MetLife Life Insurance Review: Products, Ratings & Pros and Cons (2026)
MetLife (Metropolitan Life) is best suited for applicants with health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure who want no-exam coverage. Their Rapid Term product offers up to $500,000 with no medical exam. Rated A+ by AM Best.1 Healthy applicants may find better rates with fully underwritten carriers.
Metropolitan Life Insurance
- 200 Park Avenue
Manhattan, New York 10166
Introduction
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, commonly known as MetLife, rebranded in 2016 with a new logo and tagline—“Navigating life together.” MetLife is one of the largest life insurance providers in the United States. For applicants with pre-existing health conditions, MetLife's no-exam options can be an attractive alternative to traditional underwriting. Contact MetLife at 1-800-638-5433 or visit metlife.com for more information.
Advantages
MetLife is known for offering coverage to applicants who may be declined by other carriers. Key advantages include:
Disadvantages
While MetLife serves a niche well, there are notable drawbacks:
No fully underwritten products: MetLife only offers simplified issue (no-exam) term life insurance for individual applicants. Healthy applicants who qualify for fully underwritten policies will typically find lower premiums elsewhere.Higher smoker premiums: Smoker rates at MetLife tend to be higher than competitors. See our tips for life insurance for smokers.
Brighthouse Insurance spin-off: MetLife spun off its retail annuity and life insurance business into Brighthouse Financial in 2017. As a result, MetLife's individual product lineup is limited to term life insurance.
Available Products
MetLife currently offers one individual life insurance product:
MetLife Rapid Term Life Insurance
- Coverage amounts up to $500,000
- No medical exam required
- Term lengths: 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years
- Available to purchase online or by phone
MetLife Rapid Term is a simplified issue term life insurance policy, meaning approval is based on health questions rather than a medical exam.
Ready to compare rates? Get instant life insurance quotes from MetLife and other top carriers.
Available Riders
MetLife Rapid Term includes the following riders:
Metropolitan Life Insurance Ratings
MetLife maintains strong financial strength ratings from all major agencies:
| Agency | Rating | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A.M. Best | A+ | Superior |
| Standard & Poor´s | AA- | Very Strong |
| Moody´s | AA3 | Excellent |
| Fitch | AA- | Very Strong |
These ratings reflect MetLife's strong capitalization and long operating history.
Conclusion
MetLife is best suited for older applicants or those with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure who want to avoid a medical exam. It is also a good option for seniors seeking life insurance.
However, healthy younger applicants will generally find more competitive rates with carriers that offer fully underwritten policies. We recommend comparing quotes from multiple insurers before making a decision.
Last updated on: September 8, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MetLife a good life insurance company?
Yes. MetLife is rated A+ (Superior) by AM Best1 and is one of the largest life insurers in the U.S. It is especially well-suited for applicants with health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure who need no-exam life insurance.
Does MetLife require a medical exam?
No. MetLife’s individual term life insurance product, Rapid Term, is a simplified issue policy that does not require a medical exam. Approval is based on answers to health questions on the application.
What is MetLife Rapid Term Life Insurance?
MetLife Rapid Term is a no-exam term life insurance policy offering coverage up to $500,000 with term lengths of 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years. It can be purchased online or by phone.
What happened to MetLife’s other life insurance products?
In 2017, MetLife spun off its retail annuity, permanent life insurance, and variable life insurance business into a new company called Brighthouse Financial. As a result, MetLife’s individual product lineup is now limited to Rapid Term.
What is MetLife’s AM Best rating?
MetLife holds an A+ (Superior) rating from AM Best,1 which is the second-highest rating on AM Best’s 16-point scale. This rating reflects MetLife’s strong financial position and ability to meet policyholder obligations.
References
1. AM Best, MetLife Insurance Company Financial Strength Rating.
2. NAIC, Life Insurance Company Complaint Ratios.
3. MetLife, Inc., Annual Report / Investor Relations.
