Prudential vs MetLife
🛡️ Prudential vs. MetLife Life Insurance: Which Is More Affordable?
When it comes to choosing a life insurance provider, Prudential and MetLife are two of the most recognized names in the industry. However, their offerings cater to different audiences—especially since MetLife exited the individual life insurance market in recent years. Here’s how they compare for affordability and coverage.
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🏢 Company Overviews
Prudential has been offering life insurance for over 145 years and is known for its broad range of individual policies, strong underwriting, and accessible term life options. It’s one of the largest insurers in the U.S.
MetLife shifted focus in 2017, exiting the individual life insurance space and moving those services to Brighthouse Financial, a spinoff now offering MetLife’s former product lines. MetLife now focuses on group life insurance through employers.
💼 Financial Strength & Ratings
| Rating Agency | Prudential | MetLife (Group) |
|---|---|---|
| AM Best | A+ (Superior) | A+ (Superior) |
| Moody’s | Aa3 | Aa3 |
| S&P | AA- | AA- |
| Fitch | AA- | AA- |
📊 Both insurers are financially stable with strong ratings from major agencies. Prudential remains a leader in individual market stability, while MetLife leads in the group benefits space.
📋 Policy Types Offered
| Policy Type | Prudential | MetLife / Brighthouse Financial |
|---|---|---|
| Term Life | ✅ Yes | ✅ (through Brighthouse or employer) |
| Whole Life | ❌ No | ✅ Group policies only (employer-based) |
| Universal Life | ✅ Yes | ✅ Through Brighthouse |
| Indexed UL | ✅ Yes | ✅ Through Brighthouse |
| Variable UL | ✅ Yes | ✅ Through Brighthouse |
| Final Expense | ❌ No | ❌ No |
📌 Prudential still offers direct-to-consumer individual policies, while MetLife now routes individual needs through Brighthouse or employer group plans.
🔄 Coverage Options & Flexibility
Prudential offers:
Term coverage up to 30 years
Flexible universal and indexed UL products
High face amounts
Riders for chronic illness, accidental death, and more
MetLife (via group or Brighthouse) offers:
Group term and whole life (employer-sponsored)
Less flexibility on individual coverage
Better for short-term, employer-based needs
✅ Prudential wins on flexibility, especially for individuals without employer benefits.
📝 Underwriting & Application Process
| Feature | Prudential | MetLife (Group/Brighthouse) |
|---|---|---|
| No-Med Exam Options | ✅ On select term policies | ✅ Through some group plans |
| Online Applications | ✅ Available | ❌ Not for group plans |
| Accelerated Underwriting | ✅ For healthy applicants | ⚠️ Limited availability |
| Direct Purchase | ✅ Yes, online or agent-based | ❌ Must go through employer or Brighthouse |
📲 Prudential has more control and digital tools for individuals, while MetLife’s access is restricted to employer portals.
💲 Pricing & Affordability
Prudential offers competitive rates for term life, especially for high face amounts and individuals with minor health conditions.
MetLife group plans can be cost-effective if subsidized by an employer, but may lack portability if you leave your job.
💡 If you want independent, customizable, and long-term protection, Prudential is the better choice.
🔄 Alternatives to Consider
Banner Life – Affordable term policies with flexible underwriting
Mutual of Omaha – Great for seniors and final expense
Protective Life – Budget-friendly term and UL plans
Brighthouse Financial – Successor to MetLife’s individual life insurance
🛠️ Riders & Customization
| Rider Type | Prudential | MetLife / Brighthouse |
|---|---|---|
| Accelerated Death Benefit | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (group and Brighthouse) |
| Waiver of Premium | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (limited) |
| Accidental Death Benefit | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (group term only) |
| Children’s Term Rider | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not always available |
| Chronic/Terminal Illness | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Varies by employer plan |
| Return of Premium | ❌ Not typically | ❌ Not available |
🔧 Prudential offers more robust customization for individual policies.
🎯 Best For…
Prudential is best for:
Individuals seeking standalone coverage
High coverage amounts
Applicants needing underwriting flexibility
Online quote seekers
MetLife is best for:
Employees receiving group benefits
People not shopping independently
Basic coverage through work
📊 Pros and Cons (Comparison Table)
| Feature | Prudential | MetLife (Group) |
|---|---|---|
| Offers Individual Coverage | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (via employer only) |
| Online Quotes/Applications | ✅ Yes | ❌ Employer-provided only |
| Affordability (Independent) | ✅ Competitive | ⚠️ Depends on employer |
| Customization & Riders | ✅ Strong options | ⚠️ Limited by group plan |
| Portability | ✅ Yes | ❌ Usually ends with employment |
| Whole Life Options | ❌ No | ✅ Group whole life (limited) |
🤝 Customer Experience & Support
Prudential offers solid online tools, direct application support, and wide access to independent agents.
MetLife provides strong service through employer HR departments but lacks a direct consumer support structure for individual life policies.
🧭 If you want control and flexibility, Prudential is a better fit. MetLife is more hands-off, group-based.
🏁 Final Verdict
✔ Choose Prudential if you want affordable, flexible, and individually-owned life insurance.
✔ Consider MetLife if you’re covered through work and need simple, no-fuss protection during employment.
💡 How to Get a Quote or Apply
Prudential: Visit prudential.com or get quotes through licensed agents and online comparison sites.
MetLife: Life insurance is only offered through employer group plans. For individual coverage, you’ll need to explore Brighthouse Financial at brighthousefinancial.com.
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Get a Quote💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Which company is more affordable for individual life insurance: Prudential or MetLife?
Prudential is generally more affordable for individuals shopping on their own. MetLife offers life insurance only through employer-sponsored group plans, which may be cost-effective depending on the employer.
Can I get a life insurance quote directly from MetLife?
No. MetLife no longer offers individual life insurance directly to consumers. You must get coverage through your employer or explore Brighthouse Financial for former MetLife individual products.
Does Prudential offer online applications?
Yes. Prudential offers online applications for some term policies and also works through licensed agents and digital broker platforms.
Is MetLife still a life insurance company?
MetLife focuses on group life insurance provided through employers. It spun off its individual life insurance business to Brighthouse Financial in 2017.
Which company offers more flexibility and policy types?
Prudential offers more policy types and flexibility, including term, UL, indexed UL, and VUL products for individuals.
Are riders available with both companies?
Yes, but Prudential provides more customization for individuals. MetLife’s rider availability depends on your employer’s plan.
Which provider is better if I don’t have employer coverage?
Prudential is the better option for those who need individual life insurance without relying on an employer-sponsored plan.
Does either company offer final expense insurance?
No. Neither Prudential nor MetLife currently offers final expense or guaranteed issue life insurance.
Can I take my MetLife group policy with me if I leave my job?
Usually not. MetLife’s group life policies are not portable unless specified in your benefits plan.
Are both Prudential and MetLife financially stable?
Yes. Both companies hold strong ratings from AM Best, Moody’s, and S&P, indicating strong claims-paying ability and financial health.
Blake Insurance Group
Phone: (888) 387-3687
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sat-Sun: Closed
Blake Nwosu
Owner & Principal Agent