Foresters Life Insurance Review (2026): Is It the Best Final Expense Option for Seniors? - PinnacleQuote

Foresters Life Insurance Review (2026): Is It the Best Final Expense Option for Seniors?

Have you been wondering whether Foresters Life Insurance is really as strong as people say?

Many seniors want a policy they can rely on—not something confusing, overpriced, or hard to qualify for.

That’s why Foresters continues to stand out in 2026.


Carrier Trust Snapshot

Fast credibility signals (financial strength + complaints) so consumers can make a smarter decision.

A.M. Best Rating

Financial strength (higher is better).
A

BBB Rating

Business practices/complaint handling.
A+

NAIC Complaint Index

1.00 ≈ average; lower is better.
1.39

Use this snapshot as a quick filter. It does not confirm pricing, eligibility, or whether a plan has a waiting period. Your health profile + state + plan type still determine the real outcome.

*As of 12/16/2025
What does this mean
A.M. Best: measures insurer financial strength.
BBB: reflects how the business handles issues and complaints.
NAIC Index: compares complaint volume to market share (1.00 is average).

If the carrier checks out here, the next step is confirming: plan type (level vs graded), underwriting path, and your best rate class.

With competitive coverage, reliable customer service, and a long history of supporting families during their toughest moments, Foresters has become one of the most trusted life insurance options available today.

Below, we’ll walk through what makes Foresters unique, how their policies work, what real customers say, and whether it’s the right choice for you or a loved one.


Who is Foresters Life Insurance Company

Above all, Foresters Financial and Foresters are trade names and trademarks of The Independent Order of Foresters. The Independent Order of Foresters is so much more than the average insurance and annuity products company.

In fact, they are an international financial services company that was established in 1874 stretching across Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. Moreover, for their over one million members, they have been providing life insurance coverage, retirement, and investment needs for over 145 years!

Not only are they committed to their member’s unique situation and financial goals, but they are big at giving back to the community through volunteering that benefit local communities. Foresters Financial rating is “A” (Excellent) with the independent rating agency A.M. Best for financial strength making Foresters Financial services one of our top 10 life insurance carriers in the US.  

Foresters Financial Headquarters

As we mentioned before, Foresters Financial Company has members in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. However, they are headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Here are some of the ways you can contact Foresters Life Insurance Company Canada.


Foresters Financial — Contact & Mailing Information

Quick reference for addresses and phone numbers (member benefits and general inquiries).

Foresters Financial headquarters
Organization
The Independent Order of Foresters
Head Office
789 Don Mills Road, Toronto, ON, Canada M3C 1T9
U.S. Mailing
PO Box 179, Buffalo, NY
Courier / Overnights
Foresters Financial C/O Frontier Distributing
Attention: New Business
660 Howard Street, Buffalo, NY 14206
Save For Reference
Tip: For time-sensitive submissions, use the Courier/Overnights address and include “Attention: New Business.”

Foresters Financial Life Insurance Reviews (Products)


Now that we know the history of Foresters Financial let’s get down to what makes this engine move! This will be a Foresters Insurance review by product. 

As a broker/agent, it’s hard to beat the rates on some of the insurance products that Foresters offers. In fact, they have so many quality smart universal life insurance products geared for your specific situation and financial goals. Furthermore, It’s important to speak with your representative to discuss your specific situation. 

Financial Strength and Ratings

Foresters Financial, officially known as The Independent Order of Foresters, has consistently demonstrated financial stability.

As of December 16, 2025, A.M. Best Company affirmed Foresters’ Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of “A” (Excellent), marking the 27th consecutive year of maintaining this rating. This rating reflects the organization’s strong ability to meet its ongoing insurance obligations.

Policy Offerings

Foresters provides a diverse range of life insurance products to cater to various needs:

  • Term Life Insurance: Offers coverage for a specified period, typically 10 to 30 years, with level premiums throughout the term.
  • Whole Life Insurance: Provides lifelong coverage with fixed premiums, a guaranteed death benefit, and cash value accumulation.
  • Universal Life Insurance: Combines permanent coverage with flexible premiums and the potential for cash value growth based on current interest rates.

Notably, Foresters offers no-medical-exam life insurance options for qualified applicants, expediting the approval process.

Foresters Your Term (Medical)

Foresters Your Term level term life insurance has a 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30-year guaranteed level term life insurance with issue ages from 18-80. When speaking with an agent always speak with your specific security and investment strategy at heart!

Above all, this is in most cases the best-priced term product for seniors over the age 70 especially if in good health compared to other life insurance companies.

Here are some of Foresters Life Insurance Quotes and how they stack up with the competitors.


