Pacific Life Insurance Company is a well-established provider known for its strong financial stability, flexible life insurance options, and competitive underwriting.
But is it the right fit for you? In this review, we’ll break down everything you need to know, including pricing, policy options, financial strength, underwriting advantages, and digital convenience.
About Pacific Life Insurance Company
Founded in 1868, Pacific Life is headquartered in Newport Beach, California, and operates as part of Pacific Mutual Holding Company. With $191 billion in assets and $1.3 trillion of life insurance in force, it remains one of the most financially stable life insurance providers.
Pacific Life offers a variety of life insurance policies, including term life, universal life, and indexed universal life (IUL). It’s also recognized for its favorable underwriting for high-risk individuals, making it a strong choice if you have health conditions or unique circumstances.
Financial Strength and Ratings
Financial security is one of the most important factors when choosing an insurance company. Pacific Life has consistently received strong financial strength ratings:
- AM Best: “A+” (Superior)
- Fitch: “AA-” (Very Strong)
- Moody’s: “Aa3” (Excellent)
- S&P Global: “AA-” Very Strong)
These ratings indicate that Pacific Life has the financial backing to meet its obligations, ensuring your policy remains secure in the long term.
Corporate Responsibility: Pacific Life Foundation
Pacific Life is committed to giving back through the Pacific Life Foundation, which has donated over $150 million in the past 36 years. It actively supports health initiatives, ocean conservation, and community services.
Ethical Recognition & Industry Leadership
Pacific Life was named one of the 2022 World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute.
Life Insurance Coverage Options
Pacific Life offers affordable life insurance, catering to different needs:
PL Promise Term Life
The PL Promise is a competitive term life insurance policy.
- Available in 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30-year terms.
- Coverage starts at $50,000
- Competitively priced with strong underwriting for healthy and high-risk applicants.
- Convertible to a Universal Life policy at any time during the level premium period (up to age 70) without underwriting.
PL Promise GUL (Guaranteed Universal Life)
PL Promise GUL is a no-lapse guaranteed universal life insurance policy with death benefit guarantees from age 90 to 121.
- No-lapse guaranteed universal life insurance
- Death benefits are guaranteed up to age 90 and extendable to age 121
- Coverage starts at $25,000, making it a great alternative to final expense insurance.
- Return of Premium (ROP) Feature in years 15, 20, and 25.
Indexed Universal Life (IUL) Options
Pacific Life offers several index universal life policies, including:
- Horizon IUL 2 – Focuses on death benefit protection with competitive guarantees
- Horizon ECV IUL – Designed for early cash value accumulation (great for business owners)
- Horizon Survivorship IUL – Covers two individuals under one policy
Other top competitors for indexed universal life include Lincoln Financial Group and Corebridge Financial.
PremierCare Choice (Whole Life & Long-Term Care
This hybrid policy provides whole-life insurance coverage along with long-term care benefits.
Additional Riders & Benefits
Pacific Life policies come with several options to enhance coverage:
- Accelerated Death Benefit Rider – Access a portion of the death benefit if diagnosed with a terminal illness (included at no extra cost).
- Waiver of Premium Rider – Waives policy premiums if you become totally disabled.
- Children’s Level Term Insurance Rider – Up to $10,000 in coverage per child (ages 15 days to 18 years).
Underwriting and Approval Process
Pacific Life stands out for its flexible underwriting, particularly for individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
- Accelerated Underwriting
- Available for ages 18-60
- Coverage limits: Up to $3 million (term) or $2 million (GUL)
- May allow applicants to skip paramedical exams for faster approvals.
- Modified Underwriting
- If you’ve had a physical exam and lab work within the past 12 months, Pacific Life may use those results instead of requiring a new paramed exam.
- Traditional Underwriting
- If you don’t qualify for accelerated or modified underwriting, you’ll go through the traditional process, which includes medical exams and record reviews.
Underwriting Strengths
- BMI up to 33 (age <65), BMI up to 35 (age 65+)
- Mild asthma, controlled depression/anxiety (2 or fewer medications)
- Favorable underwriting for sleep apnea (mild to moderate cases)
- Industry-leading coverage for HIV+ applicants
- Strong acceptance rates for Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
- No extra charges for recreational scuba divers (<130 feet)
- Favorable underwriting for private pilots flying 26-150 hours/year
What Happens Next Consumer Guide
Underwriting Rate Classes Available
Pacific Life recently updated its rate class names.
Old Rate Class Name | New Rate Class Name |
---|---|
Preferred Best No Nicotine | Super Preferred Non Tobacco |
Preferred No Nicotine | Preferred Non Tobacco |
Select No Nicotine | Standard Plus Non Tobacco |
Standard No Nicotine | Standard Non Tobacco |
Preferred Nicotine User | Preferred Tobacco |
Standard Nicotine User | Standard Tobacco |
No Nicotine Rated | Non Tobacco Rated |
Nicotine Rated | Tobacco Rated |
Digital Convenience & Application Process
Modern consumers expect an easy application process. Pacific Life delivers with:
- Online Quotes
- Digital Application Process
- Electronic Policy Delivery
However, it does not offer instant approvals like Banner Life or Symetra.
Pricing and Affordability
Pacific Life is competitively priced, especially for term and universal life insurance. While not always the cheapest, it balances cost, policy benefits, and underwriting flexibility.
Customer Service and Claims Processing
Pacific Life has a solid reputation for customer service, offering multiple ways to manage policies:
- Customer Service Phone Number: 800-800-7646
- Online Account Access: Available through Pac Life’s website – here
- Corporate Headquarters: 700 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, Ca. 92660
Final Words
Customer Service Phone Number: 800-800-7646
Online Account Access: Available through Pacific Life’s website – here
Corporate Headquarters: 700 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Final Verdict: Is Pacific Life Right for You?
Pacific Life is a strong choice for consumers looking for financially stable, flexible life insurance policies. It excels in:
- Underwriting for high-risk individuals
- Term and universal life insurance pricing
- Customizable IUL policies
However, companies like Banner Life or Symetra may be better options if you need instant approvals.
Want to compare Pacific Life to other insurers? Get a free quote today and see if it’s the right fit for your needs.