Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual®)

MassMutual is a top-tier mutual life insurance company, backed by a solid reputation, excellent financial ratings, and a full suite of insurance and other financial products on offer.

Product Availability

Price/Value

Chief among the factors influencing your choice of a life insurance company is likely the cost of coverage.

There’s no reason to overpay for life insurance, so many people ultimately choose the company that gives them the lowest rates.

As you research companies, it’s helpful to know how each provider’s rates compare to the competition.

To score the pricing of MassMutual’s policies, we surveyed quotes from the company across several demographics for a variety of policy types and amounts.

Both their traditionally underwritten and non-med exam policies are well-priced.

We found that the average applicant who is young and in relatively good health will likely pay below-average rates for coverage with MassMutual.

Beyond that demographic, MassMutual’s policies are some of the most competitively priced in general, though their rates are slightly less competitive for older applicants and smokers.

Financial Strength

Whether or not your life insurance company will be able to fulfill its promise of paying out your policy when the time comes shouldn’t be something you have to worry about.

The best life insurance companies are financially safe and secure, with the ratings to prove it.

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company is considered one of the best life insurance companies in America based on its financial strength. 

From the major agencies who rate financial institutions, A.M Best, Fitch, Moody’s, and Standard & Poor’s, it holds a nearly perfect score. 

Here’s the report card:

A.M. Best	A++
Fitch	AA+
Moody’s	Aa3
Standard & Poor’s	AA+

These superior scores indicate financial solvency, the highest claims-paying ability, and a bright outlook for the future.

MassMutual is also one of the nation’s oldest and largest mutual companies, meaning it is one of a handful of companies owned by the policyholders rather than shareholders.

Though dividends are never guaranteed, MassMutual has been able to pay out dividends to its whole life insurance policyholders every single year since 1869.

Today, MassMutual has over $554 billion of assets under management, with over $719 billion of life insurance in force.

Based on both its track record and outlook, MassMutual is a very safe choice in terms of financial security.

User Experience

Buying life insurance shouldn’t be complicated. Our user experience score assesses the ease of everything from researching policies to applying for coverage and filing a claim.

A company’s website, mode of application, and communication with clients all work together to make or break its customer service.

Here’s a closer look at the user experience you can expect as a MassMutual policyholder.

Ratings

• J.D. Power: 3 / 5
• BBB: B-

J.D. Power’s annual U.S. Life Insurance Study provides a valuable assessment of user experience, ranking life insurance companies based on policyholder’s assessments.

They gave MassMutual a 3 out of 5 for overall satisfaction, suggesting the customer experience is “About Average.”

The Better Business Bureau gives MassMutual a “B-” based mainly on its volume of unanswered or unresolved complaints.

Website

MassMutual’s website is a valuable resource if you’re looking to learn more about life insurance and other financial topics.

It also provides some basic information on its policies.

The biggest tools for prospective applicants are its online calculator and quoter, which give you an idea of what you can expect to pay for coverage with a few simple clicks.

The website also streamlines account management for policyholders. You get a dashboard that synopsizes all of your account details. 

MassMutual lets you do the following online:

• Make and automate payments
• Update policy details/ contact info
• Change beneficiaries
• Request a loan
• File a claim
• Access policy forms

You can also use the MassMutual app to view and manage your policy securely on the go.

Application

MassMutual makes applying for coverage simpler than most. You can start by getting quotes on the company’s website. 

If you’re interested in a term life insurance policy, you can apply easily online for Direct Term coverage.

Direct Term allows applicants between the ages of 18 and 64 to potentially secure anywhere from $100,000 to $3 million of instant coverage.

Depending on your application responses, you may have to undergo a medical exam, which can impact your rates.

In addition to Direct Term, you can get Instant Term coverage from MassMutual through Haven Life, which offers coverage online without requiring a medical exam.

Product Availability

Term

Term policies give you temporary coverage up to a certain date as long as you make premium payments.

MassMutual lets you purchase coverage in terms ranging from 10 to 30 years with level premiums and the potential to convert to a permanent policy later with some policies.

With Direct Term, you can apply for up to $3 million, though you may be able to secure more coverage (depending on your level of insurable needs) with a traditional term policy from MassMutual.

Term life insurance from MassMutual is fairly competitive. And if you plan to transition to a permanent policy at some time, it’s well worth considering one of these policies for its conversion privileges.

Universal

A universal policy from Massachusetts Mutual is the simplest way to secure a permanent policy, with some built-in guarantees and a level of flexibility.

