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Ethos Reviews

8.2

bestfor-icon Seeking Quick, No-Exam Life Insurance

mattlevy
Written by Matthew Levy

About Ethos | Read More

8

LS Score

9

Credibility

8

Support

8

Accessibility

Opening Hours Opening Hours drop-down-btn
Mon - Fri 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. CST
Contact Information Contact Information drop-down-btn
  • support@ethoslife.com
  • 1-415-915-0665
  • 1606 Headway Circle #9013 Austin, TX 78754
Social Media Social Media drop-down-btn

Ethos Life Insurance Review

Ethos Life Insurance provides straightforward, accessible term life and whole life insurance policies. With a strong emphasis on a no-hassle online application process, Ethos caters to those seeking quick, reliable coverage without the need for a medical exam in most cases. Their range of products is flexible, affordable protection that can adapt to various individual needs and circumstances. By partnering with established insurers and utilizing a customer-centric approach, Ethos ensures a seamless, supportive experience from quote to coverage, embodying their commitment to making life insurance less intimidating and more attainable for everyone.

Ethos Life Insurance Highlight

$20K-$2M

Coverage Amount

10, 15, 20, or 30 years or lifetime

Coverage Term

A+

BBB Rating

Not Required

Medical Exam

Yes

Optional Add-Ons

Pros & Cons

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  • con-icon Streamlined Online Application
  • con-icon No Medical Exam Required
  • con-icon Policies Issued by Financially Strong Companies
  • con-icon Accessible Customer Support
  • con-icon Limited Policy Types
  • con-icon No Term Conversion Options
  • con-icon Age and Coverage Limits
  • con-icon Requires Personal Information for Quotes

Exclusions

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  • Policy proceeds will be paid to your beneficiary at the time of claim if you have died for any reason except the following: It has been determined that insurance fraud has been committed, Questions within the application were not answered truthfully and are discovered during the two year contestable period, or Your death is the result of suicide during the first two years of the policy being in force.

Associated Fees

In the life insurance industry, various fees can be associated with policies, with some general fees and terms below:

  • Premiums: The most significant cost associated with any life insurance policy is the premium, which is the amount you pay for coverage. This can be paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually, depending on the policy and provider. For Ethos, the premium depends on the policy type, term length, coverage amount, and individual risk factors such as age and health.
  • Policy Fees: Some insurers charge a flat policy fee to cover administrative costs. These fees are usually integrated into the quoted premium and aren’t always detailed as separate charges. Ethos’s streamlined, online-first approach minimizes these costs, but review the policy details or speak with an Ethos representative for specific fee structures.
  • Rider Fees: If you choose to add optional coverage enhancements or riders to your policy, such as an accelerated death benefit or accidental death benefit, there might be additional fees. These vary based on the rider and the level of additional coverage it provides.
  • Cancellation Fees: Some policies may have fees associated with canceling your coverage, especially if you cancel after a certain period. It’s important to understand the terms of your policy to know if any cancellation fees apply.
  • Service Fees: Ethos generally announces no flat service fees. However, life insurance policies typically involve various costs factored into the overall premium rather than separate service fees. Ethos’s model focuses on simplicity and transparency, suggesting any additional costs should be minimal and integrated into the premium structure.

Life Insurance Policies and Pricing

Term Life Insurance: Ethos offers term life policies for periods of 10, 15, 20, or 30 years with coverage amounts ranging from $20,000 to $2 million. Premiums are level, meaning they won’t increase during the term. Pricing varies based on age, health, and coverage amount but is generally competitive. For example, a 10-year term life plan with a $1,000,000 limit for healthy adults might start at around $46 per month for females and $58 for males.

Whole Life Insurance: Available to individuals aged 66 to 85 with coverage up to $30,000. These policies are guaranteed approval with no medical exam required and offer lifetime coverage with locked-in rates. Pricing is typically higher than term life due to the permanent nature and smaller coverage amounts.

Add-Ons and Customization:

  • Accelerated Death Benefit Rider: Included in some policies, allowing you to access part of the death benefit if diagnosed with a terminal illness.
  • Accidental Death Benefit: Some applicants might be eligible for this rider, which provides an additional payout in case of death by accident.

Pricing Transparency and Availability:

  • Ethos provides a range of quote estimates on its website but requires detailed personal information for a more specific quote. While some might find this intrusive, it helps provide more accurate pricing.
  • Policies are available in all states except New York.

Contract Lengths:

  • Ethos offers term life insurance for 10, 15, 20, or 30 years. The specific length you choose will affect your premium, with longer terms generally costing more due to the increased risk to the insurer.

Other Considerations:

  • Ethos’s plans are straightforward, with a focus on simplicity and efficiency. While this means fewer options for customization compared to some other providers, it also makes for a more user-friendly experience for those new to life insurance or looking for a quick, hassle-free policy setup.

How to Get Life Insurance Through Ethos

The process of applying for life insurance with Ethos is quite simple. The first step is going to their estimate website, as pictured below. From there, you will enter some personal information and hit continue. 

The process of applying for life insurance with Ethos is quite simple.