Your Term Med Level Term (AUW or Medically Underwritten)

This term life insurance product is available on an accelerated underwriting (AUW) or medically underwritten basis, with level premiums and a guaranteed death benefit during the initial term.

Term options: T10 / T15 / T20 / T25 / T30 Face amounts: $100,000 to $10,000,000+ Renewable up to age 100

Key Product Features

  • Wide selection of term periods: T10, T15, T20, T25, T30
  • Level and guaranteed death benefit and premium for the entire initial term
  • Renewable up to age 100
  • Convertible during the conversion period
  • Face amounts from $100,000 up to $10,000,000 (or higher with underwriting approval)
  • Two premium bands: up to $1,000,000 and $1,000,000+
  • Multiple underwriting classes: Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard, Substandard
What does this mean?
Level term: premium stays the same during the initial term.
Renewable: ability to continue coverage after the term (typically at higher age-based rates).
Convertible: option to convert to a permanent policy within the conversion window.

Value-Added Riders (No Additional Premium)

  • Accelerated Death Benefit
  • Common Carrier Accidental Death
  • Family Health Benefit
What does this mean?
“No additional premium” means these riders are included when available and approved—always confirm rider definitions, eligibility, and state availability in the brochure or policy.

Target Market

  • Individuals who want lower premiums and can go through medical underwriting
  • Healthy individuals who may qualify for an accelerated underwriting process
  • People needing higher face amounts than a traditional non-medical product
  • Individuals needing coverage for time-specific debts (mortgage, student loan, car loan) or floating debt (credit cards, line of credit)

Your Term Non-Med

Foresters Your Term offers a non-medical (non-med) term life insurance plan that’s easy to understand and apply for.

This means you can get life insurance without going through medical exams or providing blood and urine samples. It’s a great choice if you’re not comfortable with medical tests or if you need insurance quickly.


Your Term Non-Med (No Exam) — Product Features

Non-medical term life insurance with no paramedical exam or lab requirements. Includes level premiums and a guaranteed death benefit during the initial term, plus conversion options.

Term periods: T10 / T15 / T20 / T25 / T30 Face amounts: $50,000 to $400,000 No exam / no labs

Core Features

  • Wide selection of term periods: T10, T15, T20, T25, T30
  • Guaranteed benefits: level death benefit and level premium for the entire initial term
  • Face amounts: $50,000 to $400,000
  • Conversion: convertible during the conversion period without additional evidence of insurability
  • Medical requirements: no paramedical exam or lab requirements
  • Underwriting: non-medical Standard Non-Tobacco and Standard Tobacco
What does this mean?
This is designed for people who want a simpler process than fully-medical underwriting. You still must qualify, but there are no labs and no paramed exam. Conversion can protect you later if your health changes.

Definitions (Tobacco vs Non-Tobacco)

Non-Tobacco

No use of any product containing nicotine within the past 12 months.

Tobacco

Use of any product containing nicotine within the past 12 months.

Issue Ages & Face Amount Limits

Issue Age Maximum Face Amount
Ages 18 to 55 $400,000
Ages 56+ $150,000

Value-Added Riders (No Additional Premium)

  • Accelerated Death Benefit
  • Common Carrier Accidental Death
  • Family Health Benefit
What does this mean?
“No additional premium” generally means these riders are included when available and approved. Always confirm rider definitions, eligibility, and state availability in your policy packet.

Target Market

  • Applicants fitting Standard Non-Tobacco or Standard Tobacco non-medical underwriting
  • Individuals who need higher face amounts than many traditional non-medical products
  • People needing coverage for time-specific debts (mortgage, student loan, car loan) or floating debt (credit cards or a line of credit)

How does Foresters Non-Med Rates Stack up Against Their Peers

Below are rates for Foresters Your Term Non-Med versus other industry leading non-med term products. Clearly, Your Term is the leader in most scenarios, with others a distant second.


T20, $250,000, Non-Tobacco — Rate Snapshot (Male vs Female)

Use the controls to switch gender and age. Foresters “Your Term Non-Med” is highlighted.

Rate Table (Sorted Lowest to Highest)

Rank Carrier / Product Monthly Rate

Key Features of the Plan

  • Term Lengths: You can choose how long you want your coverage for – 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years.
  • Guaranteed Benefits: The amount of money your family receives (death benefit) and your payments (premiums) stay the same throughout the term you choose.
  • Renewable and Convertible: You can renew your policy until you’re 95 years old, and you can change it to a permanent plan during certain times.

No Medical Exams Needed

One of the best parts? You don’t need to go through a medical exam to qualify. This speeds up the process and makes it less stressful.

