Guardian Life review

Guardian's term life appeals to families who think they may want permanent coverage later. Its level term policies usually run 10, 15 or 20 years with a fixed death benefit and premium. Every Guardian level term policy can be converted to a permanent whole life policy in the first five years without a new medical exam, and an optional Extended Conversion Rider stretches that right across the whole policy, the most generous conversion terms on this list. You can start with an instant online quote, but Guardian's own guide says insurers typically require a medical exam and ask about your occupation and lifestyle, so underwriting is slower than the no-exam brands. Guardian does not publish a starting price on its term page, so we could not include one. Riders may cost extra and may not be offered in every state. We compared documented features and published prices.

Who it is for

Families who want the longest guaranteed path from term to permanent coverage.

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Level term coverage, usually 10, 15 or 20 years
• All level term policies convertible to permanent whole life in the first five years
• Optional Extended Conversion Rider to convert for the full policy term
• Conversion without a new medical exam
• Instant online quote

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Longest conversion window here with the Extended Conversion Rider
• Strength: Conversion without new medical underwriting
• Strength: Instant online quote to start
• Weakness: No published starting price
• Weakness: Guardian says underwriting typically includes a medical exam
• Weakness: Shorter usual term lengths than Banner or Ethos

Key facts

• Term lengths: Usually 10, 15 or 20 years
• Conversion: First 5 years, or full term with rider
• Medical exam: Typically required
• Quote: Instant online quote
• Published price: Not published

Where it ranks

Guardian Life is No. 8 in our Best Term Life Insurance verdict.