  1. The first step is going to their estimate website, as pictured below. From there, you will enter some personal information and hit continue.
  2. Step 2 involves choosing how much coverage you want and the term length you want to get a rate for. After you have selected what you want, hit “Get my final rate.”
  3. After selecting, step 3 involves entering some more information regarding the policy and why you want it. Select all that apply and hit next.
  4. Next, step 4 involves showing who depends on you.
  5. Step 5 lets you know how your coverage options will be calculated in as little as 5 minutes. You’ll be putting in more information over the next steps. Hit “Next: Coverage needs.”
  6. This will bring you to a page where you select when you would like to be covered by. You then need to provide your sex at birth and your birthdate. After going through the next coverage needs sections, you provide how many children you have.
  7. Cycle through the next personal information questions, such as mortgage debt. Then, after analyzing, it will provide a recommendation for you. At any time, you can call the helpline at (415) 915-0665 if you have any questions, they are extremely helpful.
  8. After cycling through the coverage needs, you then have to confirm your eligibility, and provide health & lifestyle info.
  9. Once you have done so, you will get a final rate quote, which you can proceed with. Again, if you run into trouble or have questions, you can use their helpline to get you through the process. 
Online application Yes
Credit Card Payments Yes
Policy Delivery Methods Online
Online Policy Management Yes

State Availability

Available - Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Not Available - New York

mattlevy
Written by Matthew Levy

Matthew is a freelance financial copywriter with 14+ years in financial services. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics with business and finance options and is a CFA Charterholder. He is from Vancouver, Canada, but writes from all over the world.

faq-icon

FAQ’s

What types of life insurance policies does Ethos offer?

Ethos specializes in term life and whole life insurance policies. They provide no-exam term life insurance with coverage up to $2 million for buyers up to age 50 and whole life insurance available to individuals aged 66 to 85 with guaranteed approval and coverage amounts from $1,000 to $30,000.

How does the Ethos application process work?

Ethos has a streamlined online application process that can be completed in minutes. Most applicants will not require a medical exam and can receive immediate coverage decisions. The process involves providing some personal and health-related information to generate a quote and then selecting the appropriate policy.

Can I change or cancel my Ethos policy after purchasing it?

Yes, you can change or cancel your policy. Ethos provides flexibility to adjust your coverage as your needs change. However, it's important to review the specific terms and conditions or speak directly with Ethos customer service for detailed guidance on how to make changes or the implications of canceling your policy.

Customer Support

Interacting with Ethos Life Insurance’s customer support, I found their service to be efficient and user-friendly. Initially, I navigated online to find their customer support email and phone number, which were readily available. When I needed further assistance, the response was prompt and informative, providing me with clarity and guidance. The agents I interacted with were knowledgeable and courteous, ensuring that my questions were answered. I particularly appreciated the blend of digital convenience with the option for human interaction. The quick turnaround times for queries and the helpfulness of the customer support team made my experience smooth and stress-free. Ethos’ commitment to providing accessible and responsive customer service was evident throughout my interactions, reflecting their dedication to customer satisfaction and support. It would be better to have a call option on weekends, given that many customers may work during similar hours, but I did not find it too inconvenient given the email availability.

Privacy & Security

Ethos Life Insurance prioritizes customer privacy and security, especially with the digital nature of its services. The company employs encryption and security protocols to protect personal data. Their reputation for safeguarding customer information is supported by their transparent privacy policies and adherence to industry-standard practices. Ethos operates under strict regulatory compliance, ensuring that all partner insurers maintain a high level of integrity and confidentiality. Ethos is responsible for the trustworthiness of the policies they offer, selecting only reputable underwriters to partner with and promising to keep personal information safe and secure. For detailed privacy and security measures, Ethos encourages users to review their policies directly on their website.

In Conclusion

Ethos Life Insurance has an innovative, technology-driven approach to simplifying the life insurance process. Known for its user-friendly online application, Ethos offers no-medical-exam term life policies that cater to a modern, busy lifestyle, allowing most applicants to secure coverage quickly and conveniently. Backed by financially strong companies, Ethos provides policies that instill confidence and peace of mind in their customers.

However, while Ethos excels in accessibility and ease of use, it may not suit every need. The company doesn’t offer universal or variable life insurance, and there are limitations on policy customization and conversion options. Additionally, the maximum issue age and coverage limits might not accommodate all potential customers, particularly those seeking high-value, long-term coverage.

Overall, Ethos Life Insurance is a great choice for those prioritizing speed, simplicity, and a hassle-free experience for their life insurance needs, provided that the available policy types and coverage limits align with what they require.

Brand Disclaimer

Ethos Technologies Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively, “Ethos”) make life insurance simpler for people to buy online. These Terms of Use (the “Terms”) outline the rules and expectations that protect both you and Ethos. Our goal is to keep them simple and easy to understand. If there’s something you’re not sure about, please reach out to us.

We use the term “Services” to refer to any of the products and services we sell online, any site information or Services provided on www.EthosLife.com or our affiliated sites (collectively, the “Site”), and the growing community of people who use our platform. We use the term your “Ethos Account” to mean where you can find data about your insurance policies, your contact information, and any additional data you choose to add such as videos, photos, and property listings. When we write “we”, “our”, “us”, or “Ethos”, we mean Ethos Technologies Inc. (dba in CA and NY as Ethos Life Insurance Services). And, any time we write “you” or “your”, we mean the person who is using our Services (and reading these Terms).

Remember: if you buy insurance using Ethos, there are important laws, rules, conditions, exceptions, and requirements that apply to you and your insurance carrier for your issued insurance policy. Your rights and responsibilities are explained in your insurance policy, which will be digitally provided to you after you sign and remit your first payment. It will also be available in your Ethos Account.

These Terms apply to you. You agree, as long as you continue to use our Services, to accept and follow these Terms, and to only use our Services as permitted. You understand that Ethos sells insurance and should only be used by those who can legally buy an insurance contract where they live. Our Services are not available to minors. Specifically, by using or applying for Services, (i) you must be the person being insured on the policy; (ii) you must be the person that owns and pays for the policy; (iii) the primary purpose of the policy must be to protect your family; and at the time of submitting your application, (iv) you do not have any agreements in place to assign/sell the policy for which you are applying.