Special Cases Covered

  • Diabetes: If you have diabetes, you might still qualify. It depends on things like your age, how long you’ve had diabetes, your A1C levels, and your overall health.
  • Mild COPD: If you’re a non-smoker with mild COPD and can climb stairs without much trouble, you could still be eligible.

Strong Foundation non-med

In some cases, Foresters Strong Foundation is a game changer for those that use of cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, nicotine patches, vape pens, marijuana and other substitutes as they all fall under Strong Foundation non-med level term life insurance non-tobacco definition.


Strong Foundation Non-Med — Highlights & Underwriting Notes

Non-medical means: no routine parameds, no APS, and no fluids — designed for a simpler experience.

Terms: T10 / T15 / T20 / T25 / T30 Renewable to age 95 Convertible during conversion period

Product Features

  • Wide selection of term periods: T10, T15, T20, T25, T30
  • Level and guaranteed death benefit and premium for the entire initial term
  • Renewable up to age 95
  • Convertible during the conversion period
Non-Medical means: No routine parameds, no APS, and no fluids.

Issue Ages & Face Amount Limits (Standard)

Issue Age Maximum Standard Face Amount
Ages 18 to 55 $500,000
Ages 56+ $250,000

Non-Tobacco Definition (Expanded)

  • Use of cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, nicotine patches, vape pens, marijuana, and other substitutes fall under the non-tobacco definition.
Diabetes consideration (Show/Hide)
Non-med substandard up to table 12 may be available for people living with diabetes, with individual consideration based on A1C, age, duration, build, and no diabetic complications.

For consideration of build and diabetes, refer to the Strong Foundation Diabetes Ratings Calculator.

Value-Added Riders (No Additional Premium)

  • Accelerated Death Benefit
  • Common Carrier Accidental Death
  • Family Health Benefit
What does this mean?
“No additional premium” generally means these riders are included when available and approved. Always confirm rider definitions, eligibility, and state availability in your policy packet.

Target Market

  • Individuals who prefer no medical exam, are uncomfortable with a paramedic home visit, or don’t like giving fluid samples
  • Individuals needing life insurance to cover time-specific debts (mortgage, student loan, car loan) or floating debt (credit cards or a line of credit)

How Does Strong Foundation Rates Stack Up

FOreaters Strong Foundation non med term offers non tobacco rates for vape Pen and Cigar smoking when competitors will give you a tobacco rate.

In some cases, your rate is cut in half going with Foresters Strong Foundation!!


Age 45, $100,000 — Term Rates (15 / 20 / 30 Year)

Toggle between Female (Vape Pen User) and Male (Regular Cigar Smoker). Select a term length to view a ranked rate table. Foresters is highlighted.

Rate Table (Sorted Lowest to Highest)

Rank Carrier / Product 15-Year 20-Year 30-Year


Strong Foundation Diabetes Ratings Calculator

Use this calculator to determine eligibility for Strong Foundation non-med for your clients living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

LAUNCH CALCULATOR

Foresters Advantage Plus II

Advantage Plus II is participating whole life insurance focused on overall well-being. With a generally tax-free death benefit, tax-deferred cash value growth and tax-advantaged distributions, you can help your clients meet their needs today and in the future.

Here are some Key Highlights of the Advantage Plus Participating Whole Life Insurance


Advantage Plus II — Whole Life Highlights (Underwriting, Cash Value, Riders)

Use the tabs to review the three underwriting paths, cash value features, charity benefit provision, and no-cost riders.

Three Distinct Underwriting Paths

Path What it is Typical Cap / Ages
Non-Medical No-med process option Up to $400,000 (ages 16–55), up to $150,000 (ages 56–75)
Medical + Accelerated Underwriting (AUW) Medically underwritten with an accelerated underwriting option Cap of $1,000,000 (ages 18–55)
Traditional Medical Traditional medically underwritten path No maximum face amount limit (ages 0–85)
What does this mean? Show Hide
This structure gives you flexibility: a simpler non-med option for certain ages/amounts, an AUW option that can speed up decisions, and a traditional medical path when higher coverage (or broader eligibility) is needed.

Coverage and Cash Value Features

  • Guaranteed death benefit amount and cash values
  • 10- and 20-year Term riders for additional low-cost coverage
  • Potential for dividends to grow cash value
  • Paid-Up Additions Rider provides additional coverage and cash value with underwriting limits: $200,000 for annual payments and $2,000,000 lifetime
Paid-Up Additions can increase both coverage and cash value, subject to underwriting limits.

