Ethos Underwriting and Product Guidelines
Please see our Ethos Playbook for Agents for more information about the Ethos opportunity for agents
F or lice n sed life age n ts o n l y . D o n ot distri b ute . Term Life Product Details
For foreign national product eligibility, please see our Foreign National Agent Guide
TruStage TM Term Life
Ethos Term Life - Prime Select agents
Ethos Term Life - Choice
Product
Best Risk
Moderate Risk
Moderate Risk
Carrier
LGA or Protective
Ameritas Life Insurance Corp.
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company
Average customer profile
Health
Excellent/good health with few to no chronic conditions. Any existing chronic conditions are consistently well controlled and receive regular follow-up care
Excellent/good health with few to no chronic conditions. Any existing chronic conditions are consistently well controlled and receive regular follow-up care.
Average to fair health. Not currently disabled
Financial & credit history
Excellent/good credit resulting in a favorable CBI score
Moderate or fair CBI score.
Good/fair/poor credit resulting in medium CBI score, age dependent
V ehicle violations
V alid license not currently suspended or revoked
V alid license not currently suspended or revoked
Not applicable
Major violations1
None within 5 years
None within 5 years
Not applicable
Minor violations2
Few to none within 3 years
Few to none within 3 years
Not applicable
Age
Age 20–65 ( age nearest )
Age 20–65 ( age nearest )
Age 20 - 69 ( age last )
Coverage
Age 20–50: $100K–$2M Age 51–60: $100K–$1M Age 61–65: $100K–$500K
Age 20 - 50: $50K–$1M Age 51 - 60: $50K–$500k Age 61 - 65: $50K–$350 k *
$15,000-$300,000
Age 2 0 -4 0 : 10, 15, 2 0, 2 5, 30, 35 * , 4 0 * yr Age 4 1 –4 5 : 10, 15, 2 0, 2 5, 30, 35 * , 4 0 † yr Age 46– 50 : 10, 15, 2 0, 2 5, 30, 35 † yr
Term length *select agents † non-tobacco only
Age 20–50: 10 , 15 , 20 , 30 y r Age 51–60: 10 , 15 , 20 y r Age 61 - 65:* 10 , 15 yr
Annually renewable to age 8 0 . See Agent Playbook for more info, and TruStage website for premium tables.
Age 51 – 55 : 10, 15, 2 0, 2 5 yr Age 5 6-6 0 : 10, 15, 2 0, 2 5 † yr Age 6 1 –6 5 : 10, 15 yr
Un der w riti n g process
90% instant decision Application questions and 3rd party evidence checks. APS review for age 61+.
90% instant decision Application questions and 3rd party evidence checks
100% instant decision Application questions and 3rd party evidence checks
Un der w riti n g classes
Preferred Plus Non- T obacc o Preferred Non- T obacc o Standard Non- T obacc o Standard T obacc o T able ratings
Preferred Plu s Preferre d Standard Plu s Standard + table ratings 1 - 10
Standard T obacc o Standard Non- T obacco
F ree loo k period
30 days
30 days
30 days
R eplaceme n ts
Available
Available
U navailable
Premiums
Level for speci fi ed term period
Level for speci fi ed term period
Increasing ( every 5 attained ages )
Pa y me n ts
Monthly ACH
Monthly ACH
Monthly, q uarterly, bi-annual, or annual ACH
Availa b le riders & per k s
Accelerated D eath Bene fi t for terminal illness, Ethos estate planning tools at no additional cost 3 . Conversions available ; see Ag ent Pl a yb oo k for details.
Critical, Chronic & Terminal Illness Accelerated Benefits; Ethos estate planning tools at no additional cost3
Accelerated D eath Bene fi t ( excl. CA ) , E t h os e stat e p lannin g tools at no a dd itional c ost 3
State a n d other e x clusio n s
N Y | U .S citi z ens & permanent residents only
NY | S upp or t for ITIN, E A D & m os t visas ; see Foreign National Agent Guide for m ore info.
N Y | U .S citi z ens & permanent residents only
F i n a n cial Q ualificatio n s for Ethos Term Life - Prime & Choice ON L Y
F ace amou n t eligi b ilit y
Multiple of annual household income : Age < 30: 4 0 x | Age 30–39: 35 x | Age 4 0– 4 9: 25 x | Age 50–59: 20 x | Age 60–65: 10 x
N o n - w or k i n g spouses
Based on household income. Coverage amount cannot be greater than spouse ’ s total of insurance in-force and applied for.
Additio n al fi n a n cial ma x es
Retired and single graduate students : $500K | Single undergraduate students : $250K
1 DU I/ D W I, reckless driving, speed > 90 mph, accident resulting in in j ury, driving while license suspende d 2 Minor violations : speeding < 90 mph, accident not resulting in in j ury, careless drivin g 3 Estate planning tools are available under the Perks bene fi t issued with eligible policies sold through Ethos. Policies issued in S D , W A, A K , and LA are not eligible to receive the Ethos Estate Planning perk. " © 2025 Ethos Technologies Inc. Ethos operates in some states as Ethos Life Insurance Services. CA license #0L28949; AR license #100164629. Ethos offers policies issued by the carriers listed at www.ethoslife.com/carriers. Products and their features may not be available in all states.
Ethos Underwriting and Product Guidelines
F or licensed life a g ents onl y . Do not distribute . Term Life Knockouts
For TruStage™ Term Life underwriting guide, please see the TruStage Life Insurance Underwriting Guide.
