefits package.

What are the 3 main types of life insurance? One type of coverage is term life insurance. This type of policy is usually bought privately. How term life insurance works is by guaranteeing a payout of a contracted death benefit if the insured dies during a stated term. Once that term ends, the policyholder can opt to let the policy end or renew the term coverage.

The other option for nurses is under permanent coverage life insurance, which has two types of policies:

• Whole Life Insurance: Whole life insurance provides coverage for the life of the insured, with a savings structure that increases at a stated rate.
• Universal Life Insurance: Universal life insurance offers the same type of coverage and a savings option as whole life, but it has different parameters and structures for the savings element.

What is the most recommended life insurance? Nurses have numerous options for coverage, but the cost of these policies is not so clear. Life insurance rates vary based on multiple factors, such as age, health history, and the desired coverage amount. It’s essential for nurses to carefully compare the types of policies and consider their individual needs before making a decision.

Life Insurance Rates for Nurses

The cost of life insurance for nurses depends on factors such as gender, age, and policy terms. Nonsmokers generally see the lowest rates because their health risk is deemed lower than that of smokers. Likewise, a 25-year-old nurse will pay lower rates than a 65-year-old nurse.

Prudential Life Insurance Company provides coverage for many group policies for nurses. Here are some average monthly rates for non-smokers from Prudential:

• For a 25-year-old female, a 10-year/$100,000 policy cost $13
• The same terms for a 25-year-old male cost $14
• For a 45-year-old female, a 10-year/$100,000 policy cost $16
• The same terms for a 45-year-old male cost $18
• For a 65-year-old female, a 10-year/$100,000 policy cost $41
• The same terms for a 65-year-old male cost $59

Prices increase for longer-term policies as well as for higher coverage amounts. Furthermore, females pay lower rates than males because their average lifespans are about five years longer.

To determine the right amount of coverage, start by stating your coverage needs. List debts, assets, and ongoing expenses before you seek quotes. Read more: 7 Tips to Save Money on Life Insurance.

Workplace Life Insurance vs. Private Policies

Because workplace policies are inexpensive, enrolling is usually a good decision. However, group life insurance for nurses obtained through the workplace may not provide enough coverage, depending on your individual life circumstances.

Another potential issue with a workplace policy is maintaining coverage. If you change jobs, you could lose coverage because some workplace policies do not travel with you.

Industry experts recommend buying a life insurance policy that is equal to seven to ten times your annual salary. Generally, workplace policies fall well short of this recommendation. An exception is a lack of dependents or transferable debts. See if buying insurance from wholesale clubs fits your coverage needs.

If you have neither of these and have saved up money to cover funeral costs, a workplace policy might be adequate. Otherwise, it would help to compare quotes and policies to find affordable private life insurance with the coverage you need as a nurse.

Customizing Your Nurse Life Insurance Policy With Riders

You can personalize private life insurance policies with riders. These are benefits you can purchase and add to your life insurance policy to get coverage tailored to your needs.

While you pay more for riders, they are usually fairly inexpensive because companies do not need to do much underwriting. The types of riders available include:

• Waiver of Premium Rider: This rider exempts you from continuing to pay policy rates if you become injured or permanently disabled before the policy term ends.
• Family Income Benefit Rider: With this rider, family members receive steady payments if the insured dies. You must specify the number of years your family will receive the payments. This rider may be a wise choice if you are your family’s sole wage earner.
• Guaranteed Insurability Rider: This option allows you to buy more coverage during your policy term without undergoing medical exams. While this rider might end at a stated age, it can be helpful if your life circumstances have significantly changed.
• Accidental Death Benefit Rider: This rider pays an additional amount, usually the value of the policy, should the insured die in an accident during the policy term.
• Child Term Rider: This rider pays a benefit if a child dies before a stated age. As an adult, that person has the option to convert the policy to permanent insurance for higher coverage amounts without a medical exam.
• Long-Term Care Rider: This rider does the same work as an individual long-term care policy by offering monthly payments if the insured needs home care or enters a care facility.

