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MassMutual life insurance review 2020
Last updated:
This insurer offers various policies, but doesn't have the most competitive rates for those with health issues.
finder.com's rating: 4 / 5
★★★★★
- Get a quote if… You want several policy options from a reputable company.
- Choose a different provider if… You have health problems or are a senior citizen only looking for final expense coverage.
18 to 80
Issue Age
$2,000 for guaranteed acceptance policy, $100,000 for term to $10,000,000
Coverage
Depends on policy
Medical Exam Required
Details
| Free quote | Online |
|---|---|
| Policy options | Term, Whole life, Universal, Guaranteed acceptance |
| Term lengths | 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years |
| Monthly cost | Not listed |
| Claim methods | Online, Phone |
| Available states | All states but Alaska |
| Customer support | 1-800-272-2216 or submit an online contact form |
| Riders | Accelerated death benefit rider, Guaranteed insurability rider, Term insurance rider |
Expert review
Review by
Andrew Flueckiger
andrew.flueckiger@findercrew.comAndrew Flueckiger is a licensed insurance agent and Certified Insurance Counselor with experience in insurance and finance. A graduate of Indiana University, Andrew contributes a wealth of knowledge and experience to Finder. When Andrew isn’t writing, reading or practicing insurance, he can be found spending time with his family and playing the guitar.
Expert review
MassMutual has an edge over its competitors with its consistent positive reviews and strong financial stability. Its many policy options and riders mean you may have a good chance of finding the coverage you’re looking for.
However, MassMutual’s rates aren’t as competitive for seniors, smokers or people with health problems. Before committing to coverage, compare life insurance companies.
Finder experts pick MassMutual as a 2020 best brand for life insurance.
What types of life insurance coverage does MassMutual offer?
MassMutual offers term and permanent life insurance policies.
- Term life. This temporary policy offers protection for a period between 10 and 30 years. After the policy’s term, your premiums will substantially increase or you can convert some or all of it into a permanent whole life policy without an additional medical exam.
- Whole life. This permanent policy allows you to build cash value to tap into for college tuition, retirement or unexpected emergencies if needed. You’re also eligible for dividends.
- Universal life. These flexible plans allow for permanent coverage with flexible payments based on your accrued account value. Options for guaranteed death benefits can provide a lump-sum payment to your loved ones after death.
- Guaranteed acceptance life. MassMutual is one of only a few insurers that will write you a life insurance policy regardless of your health condition. Though premiums are considerably higher, and you must be between the ages of 50 and 75.
What riders can I add to my life insurance policy?
MassMutual offers a number of riders to enhance your policy for an additional premium. The availability of each rider varies by the type of policy. Some popular options include:
- Guaranteed insurability. Allows you to increase your death benefit at certain ages without having to prove your health status. It’s often used on whole life policies bought on children, allowing them to increase coverage when they’re adults.
- Renewable term coverage. This rider gives you the option of converting your term policy into a whole life policy before you turn 65 — or after 65 if you’ve had the policy less than 10 years.
- Accelerated death benefit. A rider that allows you to take out most of your death benefit if you’ve been diagnosed with a terminal illness with less than 12 months of life expectancy.
- Additional life insurance. Allows you to pay more than your premium in order to build up the cash value faster.
How much does MassMutual life insurance cost?
According to MassMutual’s website, a $250,000, 20-year term policy for a healthy 30 year old male costs $160 per year. But the actual rate you’re offered will come down to many factors, including:
- Type of policy
- Age
- Gender
- Height and weight
- Health issues
- Health history
- Tobacco use
How can I get a low rate?
The best rates are reserved for those with the best health. To qualify for better rates, you’ll need to have:
- Minimal or no history of tobacco use
- No history of alcohol or substance abuse
- Personal and family health history free of specified diseases or impairments
- Clean driving record free of DWIs, DUIs, suspensions and other convictions
- Healthy blood pressure and BMI
- Low-risk occupation or hobbies
Pros and cons of MassMutual life insurance
Pros
- Immediate term life insurance. You can get instant coverage if your online application is approved, with the chance to cancel if your rates are higher after your medical exam.
- Online quote tool. MassMutual’s quote tool lets you see your potential rate, which will only change if you have underlying health concerns that come up in the medical exam.
- Potential to earn dividends. If you have a whole life policy, you’ll be eligible to receive dividends based on MassMutual’s profits.
- Guaranteed acceptance. If you’re worried about qualifying, MassMutual offers a guaranteed issue policy for people aged 50 to 75.
- Financial strength. MassMutual has an A++ (Superior) rating with AM Best, so you can rest easy knowing your claims will be paid out.
Cons
- Medical exam likely required. Most policies will require a medical exam, though you can get guaranteed coverage through the Direct Term program.
- Limited riders. While MassMutual has the most common riders, it doesn’t offer some options that larger life insurance companies do — such as disability and accidental death riders.
- Not competitive for everyone. If you’re a senior, have health problems or are a smoker, MassMutual will likely price itself out of contention.
Compare life insurance companies
MassMutual life insurance reviews and complaints
MassMutual’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating is usually strong, but it was recently downgraded to a B- due to a failure to respond to complaints. The BBB has recorded 53 complaints in the past three years, many of which honed in on poor customer support and specific benefit payouts —problems shared by other life insurance companies.
How do I apply for MassMutual life insurance?
You can apply for a policy online. Go to MassMutual’s website and follow these steps:
- Scroll down to the How much life insurance do I need? section.
- Input your date of birth, zip code and the appropriate box that asks what you need life insurance for.
- Click Get Started.
- Enter your family members ages, if appropriate, and other financial information such as how much you intend to pay for college and a mortgage.
- Click Calculate.
- Review the numbers and scroll down to hit Apply Now in the apply online section.
- Fill out the information card and select your policy and amount of coverage.
- Create an account.
- Complete the application and click Submit.
I’ve signed up. What happens next?
You may get an instant approval on your application. If you have any health concerns, it will likely be deferred to an underwriter who will look at your application.
Once approved, you’ll need to register to have an online account. You’ll also need to submit your first payment and can do so on your online account.
More about MassMutual
MassMutual’s full name is the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and was founded in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1851. In 2018, it came in at 93 on the Fortune 500 list.
In addition to life insurance, MassMutual also offers disability insurance, long term care insurance, retirement services such as annuities and IRAs, and investment services.
In 2015, it created a separate company called Haven Life, which caters more toward younger people and solely sells term life insurance policies.
Frequently asked questions
Life insurance ratings
★★★★★ — Excellent
★★★★★ — Good
★★★★★ — Average
★★★★★ — Subpar
★★★★★ — Poor