Product
Ethos Term Life - Prime Select agents
Ethos Term Life - Choice
Best Risk
Moderate Risk
BMI (if any weight lost within the past 12 months, half of weight lost is added back when calculating BMI)
<18 or >48.9
<18 or >48.9
Blood pressure
Average BP within the past 12 months: Age 18-39: >150/98 Age 40-49: >160/98 Age 50-59: >165/100 Age 60: >175/100
Average BP within the past 12 months: Age 18-39: >150/98 Age 40-49: >160/98 Age 50-59: >165/100 Age 60: >175/100
Cholesterol
Total cholesterol >350
Total cholesterol >350
Diabetes
Diagnosed before age 40 and requiring insulin
Diagnosed before age 40 and requiring insulin
Mental illness
Severe anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or other mental disorder with history of suicidal thoughts or attempt within 10 years, hospitalization or inpatient treatment related to condition within the last 5 years, disability or missed work/ school (more than 10 days) in the last 12 months
Severe anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or other mental disorder with history of suicidal thoughts or attempt within 10 years, hospitalization or inpatient treatment related to condition within the last 5 years, disability or missed work/ school (more than 10 days) in the last 12 months
COVID-19
Any symptoms or positive test within the past 14 days
Any symptoms or positive test within the past 14 days
H IV /A ID S
All cases
All cases
Cancer
All cancers diagnosed within the past 10 years, excluding skin cancers (eg: basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer, melanoma) and some cases of lymphoma
All cancers diagnosed within the past 10 years, excluding skin cancers (eg: basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer, melanoma) and some cases of lymphoma
N eurolo g ical disease or brain disorder
Any other than epilepsy/seizures, multiple sclerosis, Bell ’ s palsy, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, vertigo, migraine
Any other than epilepsy/seizures, multiple sclerosis, Bell ’ s palsy, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, vertigo, migraine
Cardio v ascular disease
H eart disease, congestive heart disorder, heart failure, valve disorder, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, pulmonary hypertension, carotid artery disease
H eart disease, congestive heart disorder, heart failure, valve disorder, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, pulmonary hypertension, carotid artery disease
Li v er disease or disorder
Any other than recovered hepatitis A or recovered hepatitis B/ C (past 5 years)
Any other than recovered hepatitis A or recovered hepatitis B/ C (past 5 years)
K idne y disease or disorder
K idney failure, polycystic kidney disease, chronic kidney disease, dialysis (other than kidney stones)
K idney failure, polycystic kidney disease, chronic kidney disease, dialysis (other than kidney stones)
R espirator y disease or disorder
C hronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( C O PD), emphysema or chronic bronchitis, pulmonary fi brosis, cystic fi brosis ( C F ), central sleep apnea, excludes: treated obstructive sleep apnea, mild asthma or single pulmonary embolisms (more than 5 years ago)
C hronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( C O PD), emphysema or chronic bronchitis, pulmonary fi brosis, cystic fi brosis ( C F ), central sleep apnea, excludes: treated obstructive sleep apnea, mild asthma or single pulmonary embolisms (more than 5 years ago)
A utoimmune disease or disorder
L upus/S LE , scleroderma
L upus/S LE , scleroderma
Connecti v e tissue disease or disorder
N ot applicable
N ot applicable
Or g an transplant
All cases
All cases
Criminal histor y
F elonies, probation or parole within last 10 years ; multiple recent misdemeanors. Some felonies older than 10 years accepted with individual consideration
F elonies, probation or parole within last 10 years ; multiple recent misdemeanors. Some felonies older than 10 years accepted with individual consideration
Dru g/A lcohol use
I llegal drug use or drug/alcohol abuse (past 10 years)
I llegal drug use or drug/alcohol abuse (past 10 years)
Disabilit y
U nable to work more than 30 consecutive days due to in j ury/ illness within the past 12 months
U nable to work more than 30 consecutive days due to in j ury/ illness within the past 12 months
Dri v in g
D UI , D WI , hit-and-run, or reckless driving within the past 5 years, or suspended/revoked driver ’ s license within the past year
D UI , D WI , hit-and-run, or reckless driving within the past 5 years, or suspended/revoked driver ’ s license within the past year
Other
Any medically recommended diagnostic testing or treatment not completed or awaiting results
Any medically recommended diagnostic testing or treatment not completed or awaiting results
© 2025 Ethos Technologies Inc. Ethos operates in some states as Ethos Life Insurance Services. CA license #0L28949; AR license #100164629. Ethos offers policies issued by the carriers listed at www.ethoslife.com/carriers. Products and their features may not be available in all states.
Ethos Underwriting and Product Guidelines
F or l ice ns ed l i f e a g e n t s o nl y. D o n ot di s tri b ute . IUL Product Details
Please refer to our Ethos IUL Agent Guide for additional information.
For a comprehensive view of Ethos, including our products, carriers and industry innovation, please see our Ethos Playbook for Agents.
Product
Ethos Protection IUL (filed as Ethos IUL) Select agents
Accumulation IUL Select agents
Best-Moderate Risk
Best-Moderate Risk
Carrier
Ameritas Life Insurance Corp.
North American Company for Life and Health Insurance
Av era g e cu s to m er p ro fil e
Health
Excellent/good health with few to no chronic conditions. Any existing chronic conditions are consistently well controlled and receive regular follow-up care
Excellent/good health with few to no chronic conditions. Any existing chronic conditions are consistently well controlled and receive regular follow-up care.