Like most other universal life options, you get access to a minimum death benefit for the length of time of your choice, assuming premiums are paid on time. 

A standard universal contract has a stated interest, and cash value growth is not tied to the market for extra stability.

These policies are medically underwritten and do not come with the option for an instant decision, the same for variable universal policies.

Variable Universal

If you want a mixture of security and the potential for more cash growth, a variable universal life insurance policy from MassMutual could be a good fit 

With this option, a portion of your cash value is invested into the market, by way of stocks, bonds, or mutual funds.

 You’ll need to speak with a registered representative before pursuing this type of coverage.

These policies are best for someone who likes the prospect of growth (and doesn’t mind the necessary risk), but still wants some level of guarantees and a death benefit.

Whole

Whole life insurance is a lifelong insurance plan with a guaranteed minimum death benefit and premium. 

While it’s not as flexible as a universal policy, the guarantee of a payout at some point in the future is an absolute.

Because MassMutual is a mutual policyholder-owned company, you can reasonably expect additional growth in the form of dividends, though they aren’t guaranteed.

While MassMutual used to offer a simplified whole life insurance policy with a comparable application to Direct Term, it is no longer an option.

Instead, you can expect to undergo a traditional application process regardless of the amount of coverage you apply for.

Brand/Size

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company was founded in 1851 as a mutual life insurance company, a structure it maintains today. 

Founded by George Rice, along with 31 investors, the company has risen to become a staple in the life insurance industry.

Beginning solely as a life insurance provider, in 1946 the company began making moves toward group benefits such as life insurance and pensions.

 By 1981, MassMutual expanded its life insurance horizons beyond its whole life product, with universal life insurance.

Today, MassMutual offers a full line of:

• Life insurance
• Disability Income
• Long term care 
• Workplace benefits
• Annuities
• 529 plans
• Complete retirement planning
• And more

MassMutual has a strong focus on financial planning and insurance for businesses, families, and more. 

Under its business umbrella, its core competencies are in safeguarding businesses, attracting key employees with benefits, and even succession planning for multi-generational businesses.

Employing over 9,000 agents and corporate employees, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company is poised atop the industry and operates not only in all 50 states, but also in many countries around the world. 

Philanthropy

With all of its success, MassMutual has maintained a sense of duty to serve communities in need.

In 2018, the MassMutual Foundation awarded $13.6 million in grants and donated an additional  $3.9 million in charitable giving.

They also work with organizations like the Achilles Foundation, specifically partnering with the foundation’s wounded veteran program.

Another of MassMutual’s central philanthropic efforts is pro bono legal work. The MassMutual Law Department contributed 1600 hours of donated legal service in 2018, advocating for communities and individuals in need of critical legal assistance.

Accolades

MassMutual has been recognized many times throughout its long and storied history, noted for its inclusive hiring, workplace atmosphere, and ethical practices.

Some of its most recent awards include:

• 2018 Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion by the Disability Equality Index® 
• 2018 Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index (scored 100)
• 2018 Military Friendly Employer
• 2018 Working Mother Diversity Best Practices Inclusion Index
• 2019 World’s Most Ethical Company by Ethisphere
• 84th on the FORTUNE 500 List in 2019

Brand

For many people, brand recognition provides another level of authenticity and trustworthiness between them and companies.

As one of the oldest and largest life insurance companies in the business with a reputation of caring for its employees, policyholders, and the community at large, MassMutual’s brand is a positive and well-recognized one.

Their presence and activity on social media add to their brand recognition. 

The company actively engages with the public on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, using the platforms to educate followers on financial topics.

MassMutual is also present on Youtube, where they share their popular commercials and videos featuring stories of their community initiatives.

The company’s activity online, in the workplace, and in the communities it serves all contribute further to its success and strong relationship with consumers.

Consensus

There should be an overall positive consensus surrounding the company you choose to purchase life insurance from.

We aren’t the only ones in the industry that rate MassMutual as a top-tier life insurance company. 

MassMutual is regularly regarded by industry experts across the internet, financial advisors, and insurance agents as a premier provider.

Though the company has average ratings with J.D. Power and the BBB, millions of policyholders regard MassMutual highly and trust them with insuring what matters most.

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company represents everything a consumer should look for in a life insurance company: strength, trust, and a foundation built to benefit policyholders above all else, along with an affordable range of coverage options.

You won’t go wrong buying your coverage from a superior, financially strong carrier like MassMutual.