Ethos review

Ethos is built for parents who want the application over with in one sitting. It asks a few health questions online, with no medical exam, and its underwriting engine gives most people an instant decision, so cover can start in as little as 10 minutes. Term policies run from 10 to 40 years with up to $3 million in coverage, and Ethos also sells Guaranteed Acceptance Whole Life, with no health questions, and Indexed Universal Life; it points applicants over 69 to the guaranteed acceptance product. Every policy includes a 30-day free look with a full refund, and Ethos says applying never touches your credit score. It also advertises a will and trust for the policyholder and spouse, which it values at $898. Ethos is licensed in 49 states plus D.C., with New York the exception. Its homepage says plans start from $30 per month, a higher published floor than Ladder, Banner Life or Fabric, which is why it ranks fifth on value.

Who it is for

busy parents who want an instant decision

Price

Plans from $30 a month; up to $3 million in coverage.

Choose the amount you need, with plans starting from just $30 per month.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• Term life from 10 to 40 years with up to $3 million in coverage
• No medical exam, online health questions only
• Most applicants get an instant decision; coverage in as little as 10 minutes
• Guaranteed Acceptance Whole Life with no health questions
• 30-day free look with a full refund

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Many applicants get same-day coverage in as little as 10 minutes
• Strength: Applying never touches your credit score, per Ethos
• Strength: Advertises a will and trust for the policyholder and spouse, valued at $898
• Weakness: Highest published starting price among the online sellers: $30 a month
• Weakness: Not licensed in New York
• Weakness: Surrender charges may apply when cancelling some permanent policies

Key facts

• Term lengths: 10 to 40 years
• Max coverage: $3 million
• States: 49 states plus D.C. (not New York)
• Starting price: $30 a month

Where it ranks

Ethos is No. 5 in our Best Life Insurance Companies verdict.