Financial & credit history
Good/fair/poor credit resulting in mid/high CBI score
Good/fair/poor credit resulting in mid/high CBI score
Vehicle violations
Valid license not currently suspended or revoke d
Valid license not suspended or revoked within the last yea r
No ma j or violations 1 within 5 years ; few to no minor violations 2 within 3 years
No ma j or violations 1 within 5 years
Ag e
Age 20–65 ( age nearest )
18 to 65 years ( age last )
Co v era g e
$25,000–$1,000,000
$25,000–$2,000,000
Age 20 - 50: up to $1M Age 51 - 60: up to $500K Age 61 - 65: up to $350K
Age 18 - 50 up to $2M Age 51 - 60 up to $1M Age 61 - 65 up to $250K
Un der w riti ng p roce ss
90%+ in s tant de ci s ion . Potential additional evidence ordered. Applicants not eligible for an instant IUL offer will be routed to manual U/W or TruStage TM Advantage Whole Life. Application questions and 3rd party evidence checks
80% i ns ta n t deci s io n . Application questions and 3rd party evidence checks. Potential additional evidence ordered. Applicants not eligible for an instant IUL offer will be routed to manual underwriting or TruStage™ Advantage Whole Life.
4 non-tobacco Preferred Plus Non-Tobacco Preferred Non-Tobacco Select Non-Tobacco Standard Non-Tobacco with table ratings 1-10
N o n -T o b acc o Preferred Plus
T o b acc o Preferred Standard Table B, C, D, E, F, H
Un der w riti ng c l a ss e s
2 tobacco Preferred Tobacco Standard Tobacco with table ratings 1-10
Preferred Standard Table B, C, D, E, F, H
F ree l oo k p eriod
30 days
30 days
R e pl ace m e n t s
U navaila b le
U navaila b le
Pa y m e n t s
Monthly and annual ACH
Monthly , q uarterly , semi-annual and annual ACH
Included at no cost Care4Life Accelerated Death Benefit (eligibility subject to underwriting). Lifetime Income rider
Included at no cost A cceler a ted D e a t h B ene fi ts f or C ritic a l , Ch ronic a nd T er m in a l I llness (eligibility subject to underwriting). P rotected D e a t h B ene fit Ov erlo a n P rotection B ene fit R eturn o f P re m iu m D e a t h B ene fi t E ndorse m en t Ethos estate planning toolkit3
Available riders & perks
Please refer to our for age, underwriting and state restrictions on rider availability. Ethos IUL Agent Guide
Overloan Protection Benefit Ethos estate planning toolkit3
Available at an additional cost Accidental Death Benefit Waiver of Specified Premium
See the
Accumulation IUL Agent Guide
for
Available at an additional cost
complete product information.
Waiver of M onthl y Deduction s F le x i b le Benefit R ide r Accidental Death Benefit
S tate a n d ot h er e l i g i b i l it y i n f or m atio n
NY | Support for ITIN, EAD & most visas; see our
Foreign
Not availa b le in CA , O R and N Y
National Agent Guide
for more info | Max 4 apps from non-
Ethos carriers in prior 12 months
F i n a n cia l Q ua l i fi catio ns
F ace a m ou n t e l i g i b i l it y
Multiple of annual household income : Age < 30: 4 0 x | Age 30– 3 9 : 35 x | Age 4 0– 49 : 25 x | Age 50–5 9 : 20 x | Age 60–65: 10 x
Multiple of Annual Household Income : Age 18 - 30: 30 x | Age 31 - 4 0: 25 x | Age 4 1 - 50: 20 x | Age 51 - 60: 15 x | Age 61 - 65: 10 x
N o n - w or k i ng sp ou s e s
Based on household income. Coverage amount cannot b e greater than spouse ’ s total of insurance in-force and applied for.
Based on household income. Coverage amount cannot b e greater than spouse ’ s total of insurance in-force and applied for. Maximum of $500K without spousal coverage.
A dditio n a l fin a n cia l m a x e s
Retired and single graduate students : $500K | S ingle undergraduate students : $250K
S ingle college students ( undergraduate or graduate ) : Maximum $1 M
1 DUI/DWI, reckless driving, speed >90mph, accident resulting in injury, driving while license suspended 2 Minor violations: speeding <90mph, accident not resulting in injury, careless driving 3 Estate planning tools are available under the Perks benefit issued with eligible policies sold through Ethos. Policies issued in SD, WA, AK, and LA are not eligible to receive the Ethos Estate Planning perk. © 2025 Ethos Technologies Inc. Ethos operates in some states as Ethos Life Insurance Services. CA license #0L28949; AR license #100164629. Ethos offers policies issued by the carriers listed at www.ethoslife.com/carriers. Products and their features may not be available in all states.
Ethos Underwriting and Product Guidelines
F or lice n sed li f e a g e n ts o n l y . Do n ot distribute . IUL Knockouts
Product
Ethos Protection IUL (filed as Ethos IUL) Select agents
Accumulation IUL Select agents
Best-Moderate Risk
Best-Moderate Risk
Blood pressure
Average BP within the past 12 months: Age 18-39: >150/98, Age 40-49: >160/98, Age 50-59: >165/100 Age 60-65: >175/100
If average BP within the past 12 months: Age 18-39: >155/98, Age 40-49: >160/98, Age 50-59: >165/100 Age 60: >175/100
Cholesterol
Total cholesterol >350
Total cholesterol >350
Diabetes
<Age 30, associated with physical complications (eyes, kidneys, neuropathy, amputation), A1C >9.5 (past 12 months), no testing or check up within the last 12 months, BMI >41.49
If any of the following apply: D iagnosed with dia b etes in past 6 month s U nder age 30 D ia b etes with physical complications (kidneys, amputation )
A1C >9.5 within last 12 months and under age 4 1 N o testing or check up within the last 12 months BMI >41.49
M e n tal ill n ess
S evere an x iety, depression, PT SD , b ipolar disorder, or other mental disorder with history of suicidal thoughts or attempt within 10 years, hospitali z ation or inpatient treatment related to condition within the last 5 years, disa b ility or missed work/school (more than 10 days) in the last 12 months
An x iety, depression, PT SD , b ipolar disorder, or other mental disorder with history any of the following: S uicidal thoughts in the past 6 months, or multiple suicide attempts within the last 5 year s H ospitali z ation or inpatient treatment within the last 5 year s D isa b ility or missed work/school (10 + days) in the last 12 months
C OVI D -19
Any symptoms or positive test within the past 14 days
N ot applica b le
HIV/AI D S
All cases
N ot applica b le
Ca n cer
All cancers diagnosed within the past 10 years, e x cluding skin cancers (eg: b asal cell skin cancer, s q uamous cell skin cancer, melanoma) and some cases of lymphoma
All cancers diagnosed within the past 10 years, e x cept for skin cancers (eg: b asal cell skin cancer, s q uamous cell skin cancer, and some cases of melanoma), thyroid cancer, and testicular cancer.