Charity Benefit Provision (Automatically Included)

  • Foresters may pay the eligible designated charitable organization in the name of the insured
  • Maximum payment: $100,000
  • Charity must be an accredited 501(c)(3) and eligible under section 170(c)
  • Included with no additional premium
What does this mean? Show Hide
If you choose an eligible charitable organization, this provision can create a meaningful legacy benefit at no added premium, subject to the contract’s exact terms and eligibility rules.

Value-Added Riders (No Additional Premium)

  • Accelerated Death Benefit Rider
  • Common Carrier Accidental Death Rider
  • Family Health Benefit Rider
What does this mean? Show Hide
“No additional premium” generally means the rider is included when available and approved. Always confirm rider definitions, limits, and state availability in your policy documents.

Foresters PlanRight Whole Life 

The PlanRight Whole Life is Foresters final expense product. PlanRight is a level, guaranteed premium whole life that can take care of the final expenses. This product is perfect for those lower income/fixed income individuals ages 50-85!


Foresters PlanRight Whole Life Insurance — Options, Benefits, and Limits

Review PlanRight Preferred, Standard, and Basic (graded) in one place. Use the tabs for quick navigation.

No medical exam (health questions) Level premium & cash value Not available in OR, SC, VA

Plan Options and Face Amounts

Plan Benefit Type Max Face Amount
PlanRight Preferred Level Benefit Up to $35,000
PlanRight Standard Level Benefit Up to $20,000
PlanRight Basic Graded Benefit Up to $15,000
Issue ages are based on underwriting and plan selection.

Level Benefit (Preferred & Standard)

  • Full payout immediately (per your summary)
  • Designed for applicants who qualify for level coverage

Included Riders (No Additional Premium)

  • Accelerated Death Benefit (Terminal Illness)
  • Common Carrier Accidental Death Rider
  • Family Health Benefit Rider

Optional Rider

  • Accidental Death Rider (Available with PlanRight Preferred)
What does this mean? Show Hide
“Included” riders are generally built into the plan when available and approved. Always confirm rider definitions, limitations, and state availability in the policy packet.

Underwriting

  • No medical exam required
  • Approval based on answers to health questions
  • Issue ages depend on underwriting and plan selection


Foresters SMART UL

SMART UL is designed with a robust set of features to be a more complete insurance solution that aligns with changing consumer needs.


SMART UL — Product Highlights (Interest Rates, Premiums, GPO, Charity, Juvenile Coverage)

Use the tabs for a fast breakdown of the SMART UL interest rates, loan rates, premium guarantees, charity benefit provision, and juvenile coverage highlights.

Guaranteed interest: 2.0% 10-year minimum premium no-lapse guarantee Charity benefit up to $100,000

Interest Rates

  • Competitive non-guaranteed interest rate: 4.55%
  • Guaranteed interest rate: 2.0%
Non-guaranteed rates can change. Guaranteed rates are defined by the contract.

Premium Highlights

  • 10-Year Minimum Premium No-Lapse Guarantee
  • Low minimum modal premiums
What does this mean? Show Hide
A no-lapse guarantee is designed to keep coverage in force if required premium conditions are met. Verify the required premium schedule, timing, and any limitations in the contract.

Guaranteed Purchase Option (GPO) Rider

  • GPO maximum face amount increased from $30,000 to $50,000
What does this mean? Show Hide
A GPO rider generally allows additional purchases of coverage under specific conditions. Confirm eligibility rules, timing windows, and rider limits in the policy/rider form.

Charity Benefit Provision (Automatically Included)

  • Foresters will pay the eligible designated charitable organization in the name of the insured
  • Maximum payment: $100,000
  • Charity must be an accredited 501(c)(3) and eligible under section 170(c)
  • Included with no additional monthly deductions
What does this mean? Show Hide
This provision can create a legacy benefit for an eligible charity at no added monthly deductions, subject to contract terms and eligibility.

Juvenile Coverage Highlights

  • Minimum face amount for issue ages 0–15 reduced from $150,000 to $50,000 for medical cases
  • Juvenile underwriting class now goes to age 17
What does this mean? Show Hide
These highlights expand flexibility for juvenile policies by lowering the minimum face amount for certain ages and extending the juvenile class to age 17. Confirm medical vs non-medical rules and state availability in the brochure and policy forms.

Can I Add Riders to my Policy? – Customize Your Coverage with Foresters

Yes, as a matter of fact, Foresters includes up to three riders with your base coverage!  No additional cost or premium!

