A Short Guide on Ethos Life Insurance [2025]

Since it launched in 2016, Ethos life insurance company has helped over 500,000 families get covered. They’ve secured more than $40 billion in life insurance across the U.S. That’s a big reach in a short time.

But what’s making headlines now is how Ethos is changing the way we think about life insurance. In 2024, they introduced a new indexed universal life (IUL) policy with Ameritas. It’s designed for long-term growth. The cash value grows based on how stock market indexes like the S&P 500 perform. But the death benefit stays fixed and protected.

Ethos didn’t invent life insurance. What they did was make it easier. They removed the long forms. They skipped the lab work. No more awkward appointments.

Most people get a decision right away. Many don’t need a medical exam. And the policies are backed by trusted names like Mutual of Omaha, TruStage, and AAA Life.

So, if you’re exploring your options in 2025, Ethos might be worth considering. You could be in your 30s and looking for simple term coverage. Or maybe you’re retired and want a no-fuss whole life plan. Either way, Ethos could offer a surprisingly easy path.

But here’s the real question. Does simple always mean better?

Let’s take a closer look.

Learn more: The Gerber Life Grow-Up Plan Review: Pros, Cons, and How It Works

Ethos Life Insurance Review: Is It the Right Fit for You?

If you’re looking for life insurance without long waits , Ethos Life Insurance might be what you’ve been hoping to find. The company was founded in 2016. It works with trusted names like Ameritas Life, Mutual of Omaha, TruStage, and AAA Life. Through these partnerships, Ethos offers both term and whole life insurance. And everything happens online.

What makes Ethos stand out isn’t just the technology. It’s how simple the whole process feels. You won’t have to deal with multiple medical exams. You won’t be dragged through long interviews either.

Instead, Ethos gives you a fast and easy application. In many cases, you won’t even need an in-person exam. You’ll just answer a few health questions. Then you’ll get matched with a policy that fits your age, location, and coverage needs.

Ethos may not be the most detailed or robust provider out there. But if you care about convenience, clear information, and fast results, Ethos does those things really well.

Understanding Your Coverage Options with Ethos

 Ethos keeps things  simple. You can choose between two main types of coverage. Each one is designed for different needs, different stages, and different people.

Term Life Insurance

Term life is for people who want solid coverage during a certain period of life. Ethos offers terms of 10, 15, 20, or 30 years. You can apply if you’re between 18 and 69 years old. Coverage amounts start at $20,000 and go up to $2 million.

Your monthly premium stays the same the whole time. No sudden price hikes. And your policy is guaranteed renewable until you turn 80.

Ethos gives you two ways to go about it:

• No medical exam: This option is great if you have mild health concerns or just want to get covered quickly.

• Full underwriting: This one includes a health questionnaire. It can open the door to higher coverage amounts—up to that full $2 million.

Term life works well if you’re raising kids, paying off a mortgage, or just want protection during your working years. It’s simple. It’s affordable. And it offers peace of mind while life is busy.

Whole Life Insurance

If you want coverage that lasts your whole life, not just part of it, Ethos offers a no-fuss option here too. This policy is available to adults ages 66 to 85. Once you’re in, your coverage never expires—as long as you keep paying the premiums.

These plans are guaranteed issue, which means there’s no medical exam. None at all. You just apply and choose your coverage amount, which can be anywhere from $1,000 to $30,000. The monthly rate stays the same forever. That predictability can feel like a gift.

AAA Life Insurance backs these policies. You’re covered for accidental death right away. For other causes—like illness or age-related issues—there’s usually a 2 to 3-year waiting period. That part depends on your age, your eligibility, and the state you live in.

Whole life is ideal if you want to leave a little financial support behind. Whether it’s to help your family with final expenses or to give them a small cushion, it’s a kind and thoughtful step.

Pros and Cons of Ethos Life Insurance

Like any insurance company, Ethos Life Insurance has its strengths. It also has a few things you may want to consider. If you’re thinking about getting a policy through Ethos, here’s a clear look at what they do well. You’ll also see where it might be worth taking a second look.

Pros

One of the best parts about Ethos is the simple application. Most people don’t need a medical exam. You just fill out a short health questionnaire. That means no lab visits. No scheduling checkups. No waiting for weeks to get approved.

Ethos gives you more than one option. You can choose term life insurance. Or you can choose whole life insurance. This gives you flexibility. It depends on your age, your budget, and your goals. If you’re raising a family or want lifelong coverage, there’s a basic plan that can fit.

Everything happens online. You can apply using your phone. You can also use your laptop. You don’t have to talk to anyone unless you choose to. The platform is fast and clear. If you’ve ever applied for insurance the old-school way, this feels much easier.

Cons

Ethos may not be the best fit for everyone. They don’t provide the insurance themselves. Instead, they work with companies like Ameritas and AAA Life. If you ever file a claim, it will go through one of those partners. It won’t be handled by Ethos. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. But it’s something you should know ahead of time.

Also, customization is limited. If you want lots of riders or extra features, Ethos might feel a bit too simple. What you get depends on the insurer you’re matched with. Some may offer more add-ons. Others may offer fewer.

FAQs about Ethos Life Insurance

1. How Do You File a Claim with Ethos?The claims process depends on which insurance company issued your policy. Ethos does not handle claims directly. They are a broker, not the insurer. To file a claim, you’ll need to contact the insurance provider listed on your policy. That provider will guide you through the paperwork and the next steps.

If you’re not sure who your insurer is, Ethos can help. Their support team can help you find that information. They don’t process claims themselves, but they won’t leave you guessing either.

2. Is Ethos a Real Life Insurance Company?Yes, Ethos is real. But technically, it’s not a life insurance company. It’s a licensed broker. Ethos connects you with trusted insurance providers.

You can apply through Ethos. You can get approved and manage your policy through them too. But the actual coverage comes from a well-established insurance company.

Think of Ethos as a helpful middleman. They make the process faster and easier. But your coverage still comes from a traditional insurer.

3. Which Insurance Companies Does Ethos Work With?Ethos doesn’t work with just one company. They partner with several well-known insurers. These include Legal & General America, Ameritas, TruStage, Senior Life Insurance Company, and Mutual of Omaha.

This gives you more choices. You’re more likely to find a plan that fits your age, health, and goals. It’s not a one-size-fits-all experience.

Each insurer does things a little differently. That means your process may vary depending on who issues your policy.

4. Is Ethos a Socially Responsible Company?Ethos is more than just an insurance platform. They created Ethos for Good, a program that gives back in real ways.

They’ve helped kids with chronic illnesses attend summer camp. They’ve provided support for cancer patients. They’ve also funded mentorship programs for underserved youth.

These efforts go beyond just looking good. Ethos seems to genuinely care about people. They’re putting their values into action. And that’s rare in the insurance world.

5. Why Doesn’t Ethos Have a Bankrate Score?You may notice that Ethos doesn’t have a Bankrate Score. That’s not a bad sign. It just means they don’t issue their own policies.Ethos connects you with insurance companies. Each company has its own strengths, ratings, and rules. Because of that, it wouldn’t be fair to give Ethos one single score.

One person might get a policy through Mutual of Omaha. Another might be matched with Ameritas. Their experiences will likely be different.

The best thing you can do is to look at which insurer is behind your quote. Read through the policy details. Make sure it matches what you need in the long run. Ethos keeps the process easy. But you still have the final say. You’re in control.