N eurolo g ical disease or brai n disorder
Any other than epilepsy/sei z ures, multiple sclerosis, Bell ’ s palsy, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, vertigo, migraine
Any disease other than epilepsy/sei z ures, multiple sclerosis, Bell ’ s palsy, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, vertigo, migraine.
Cardio v ascular disease
H eart disease, congestive heart disorder, heart failure, valve disorder, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular/artery disease, pulmonary hypertension, carotid artery disease
H eart disease, congestive heart disorder, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular/artery disease, pulmonary hypertension, carotid artery disease, aneurysm, and heart attack.
L i v er disease or disorder
Any other than recovered hepatitis A or recovered hepatitis B/C (past 5 years)
Any disease other than recovered hepatitis A or recovered hepatitis B/ C (past 5 years), and b enign/simple fatty liver.
K id n e y disease or disorder
K idney failure, polycystic kidney disease, chronic kidney disease, dialysis (other than kidney stones)
K idney failure, polycystic kidney disease, chronic kidney disease, dialysis (other than kidney stones) . H ematuria and/or protein in urine within past 6 months
R espirator y disease or disorder
Chronic o b structive pulmonary disease (C O P D ), emphysema or chronic b ronchitis, pulmonary fi b rosis, cystic fi b rosis (C F ), central sleep apnea, e x cludes: treated o b structive sleep apnea, mild asthma or single pulmonary em b olisms (more than 5 years ago)
Chronic o b structive pulmonary disease (C O P D ), emphysema or chronic b ronchitis, pulmonary fi b rosis, cystic fi b rosis (C F ), central sleep apnea, sarcoidosis , and pulmonary hypertension.
A utoi mm u n e disease or disorder
L upus/ S LE , scleroderma
L upus/ S LE , scleroderma, mi x ed connective tissue syndrome
O r g a n tra n spla n t
All cases
All o rgan transplant recipient cases
Cri m i n al histor y
F elonies, pro b ation or parole within last 10 years ; multiple recent misdemeanors. S ome felonies older than 10 years accepted with individual consideration
A felony, 3 or more misdemeanors, pro b ation or parole within the last 10 years. Individual consideration if greater than 10 years.
Dru g/A lcohol use
Illegal drug use or drug/alcohol a b use (past 10 years)
Illegal drug use or drug a b use within the past 10 years. Alcohol a b use within past 5 years.
Disabilit y
U na b le to work more than 30 consecutive days due to in j ury/illness within the past 12 months
U na b le to work more than 10 consecutive days due to in j ury/illness within the past 12 months.
Dri v i ng
DU I, D W I, hit-and-run, or reckless driving within the past 5 years, or suspended/revoked driver ’ s license within the past year
L icense suspended or revoked within past year . Ma j or violations within 5 years ( DU I/ D W I, hit & run, reckless driving, accident resulting in in j ury, driving while license suspended)
O ther
Any medically recommended diagnostic testing or treatment not completed or awaiting results
N ot applica b le
BMI (if any weight lost within the past 12 months, half of weight lost is added b ack when calculating BMI) <18 or >48.9
© 2025 Ethos Technologies Inc. Ethos operates in some states as Ethos Life Insurance Services. CA license #0L28949; AR license #100164629. Ethos offers policies issued by the carriers listed at www.ethoslife.com/carriers. Products and their features may not be available in all states.
Ethos Underwriting and Product Guidelines
For TruStage™ Whole Life underwriting guide, please see the TruStage™ Life Insurance Underwriting Guide.
F or lice n sed li f e age n ts o n l y . D o n ot distri b ute . Whole Life Product Details
For general field underwriting, please see the TruStage™ Health Needs Assessment Guide.
TruStage TM Advantage Whole Life
TruStage TM Guaranteed Acceptance Whole Life
Product
Carrier
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company
CMFG Life Insurance Company
Average customer profile
Health
Good to fair health. Not currently disabled
Poor health
Financial & credit history
Good/fair/poor credit resulting in medium CBI score depending on age
Fair/poor credit history making them ineligible for other policy types
Vehicle violations
Not applicable
Not applicable
Major violations1
Not applicable
Not applicable
Minor violations2
Not applicable
Not applicable
Age
A ge 20–85 ( age last )
A ge 45–80 ( age last )
Coverage
A ge 20–70: $5K–$100K ($50K ma x in O H ) A ge 71–75: $5K–$50K A ge 76–85: $5K–$25K
$2K-$25K . D eath bene fi t in fi rst 2 years is limited to return of 100% of premium , plus 10%
T erm L e n gt h
N/ A
N/ A
Un der w riti n g process
100% instant decision Application questions and 3rd party evidence checks
100% i n sta n t decisio n
Un der w riti n g classes
Non -T obacco and T obacco rates
N/ A
F ree loo k period
30 days
30 days
R eplaceme n ts
U navailable
U navailable
Premiums
Level for speci fi ed term period
Level for speci fi ed term period
Pa y me n ts
A C H Monthly , Q uarterly , Bi -A nnually , A nnually
A C H Monthly , Q uarterly , Bi -A nnually , A nnually
Availa b le riders & per k s
E t h os e stat e p lannin g tools at no a dd itional c ost 3
E t h os e stat e p lannin g tools at no a dd itional c ost 3
S tate a n d ot h er e x clusio n s
CT, NY | Support for SSN holders; see our Foreign National Agent Guide for more info.
