ManhattanLife

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Few life insurance companies share anywhere near the same level of a celebrated history as Manhattan Life.

Short for The Manhattan Life Insurance Company, the top-level provider of life insurance products and services has been in business for over 150 years.

During that time, they’ve not only maintained a happy base of policyholders, but they’ve also managed to change the life insurance industry as a whole by introducing new products and services that set new standards.

No, Manhattan Life isn’t the best choice for everyone, but it’s certainly a life insurance provider who is a fit for some thanks to its flexible policies, easy application, and stable financial standing/outlook.

Our comprehensive review of The Manhattan Life Insurance Company below will help you decide if it’s a perfect fit for you.

Our ManhattanLife Review

There are dozens of features of Manhattan Life that make it tick, but there are three that stand out most of all.

  • Innovative products and services
  • Flexible policies
  • Other insurance offerings

All three of these key details combine together to make the Manhattan Life experience one of a kind.

For instance, the innovative products and services enable you to find life insurance that’s much different than the competition. Their flexible policies let you further tailor your coverage to your personal needs and preferences.

Finally, you can back up the high-quality life insurance you receive from Manhattan Life with other types of insurance including Medicare, accident, and disability.

What ManhattanLife is All About

A commitment to providing the absolute highest level of life insurance service is what Manhattan Life is all about.

This starts with reliability. Manhattan Life strives to be a provider that all of its policyholders can count on.

Indeed, Manhattan Life has been known for its reliability since it was founded all the way back in 1850. This makes them one of the oldest life insurance companies in the United States.

In addition to reliability, Manhattan Life was known for their progressive approach to life insurance at the time. They were among the first companies to offer policies to women.

Even at this early date, the company managed to establish itself as a highly reputable, trustworthy provider of life insurance.

Case in point: they paid out all their claims for widows of soldiers killed in the Civil War, even Confederate soldiers.

This same reliability and progressive approach is still with Manhattan Life today. The company is constantly trying to approach the life insurance industry with a new angle while always maintaining the utmost in reputability.

Their A.M. Best Rating helps speaks for a only a modest level of reliability for Manhattan Life.

They currently have a “B+” rating from the organization for their financial strength, which is not very indicative of strong financial stability.

Of course, we’d like to see this rating move to an “A” or “A+” rating like we see from other life insurance providers.

What Makes ManhattanLife Unique?

The thing we actually like most about Manhattan Life is they’re not exactly unique.

What we mean is that their products and services are simple and straightforward without including any gimmicks or recent fads.

This ensures the reliability and success of their insurance plans.

It also makes things even easier from the customer end while selecting the right policy for you.

That’s not to say Manhattan Life isn’t special. It’s just that Manhattan Life doesn’t boast itself as unique.

They don’t try to be anything that they’re not. Instead, they focus on being the absolute best life insurance provider they possibly can be when compared to others.

This focus on being the best is backed up with exceptional customer service. While most life insurance companies provide “good enough” customer service, Manhattan Life takes things to a whole new level.

It’s extremely easy to contact a live customer service representative to have your questions answered in a professional, timely, efficient fashion.

You don’t have to sweat it if you have a question. All you have to do is call or email the company for an answer to any question that might come up while you’re covered.

Manhattan Life holds an “A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau, so their track record is a proven one.

Their Application Process

Like everything else about their operation, the application process at Manhattan Life is designed from the ground up with ease of use in mind.

You start by selecting the specific type of life insurance you’re interested in. You’ll then be directed to the proper application form.

Fill out the application form with your personal information. Make sure to be as accurate as possible here.

You’ll likely be asked questions about your lifestyle and medical history. Don’t stretch the truth about any medical conditions you might have. The underwriters at Manhattan Life will find out about them during the underwriting process.

The exception is if you’re applying for no exam life insurance. Manhattan Life does offer guaranteed issue policies which don’t require a medical exam or medical information.

Their other most common coverage options are through their Viva Life Insurance lineup, which include:

Term Life Insurance

The majority of term life insurance policies through Manhattan Life are simplified, meaning they don’t require the exam. They have a maximum face amount (death benefit amount) of $250,000.