  • Accelerated Death Benefit Rider ~ you may accelerate a portion of your death benefit if insure is diagnosed with a terminal illness (critical or chronic).
  • Common Carrier Accidental Death Benefit Rider ~ will provide an additional benefit due to an accident as a “fare- paying ” passenger such as a plane or bus.
  • Family Health Benefit Rider ~ helps cover health expenses including ambulance rides as a result of a natural disaster such as hurricanes or earthquakes. Also, there is a fraternal benefit society approved to carry out services.

What if I already have a policy with Foresters, am I paying too much? – Policy Review Time

Life changes over the years.  All too often when we put a policy in place. We forget about it. As your family grows or you buy a home, or even your children are older. You may be paying too much for the policy you originally purchased. In fact, you may be overpaying by up to 20%. That is a lot of $$$ that belongs back into your pocket. These are some of the reasons you should consider calling Danny Ray, at  PinnacleQuote Life Insurance Specialists. 

Reasons for policy Reviews:

  • New home
  • Change in health
  • Financial status
  • New home
  • Married recently or Divorced
  • New baby
  • Decrease or add the number of your dependents
  • Change from term/whole or vise versa

During your policy review, your agent will ask you some questions.  Such as:

  • Health and lifestyle questions
  • Type of policy you currently own
  • Amount of coverage on that policy
  • Beneficiary information
  • Do you have riders
  • Medical history

Member Benefits

As a fraternal benefit society, Foresters extends unique member benefits beyond standard policy features:

  • Financial Counseling: Access to professional financial advice.
  • Legal Services: Assistance with creating wills and other legal documents.
  • Scholarships: Opportunities for academic scholarships for members and their families.
  • Community Grants: Support for community volunteer initiatives.

These benefits aim to enhance the overall well-being of members and their communities.


Customer Satisfaction and Complaints

While Foresters offers a variety of policies and member benefits, it’s important to consider customer feedback:

  • Complaints: The company has received more consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size, according to data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
  • BBB Accreditation: Foresters Financial is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), though it holds an A+ rating.

Prospective policyholders should weigh these factors when considering Foresters as their life insurance provider.

FAQs

Is Foresters a good life insurance company?

Foresters Financial maintains strong financial ratings and offers a variety of life insurance products with unique member benefits. However, it has received more consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size. It’s advisable to assess your individual needs and consider customer feedback when making a decision.

What is Foresters Financial’s rating?

As of September 6, 2024, A.M. Best Company affirmed Foresters’ Financial Strength Rating of “A” (Excellent), indicating a strong ability to meet policyholder obligations.

How long does it take to receive funds from Foresters?

The time frame for receiving funds from a life insurance claim can vary based on individual circumstances and the completeness of the submitted documentation. It’s recommended to contact Foresters’ customer service for specific information regarding claim processing times.

What is Unique About Foresters’ Approach to Life Insurance?

In addition to traditional insurance benefits, Foresters offers unique member benefits, including community grants, legal counsel services, and scholarships.

How Does Foresters’ Term Life Insurance Work?

Their term life insurance offers coverage for a specified period, typically 10, 20, or 30 years, providing a death benefit if the insured dies during the term.

What Features Does Foresters’ Whole Life Insurance Include?

Foresters’ whole life insurance provides lifelong coverage, fixed premiums, and a cash value component that grows over time.

Can You Customize Foresters Financial Policies?

Yes, Foresters offers various riders to customize policies, such as critical illness riders, disability income riders, and child term riders.

What Are the Member Benefits Offered by Foresters?

Member benefits include community involvement opportunities, financial counseling, legal services, and educational scholarships for members and their families.

How Does Foresters’ Universal Life Insurance Differ from Other Policies?

Foresters’ universal life insurance offers flexible premiums and death benefits, along with a savings element that accumulates cash value.

Is a Medical Exam Required for Foresters Life policies?

The requirement for a medical exam depends on the policy, age, coverage amount, and health of the applicant. Some policies might offer simplified underwriting.

How Does Foresters Financial Stand in Terms of Financial Stability?

Foresters Financial is typically well-rated by insurance rating agencies, indicating a strong capacity to meet ongoing insurance obligations.

What Should You Consider Before Buying a Policy with Foresters?

Evaluate your insurance needs, consider the unique member benefits, compare policy features and costs, and consider consulting with a financial advisor.

How Do You File a Claim with Foresters?

Claims can be filed by contacting Foresters’ customer service. They require documentation, including a death certificate and claim forms.


Related Articles


Conclusion

Foresters is a company that has been in business for over 150 years. Foresters Financial offers a range of policy options and unique member benefits backed by solid financial strength.

Potential customers should carefully consider both the advantages and reported customer experiences to determine if Foresters aligns with their life insurance needs.



More Life Insurance Resources