WA, NY | Support for SSN holders; see our Foreign National Agent Guide for more info.
1 DUI/DWI, reckless driving, speed >90mph, accident resulting in injury, driving while license suspended 2 Minor violations: speeding <90mph, accident not resulting in injury, careless driving 3 Estate planning tools are available under the Perks benefit issued with eligible policies sold through Ethos. Policies issued in SD, WA, AK, and LA are not eligible to receive the Ethos Estate Planning perk. © 2025 Ethos Technologies Inc. Ethos operates in some states as Ethos Life Insurance Services. CA license #0L28949; AR license #100164629. Ethos offers policies issued by the carriers listed at www.ethoslife.com/carriers. Products and their features may not be available in all states.
Ethos Field Underwriting Guide
December 2025
Introduction At Ethos, we aim to be the name you consider first for all your clients. From the fittest to the most challenging cases and everyone in between, we can approve more than 90% of applicants. We reach this number using a broad array of term and whole life final expense products, and our proprietary underwriting platform that considers hundreds of thousands of data points. This platform allows us to make underwriting decisions with greater accuracy and fulfill our mission to protect the next million families with greater speed than underwriting methods of the past. This guide is intended to help you assess the products available to your client when applying through Ethos. To that end, you’ll find an overview of the Ethos decision platform and the product characteristics that guide it. We welcome all feedback at agents@getethos.com.
Introduction
1
How do we do it?
Our underwriting platform Our product offerings Benefits the Ethos way
3 4 5
Underwriting data and eligibility
6
CBI score RX history MIB MVR Criminal history Human underwriting
6 7 7 7 7
8 8 8 9 9 10
Electronic questionnaire Prior lab data Medical records
Eligibility
Condition-specific ratings
11
Guaranteed issue coverage Red-flag medications
11 12
FAQ
13
Disclosures
15
How do we do it?
Our underwriting platform
Our proprietary underwriting engine chooses an appropriate product for each client, so you don’t have to. The typical customer journey is simple and direct.
AGENT SENDS LINK TO CLIENT
GETS QUOTE
APP STARTED
APP APPROVED
PICKS COVERAGE OPTIONS
UNDERWRITING
PROVIDES PAYMENT
COVERAGE BEGINS
Ethos uses a smart-routing application and information pulled from authorized data sources to find the most appropriate coverage for any applicant, adhering to underwriting rules developed in partnership with our carriers. As your client completes the application, their answers to questions about their medical history will trigger a series of reflexive questions to get more detail that’s necessary to properly underwrite them. Our proprietary process analyzes their answers in real time to determine the best product for them, and avoids offering them coverage they’re not likely to be approved for. This allows Ethos to offer coverage to the majority of applicants. In general, our process continually evaluates eligibility for the best and lowest risk policy, deferring the applicant to the next best option should their disclosures represent an increased risk as they continue the application. In about 10% of cases, additional documentation and human underwriting are required for the most selective product we offer, Ethos Prime Term. In all other cases, underwriting decisions are made 100% online.
3
How do we do it?
Our product offerings
Ethos works with trusted carriers to offer an array of term life products and whole life products that can be used for final expenses. These products offer face amounts up to $2 million and coverage for applicants 18–85, to fit a wide range of life insurance needs. The Ethos Term Life product suite has three products for varying risk profiles.
Every policy sold through Ethos comes with a 30-day free look period.
M in / ma x issue a g e
Product name
Product type Insurance issued by
Coverage max
Ethos Term Life – Prime
Up to $2M (varies by age)
Term life
20-65
LGA or Protective
Ameritas Life Insurance Corp.
Ethos Term Life – Choice
Term life
Up to $1M
20-65
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company
TruStage TM Term Life
Term life (increasing)
Up to $300K
20-6 9
N orth American Company for Life and Health Insurance
Accumulation Inde x Universal Life
Inde x universal life
Up to $2M
18-65
Ethos Protection Inde x Universal Life
Inde x universal life
Ameritas Life Insurance Corp.
Up to $1M
20-65
MEMBERS Life Insurance Company
TruStage T M Adv a n tage Whol e Life
W hole life
Up to $100K
20-85
TruStage T M G uara n tee d Acc e p ta nc e Whol e Life
Up to $25K graded death bene fi t
CM F G Life Insurance Company
W hole life
45-80
4
How do we do it?
Benefits of the Ethos way
Ethos makes getting a policy simple, fast, and painless.
Save your clients time and hassle Our proprietary technology analyzes data more quickly than human underwriters can, leading to approvals in a fraction of the time. In addition, because there are no medical exams in our process, just a few health and lifestyle questions, your clients can skip appointments for blood and urine samples. Streamlined support for field underwriting Our technology platform helps find you the right policy type for your client. We won’t lead an applicant to a product for which they aren’t likely to be approved, saving the time it usually takes to shop around and apply with multiple carriers. No case management By using existing data in place of traditional lab work and physical exams, Ethos eliminates your case management work following up with clients and carriers, and waiting for results. More time to scale your business Because cases are underwritten so fast, you can work with more clients and maximize potential earnings. Instead of waiting 4-6 weeks for approval of a traditionally underwritten application and another 30 days to receive a commission payment, the entire process, including payout, is much faster with Ethos.
