Financial Strength & Ratings

Sentinel’s financial stability has come under scrutiny recently, while Family Benefit Life maintains a solid reputation for claims payment and customer service.

Policy Types Offered

Sentinel Security Life

• Final Expense Whole Life (New Vantage series: I, II, III)
• Annuities (fixed, indexed, income)
• Medicare Supplement and Hospital Indemnity

Family Benefit Life

• Whole Life (First Whole Life: $10,000–$5,000,000 coverage)
• Final Expense (Golden Eagle, both first-day and graded benefit plans)
• Annuities (Flex I, Max I, Max III)

Neither company offers term life insurance, focusing instead on permanent coverage and final expense solutions.

Coverage Options & Flexibility

Sentinel Security Life

• Whole life policies with cash value accumulation
• Three-tiered final expense options: immediate, graded, and modified coverage based on health
• Annuities with multiple customization options and riders

Family Benefit Life

• Whole life coverage for adults (up to age 80) and children (from 30 days old)
• Final expense plans with first-day or graded benefits for ages 50–85, face amounts $2,500–$25,000
• Flexible premium schedules: lifetime, 10-pay, or single-pay

Family Benefit Life offers more flexible payment structures and broader age eligibility for whole life coverage.

Underwriting & Application Process

Sentinel Security Life

• Simplified underwriting for final expense (health questions, no medical exam for most)
• Fast turnaround: approval often within 24–48 hours after phone interview
• Paper and telephonic applications available

Family Benefit Life

• Simplified issue for most products; phone application available
• Very lenient underwriting, especially for seniors and those with health conditions (including diabetics)
• Quick, straightforward approval process

Both companies excel at easy, non-invasive applications, but Family Benefit Life is especially forgiving for health issues.

Pricing & Affordability

Sentinel Security Life

• $10,000 policy for 50-year-old male: $27.72/month; female: $23.05/month

Family Benefit Life

• $10,000 policy for 50-year-old male: $27.35/month; female: $22.16/month

Family Benefit Life typically edges out Sentinel on price, especially for applicants with health concerns.

Alternatives to Consider

• MassMutual, Legal & General America, Pacific Life, Mutual of Omaha: Strong financial ratings, broader product lines, and competitive pricing for both term and permanent life insurance.
• Ethos, Haven Life: Fast online applications and instant-issue policies for those seeking digital-first experiences.

Riders & Customization

Sentinel Security Life

• Multiple riders for annuities: terminal illness, nursing home, free withdrawal, death benefit, and more
• Fewer riders for life insurance; focus on final expense simplicity

Family Benefit Life

• Riders available: Accidental Death, Waiver of Premium, Terminal Illness
• Accelerated living benefits included at no extra cost for terminal illness or nursing home confinement

Both offer basic customization, but Sentinel’s annuities are more customizable than its life insurance.

Best For…

Pros and Cons

Customer Experience & Support

Sentinel Security Life

• Historically strong customer service, but recent years have seen increased complaints, especially for annuities
• Online portal for policy management

Family Benefit Life

• Excellent BBB rating (A+), no NAIC complaints
• High claim settlement ratio and efficient claims process
• Friendly, accessible customer support

Family Benefit Life has a stronger recent track record for customer satisfaction.

Final Verdict

For clients seeking affordable, no-fuss final expense or whole life coverage—especially those with health conditions or on a tight budget—Family Benefit Life is the stronger choice. It offers lower premiums, more flexible payment options, and a notably lenient underwriting process, all backed by a solid claims track record and excellent customer service.

Sentinel Security Life remains a viable option for healthy seniors or those interested in highly customizable annuities, but recent regulatory and financial concerns, along with higher customer complaints, make it less attractive for new life insurance clients at this time.

Recommendation

• Choose Family Benefit Life for affordable, accessible final expense and whole life insurance, especially if you have health issues or want the lowest rates.
• Consider Sentinel Security Life only if you need specific annuity features or if you already have a relationship with the company.
• For broader coverage options, stronger financial ratings, or term life insurance, look to larger national insurers like MassMutual, Legal & General America, or Mutual of Omaha.