There are other types of riders available as well. Explore your options for life insurance from some of the best insurance companies to customize your coverage.

Obtaining Online Quotes for Nurses’ Life Insurance

Getting an insurance quote for life insurance online has never been easier, allowing nurses to conveniently and efficiently explore their options. Here’s a simple guide on how to obtain an online quote:

• Visit Insurance Provider Websites. Start by visiting the websites of reputable insurance providers, such as Aflac, USAA, and State Farm. Navigate to their life insurance sections, where you’ll often find tools to request a quote.
• Fill Out the Form. You’ll typically encounter a form that asks for basic information, such as age, gender, smoking status, and the desired coverage amount. Provide accurate details to ensure an accurate quote.
• Customize Your Coverage. Many online quote tools allow you to customize your coverage preferences. You can choose between term or permanent life insurance, select coverage amounts, and even add riders for additional protection.
• Review Your Options. After submitting the form, you will receive quotes based on the information you provided. Take the time to review the quotes carefully, considering factors such as coverage, premiums, and any available discounts.
• Compare Quotes. It’s essential to compare quotes from multiple providers to ensure you’re getting the best value for your coverage needs. Look beyond the price and consider the insurance company’s reputation, customer reviews, and the comprehensiveness of the coverage offered.
• Reach Out for Assistance. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact the insurance provider’s customer service team. They can provide clarification on coverage options, help you understand the quote, and assist with the application process.

By following these steps, nurses can easily obtain online quotes for life insurance, empowering them to make informed decisions about their financial protection. Navigating the process of obtaining an online quote allows nurses to access competitive rates and tailored coverage options from the comfort of their homes.

With the convenience of online tools and the guidance of insurance professionals, nurses can secure the peace of mind they deserve, knowing their loved ones are financially protected. Take the first step towards securing your future today by requesting an online quote and exploring the array of life insurance options available.

5 Case Studies: Real-Life Examples of the Best Life Insurance for Nurses

Let’s explore how different nurses navigate their life insurance needs with tailored solutions. Through these case studies, we explore the unique circumstances and priorities of nurses, highlighting how they achieve financial security for themselves and their loved ones.

• Case Study #1 – Family Protection: Nurse Jane, 35, ensured her family’s financial stability with a tailored plan from Prudential Life Insurance Company, offering a substantial death benefit and critical illness coverage.
• Case Study #2 – Retirement Planning: At 42, Nurse Mark secured his financial future with New York Life Insurance Company’s plan, combining a death benefit with cash value accumulation.
• Case Study #3 – Student Loan Protection: Recent nursing graduate Sarah protected her family from student loan debt with MetLife Insurance Company’s policy, covering remaining loans and relieving financial burdens.
• Case Study #4 – Mortgage Security: At 45, Nurse Michael safeguarded his family’s home with State Farm Life Insurance Company’s mortgage protection plan, ensuring stability with a dedicated death benefit.
• Case Study #5 – Income Replacement: 28-year-old Nurse Emily prioritized financial stability with USAA Insurance Company’s income replacement policy, which offers monthly benefits in challenging circumstances.

These case studies exemplify the diverse needs and priorities among nurses when it comes to life insurance. By carefully selecting tailored solutions from the best insurance companies, nurses can secure financial peace of mind, protect their families, and plan for the future while continuing their invaluable work in healthcare.

As they navigate the complexities of life insurance, nurses demonstrate resilience and foresight, ensuring their loved ones are well-supported no matter what life may bring.

About Life Insurance for Nurses

Nurses provide vital care for patients, but they need financial protection themselves with the right type of life insurance policy. Workplace group life insurance is easy and affordable, but it may not provide enough coverage.

Buying private coverage is a smart option in many cases. You can choose the policy terms based on your situation, and optional riders help you tailor the policy even more to your family’s needs.

Taking a little time to find the best life insurance companies can pay off in peace of mind. Compare the best nursing insurance plans available in your area by entering your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool and instantly view personalized rates.