Tip for completing the application
It can be helpful for your client to log in to their patient portals in a separate browser tab while completing their application, so they can reference their medical records for specific details they may not remember off the top of their head.
Having their records easily accessible can help ensure accuracy and avoid a
lengthier underwriting process.
5
Underwriting data and eligibility
Our instant underwriting platform uses the following data to approve applications, in tandem with applicants’ answers during the application process. Ethos underwrites policies on behalf of most of our carrier partners using rules developed in partnership with them. Additionally, we partner with TruStage™ to offer their TruStage TM product suite, available through TruStage’s proprietary underwriting rules and application.
Complete and honest disclosures are essential. Lack of disclosure can lead to adverse ratings, ineligibility, or loss of coverage.
Credit-based insurance (CBI) score
Initial product eligibility is based on age and a credit-based insurance (CBI) score, determined through a soft inquiry of the applicant’s credit. A soft inquiry does not impact their credit score.
Applicants 20-65 are routed to an initial product application, or “interview,” based on their CBI score. Final eligibility is based on the applicant’s medical and other information collected during the interview. Applicants who are ineligible for one product will be reconsidered for a higher risk product until the most favorable match is found. Applicants 66+ are routed to TruStage™ Advantage Whole Life. Based on medical and other information collected during the interview, those who become ineligible will be reconsidered for a higher risk product until the most favorable match is found.
F or clients aged 6 1 and older w here medical history cannot be established, an additional re v ie w by an under w riter w ill be required.
T he CBI score is predicti v e of mortality and policy lapse and is generated using consumer data around credit use. H ere are some things to as k your client about that could lead to a less fa v orable CBI score :
S horter credit histor y R ecent credit account delinquenc y L o w credit limits
Collection account s F oreclosure Ban k ruptcy
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Underwriting data and eligibility
MIB, Inc. tells insurers if an applicant has had material medical, financial, occupational, and behavioral history discovered during the underwriting of a life insurance application with another carrier. Through our carrier underwriting partnerships, Ethos uses MIB information disclosed to insurers. Ethos can’t rate an application or determine product eligibility based on details from a MIB report but may ask the applicant or the reporting carrier for additional details about their history if the same history wasn’t already disclosed on their Ethos application. If differences can’t be resolved, we may not be able to offer coverage. MIB An applicant’s driving history is important to underwriting life insurance because it’s indicative of mortality. Applicants with a history of violations on their MVR may be approved at higher premiums or routed to another product depending on the severity of the violation and length of time passed. Motor vehicle report (MVR) Certain offenses, pending charges, or current probation/parole may result in substandard premium approvals or product ineligibility. Criminal history Prescription history includes information from multiple data sources that tells an insurer what medications an applicant was prescribed, their dosage, fill dates, and the name and specialty of the prescribing physician. This information combined with the applicant’s self-reported medical history can usually provide sufficient detail for us to approve an application without needing to gather full medical records. Rx history
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Underwriting data and eligibility
Human underwriting
Instead of a traditional telephone interview, Ethos may reach out to the applicant via email, with a link to an online form requesting specific case information, such as a request to provide more detail about or clarify a previous answer. Your applicant will continue to receive automated email and text reminders every few days for two weeks, unless the request is completed sooner. If your client has received an electronic questionnaire, you or your client can call us at (415) 915-0665, or text (415) 702-1844 with any questions. Electronic questionnaire Currently, about 10% of applications are referred for underwriter review. This may happen because of certain information reviewed or disclosed on the application. If an application requires underwriter review, we may use one or more of the following methods to collect the information necessary to make a decision:
Prior lab data
We avoid blood or urine tests by gathering an applicant’s prior lab results from their existing medical records. Ethos can access existing lab data two ways:
Direct lab results If an applicant has ever had lab work completed by Exam/LabOne or Quest Diagnostics, Ethos can seamlessly gather the test results using the applicant’s original medical records consent form signed during the application process. Medical records If lab data isn’t available, we may need to request the applicant’s existing lab results directly from their health care provider.
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Underwriting data and eligibility
Medical records
We try to rely as much as we can on application disclosures and questionnaires, but sometimes we need to review an applicant’s medical record, also referred to as an electronic health record (EHR) or attending physician statement (APS). Medical records are required for Ethos Term Life – Prime applicants age 61–65. If this becomes necessary, we gather their records directly from their provider using a HIPAA-compliant medical release they’ve signed as part of their application. The time it takes to collect medical records varies widely, depending on the applicant’s medical providers. Some doctor’s offices or medical facilities are quick to respond, while others can take months to send the requested records. Ethos has little control over a facility’s response time, but we’re careful to follow up with them regularly on any orders to make sure the requested information is received as quickly as possible. Applicants will also be kept informed via email during this stage. Some medical facilities will require that their formatted release be signed, even if the one we’ve provided is HIPAA compliant. If this happens, the applicant will be informed via email and text and will get a reminder a few days later if they haven’t already completed and returned the medical release.
Occasionally, we may reach out to an agent directly for help in coordinating a request with their client for medical records.
Eligibility
All U.S. citizens and permanent residents age 20–85 can apply for coverage with Ethos. If your client is 65 or under, they can apply for term coverage. If they are over 65, they are eligible for whole life insurance.
Ethos operates in 49 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, excluding the state of New York.