They include:

  • Viva Life Professional – 15 to 20 year term, based on age.
  • Viva Life Family – 15 to 20 year term, based on age. Allow spouse and children benefits.
  • Viva Living Benefit – 15 to 20 year term, based on age. Allows critical illness rider.
  • Mortgage Protection Insurance MCI Gold – 15 to 30 year terms, to match a mortgage.
  • Family Protecting EZ – 15 to 30 year terms.

The one exception is their fully underwritten policy (where you do take an exam) which is called the Fully Underwritten Plans Family Protection Select.

This plan can not only go higher than the $250,000 amount of the other policies, but can be extended up to 30 years and has discounted rates for Preferred health class.

Whole Life Insurance

There are basically only two whole life policies through ManhattanLife, one simplified, and one fully undewritten.

The Viva LifeTime has no exam, is paid up at age 65, and has limits of either $50,000 for juveniles or $100,000 for adults.

The Family Protection Premier does require the exam and full underwriting requirements, and is much more flexible. It also allows for higher death benefits, as high as $3,000,000 for adults.

Additional Features

Lots of additional features are offered by The Manhattan Life Insurance Company.

These include additional insurance products that complement their life insurance products such as:

  • accident
  • cancer
  • critical care
  • dental and vision
  • disability
  • fixed deferred annuity
  • hospital confinement indemnity, and
  • Medicare supplement

Several other additional features are available that help you tailor your actual life insurance policy to your needs.

What We Like

We like a lot of things about Manhattan Life, but a few benefits stick out far above the others.

These top benefits include:

  • Long-standing history and reputation
  • Variety of life insurance options
  • Lots of additional features
  • Other types of insurance also offered
  • Exceptional customer service

These benefits all combine together into a finished package that’s just a little bit different than any other in the life insurance industry.

What We Don’t

In all honesty, there are very few negatives about Manhattan Life.

Like many other life insurance providers, the only real flaws are in the design of the company itself.

What we mean is their offerings are specific. Though they do appeal to a wide range of people, some will find that other companies better suit their needs.

That’s why it’s so important to research many different life insurance companies.

You should also apply to multiple to see what types of rates you qualify for.

Who is ManhattanLife Best for?

Almost anyone could look into Manhattan Life when it’s time to research the best life insurance providers.

Not only do they offer multiple coverage types and additional features, but these can also be paired up with other beneficial types of insurance.

Though Manhattan Life is perhaps best for those seeking traditional coverage, it’s still a decent option for those interested in no exam life insurance alternatives.

When compared to the likes of Haven or Sagicor, however, they don’t stand much of a chance.

Customer Service

Superb customer service is a hallmark of buying life insurance from Manhattan Life.

They start their exceptional service with their products. They offer so many that you have plenty of options to choose from to find the one best suited for you.

From here, they make the entire application and approval process as simple, straightforward, and painless as possible.

Then there’s their phone and email support.

It’s top-notch with friendly, knowledgeable, and professional representatives. You’ll find the answers to your questions in short order.

The Verdict

Manhattan Life should be high up on the list of your top choices when looking for life insurance.

That’s why we recommend everyone check it out. They have a great reputation, a wide variety of top-quality products, and exceptional customer service to match.

Though Manhattan Life isn’t for absolutely everyone, they’re certainly doing something right – their success speaks for itself!

ManhattanLife

Phone
(800) 877-7705
Address
10777 Northwest Freeway
Houston, TX 77092

Company Name (and subsidiaries)

  • The Manhattan Life Insurance Company
  • Family Life Insurance Company
  • Manhattan Life Group, Inc.
  • ManhattanLife Assurance
  • Western United Life Assurance Company

Author:

Jason Fisher

Jason Fisher is the founder and CEO of BestLifeRates.org, LLC. and a multi-state licensed life insurance agent who has helped over a million Americans seek out affordable coverage, compare quotes, or get their family and businesses covered.