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Underwriting data and eligibility
Below find common conditions and best-case scenarios for each. “ Best-case scenario ” doesn ’ t indicate eligibility for a specific product or rate class but describes the best case health status of an applicant ’ s given medical condition. This health status would result in the lowest possible premium. Condition-specific ratings
Condition
Best-case scenario for this health condition*
Well-controlled symptoms, compliance with treatment regimen, no history of suicidal ideation or attempts, no hospitalizations or emergency care
Anxiety
Well-controlled symptoms, compliance with treatment regimen, diagnosed more than 6 months ago, no history of suicidal ideation or attempts, no hospitalizations or emergency care
Depression
Applicants actively engaged in their care with regular office visits and blood testing/A1C monitoring with A1C (measure of average blood glucose or blood sugar level over the past 3 months) levels that are well-controlled and stable on their current treatment regimen (medication, diet, exercise, etc.) Diagnosed with a sleep study and is actively being treated for this condition. CPAP/BiPAP compliant (or at least 2x per week). No episodes of falling asleep during waking hours or driving. Regular use of prescribed special devices or pillows to prevent sleeping on the back, oral appliances or dental devices, nose plugs/nose filters, surgery.
Diabetes
Sleep Apnea
E xcellent treatment compliance and consistent control of BP with average not exceeding the following maximum BPs by age :
Hypertension / Blood Pressure
1 8 -3 9 : 13 5 / 85 4 0- 49 : 1 4 0/ 90 5 0-6 5 : 1 45 / 95
Hyperlipidemia/ High Cholesterol
Total cholesterol 100–260 measured within the past year, treated by up to 2 medications
Treated or Untreated HIV/AIDS: Guaranteed Issue Only
HIV/AIDS
>14 days since testing positive or experiencing symptoms, with no residual impairments, complications, or side effects Uninsurable for Ethos Prime Term: Any symptoms or positive test result within the past 15–30 days
COVID-1 9
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Uninsurable scenarios
Please see the Underwriting and Product Guidelines at the beginning of this guide for a side-by-side view of product details and knockout conditions.
While nearly all applicants are insurable at Ethos, the following conditions may make customers ineligible for various policies available through Ethos:
Terminal illness HIV/AIDS Uncontrolled diabetes Current confinement or admission to a hospital Pending criminal charges or conviction of a felony or multiple misdemeanors within the past two years Disability requiring assistance with care and activities of daily living Hospitalization two or more times within the past six months Unexplained weight change of greater than 15 pounds within the past six months Hypertension with complications within the past two years Any of the following diagnosed within the past two years: Cancer Mental/psychiatric conditions Stroke (all types) Paralysis Brain or nervous system disease or disorder, including Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS)
Lung disease or disorder Liver disease or disorder Kidney disease or disorder Systemic Lupus (SLE) Muscular dystrophy Organ transplant Aneurysm Amputation Illegal drug use Alcohol and/or drug abuse
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Uninsurable scenarios
Guaranteed issue coverage
We’re able to offer life insurance coverage to all applicants age 45 and up with TruStage TM Guaranteed Acceptance Whole Life, available in all states except Washington and New York.
Red-flag medications
See our current Any medication on this list will generally make an applicant who takes them ineligible for most products. Conversely, not using these drugs doesn’t guarantee approval. red-flag medications list.
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FAQ
Why did my customer’s application change in price? I quoted a different rate.
Many factors affect premiums, including medical information shared on the application, an applicant’s CBI score, motor vehicle record, and other third-party data. Please see Our underwriting platform and Underwriting data and eligibility for more information about how we use each of these data points. In addition, the agent portal now provides a recommended quote that’s most likely to be approved, to help you focus your client conversations. Other options are displayed below our recommendation. We’re continuing to evolve the agent portal to provide greater real-time visibility for agents to understand why an applicant may be approved for one product or rate class over another. Your feedback and suggestions in this effort are always welcome through your account manager or by email at agents@getethos.com.
For visibility into what your client sees when they go through the application, watch the Client Experience Walkthrough.
Yes, before the policy becomes active. Once the application is approved, review your client’s various coverage options, including term length and coverage amount, to help them choose the coverage best suited to their needs. Once a policy is active, if the client wishes to change the face amount or term length, they will need to cancel their current policy and reapply with the newly desired face amount or term length.
Can I change the face amount on a policy for my customer?
How can my client fix incorrect information on their application?
To update any information, please have your client contact Ethos by email at and let us know what needs to be changed. Please note that some changes may require a new application. support@ethoslife.com,
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FAQ
How do product eligibility and routing work at Ethos?
At Ethos, we work hard to match everyone with the right life insurance policy and are able to approve more than 90% of applicants. When our underwriting logic has determined an applicant is ineligible for the product for which they originally applied, we reroute them to the next best product option for which they’re eligible. Eligibility is based on CBI score, reported medical history, motor vehicle record, and other determining factors. Product eligibility is based on internal Ethos logic prior to underwriting. As a member of MIB, we are required to report mandatory information to MIB during the underwriting process. The presence of an MIB consumer file does not affect the insurability of an applicant. MIB member companies are prohibited from making adverse underwriting decisions based on information in MIB consumer files. Ethos does not provide MIB with a record of how an individual applicant was rated, or whether an application was accepted or declined for insurance. Ethos is a licensed agency that provides producer, underwriting, and third-party administrator (TPA) services. We're not a carrier, but we partner with top-tier carriers to provide policies on their paper. You and your client will interact primarily with us, while our carrier partners issue the actual policies. We have offices in San Francisco, California and Bangalore, India. For more information, see our Ethos for Agents Playbook.
Are ineligible applicants reported to the MIB?
Who is Ethos?
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Disclosures
For agent use only.
The information herein is provided solely for educational purposes to provide you with information about products and services offered through Ethos. Agents are expected to act within the scope of their license and may not sell, solicit or negotiate life insurance unless licensed in the state. Compensation is paid to life licensed agents only. Subject to agents being in good standing. Some payments may be delayed based on verification of policy details. © 2026 Ethos Technologies Inc. Ethos operates in some states as Ethos Life Insurance Services. CA license #0L28949; AR license #100164629. Ethos offers policies issued by the carriers listed at www.ethoslife.com/carriers. Products and their features may not be available in all states. The information and content provided in this document is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered legal, tax, investment, or financial advice. No contract is formed or amended by this document. 1606 Headway Circle #9013, Austin, TX 78754 Banner Life and Ethos Technologies Inc. are separate and independent companies. In approved states, Banner Life Insurance Company (Urbana, MD) underwrites and issues the Ethos Term Life – Prime policy (form ICC23-CDT and state variations). Banner Life products are distributed in 49 states and in DC. Banner Life is not an authorized as a New York insurer and does not do business in New York. Policy coverage and features may not be available in all states and may vary by state. Exclusions and limitations may apply. Two-year contestability and suicide provisions apply. A one-year suicide provision applies in CO, MO, and ND. Policy descriptions provided here are not a statement of contract. Please refer to the policy forms for full disclosure of all benefits and limitations. Term Life Insurance is offered on policy form (ICC24-PTL-1-DTC / PTL-1-DTC 4-24) in all states except New York by Protective Life Insurance Company (Protective), Omaha, NE. The product is not available in New York. Product availability and features may vary by state. Product guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Protective and Ethos Technologies Inc. are separate, independent entities. In approved states, Ethos Index Universal life insurance (form ICC23 3030 3-23 with ICC23 3030 SCH 3-23 or form 3030 3-23 with 3030 SCH 3-23) and Ethos Term Life (form ICC3025 7-20 with ICC3025 SCH 7-20 or form 3025 7-20 with ICC3025 SCH 7-20) are issued by Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. In Oregon, Ethos IUL policy form is ICC23 3030 3-23 with ICC23 3030 SCH 3-23 and Ethos Term Life policy form is ICC3025 7-20 with ICC3025 SCH 7-20. The Critical, Chronic and Terminal Illness Accelerated Benefits riders (rider form ICC17 ADBCCTIRUL 1-17), in California (rider form ADBCHIAR UL 6-17 CA, ADBCRIAR UL 6-17 CA, ADBTIR UL 6-17 CA) on universal life policies are issued by Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. The Critical, Chronic and Terminal Illness Accelerated Benefits riders (rider form ICC16 CCTIABR 11-16), in California (rider form CHIAR T 6-17 CA, CRIAR T 6-17 CA, TIAR T 6-17 CA) on term life policies are issued by Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. Living benefits are not a long-term care product. Policy and riders may vary and may not be available in all states. Ameritas and Ethos Technologies Inc., are separate, independent entities. Ameritas® is a marketing name for subsidiaries of Ameritas Mutual Holding Company. Subsidiaries include Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. in Lincoln, Nebraska and Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. of New York (licensed in New York) in White Plains, New York. Each company is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. For more information about Ameritas®, visit ameritas.com. Ameritas® and the bison design are registered service marks of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. Fulfilling life® is a registered service mark of affiliate Ameritas Holding Company. Accumulation Index Universal Life Insurance (form P100AL and state variations) is issued by North American Company for Life and Health Insurance ("North American"), West Des Moines, IA. Products, features, endorsements, riders, or issue ages may not be available in all states. Limitations or restrictions may apply. The product is not available in New York. North American and Ethos are separate, independent entities. Sammons Financial® is the marketing name for Sammons® Financial Group, Inc.’s member companies, including North American Company for Life and Health Insurance®. Annuities and life insurance are issued by, and product guarantees are solely the responsibility of, North American Company for Life and Health Insurance®.Accumulation Index Universal Life Insurance is issued on form P100/ICC22P100 (policy), E100/ICC22E100, E101/ICC22E101, E103/ ICC22E103, E104/ICC22E104, E105/ICC22E105, E113/ICC24E113, E114/ICC24E114, E118/ICC25E118, E119/ICC25E119, E120/ICC25E120, R100/ICC23R100, R101/ ICC23R101, R102/ICC23R102, R103/ICC23R103, R106/ICC22R106, R108/ICC25R108 (riders/ endorsements) or appropriate state variation by North American Company for Life and Health Insurance®, West Des Moines, IA. TruStage™ and Ethos are separate, independent entities. TruStage™ Term Life Insurance is issued by MEMBERS Life Insurance Company. This is a term policy to age 80 that has premiums that increase when entering each five-year band: 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, and 75. Base Form: ICC25-PBT1, 2025-PBT1. TruStage™ Guaranteed Acceptance Whole Life Insurance is issued by CMFG Life Insurance Company. Death benefit is limited the first 2 years of the policy and is limited to a return of 100% of premiums, plus 10%. Base Form Numbers: ICC16-GAWL, 2016-GAWL. TruStage™ Advantage Whole Life Insurance is issued by MEMBERS Life Insurance Company. Base Form Numbers: ICC20-WLMLIC, 2020-WLMLIC. The insurance offered is not a deposit, and is not federally insured, sold, or guaranteed by any depository institution. Product and features may vary and not be available in all states. Corporate Headquarters: 5910 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53705.
TAWL, GAWL, PBT-8423895.1-0925-1027
Ethos provides its online wills, trusts, and estate planning documents and services through Ethos Estate Planning, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary. Ethos Estate Planning, LLC is not a law firm and does not provide financial, investment, legal, accounting or tax advice. Complimentary W&T services offered through the perks rider not available in WA and SD; W&T services not available in AK and LA.
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