Western Southern vs Ohio National
For individuals seeking affordable life insurance coverage, both Western & Southern Life and Ohio National (now operating under the AuguStar Life brand) offer compelling options. This comparison delves into each company’s offerings to help you make an informed decision.
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Company Overviews
Western & Southern Life
Established in 1888 and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Western & Southern Life is a subsidiary of the Western & Southern Financial Group. The company provides a range of financial services, including life insurance, retirement planning, and investment products.
Ohio National (AuguStar Life)
Founded in 1909, Ohio National rebranded to AuguStar Life in 2023 under Constellation Insurance, Inc. The company continues to offer a variety of life insurance and financial products, maintaining its commitment to policyholders and financial professionals.
Financial Strength & Ratings
| Company | AM Best | S&P | Fitch | Moody’s | Comdex |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western & Southern | A+ (Superior) | AA– (Very Strong) | AA (Very Strong) | Aa3 (Excellent) | 96 |
| Ohio National | A (Excellent) | A (Strong) | A– (Strong) | A1 (Good) | N/A |
Western & Southern holds higher ratings overall, reflecting exceptional financial strength and claims-paying ability.
Policy Types Offered
| Policy Type | Western & Southern | Ohio National |
|---|---|---|
| Term Life | Yes (10, 15, 20, 30 years, simplified issue) | Yes (10, 15, 20 years, competitive rates) |
| Whole Life | Yes (including dividend-paying) | Yes (Prestige Series, participating) |
| Universal Life | Yes (flexible, adjustable, indexed) | Yes (V-Pro UL, Virtus Basic) |
| Indexed Universal | Yes | Yes |
| Variable Universal | Limited | Yes (Virtus VUL) |
Coverage Options & Flexibility
Western & Southern: Offers flexible term lengths, permanent policies with cash value, and adjustable universal life with options to change premiums and death benefits as needs evolve.
Ohio National: Known for flexibility in universal and variable products, plus strong conversion options on term policies. Whole life policies can be customized with paid-up additions and other riders.
Underwriting & Application Process
Western & Southern: Provides both traditional and accelerated underwriting. Some term products don’t require a medical exam (simplified issue), speeding up approval for healthy applicants.
Ohio National: Typically requires full medical underwriting, which can mean higher scrutiny and longer approval times, but may result in better rates for healthy applicants. Strict underwriting standards contribute to strong financial ratings.
Pricing & Affordability
Western & Southern: Offers competitive rates, especially for term life, though online quotes are not available—you must speak with an agent.
Ohio National: Frequently ranks among the lowest-cost term life insurers, especially for healthy applicants. Recent repricing has made term policies even more affordable, often placing them among the top five lowest-priced carriers.
Alternatives to Consider
- Guardian Life
- MassMutual
- Protective Life
- Banner Life
Riders & Customization
| Rider Type | Western & Southern | Ohio National |
|---|---|---|
| Waiver of Premium | Yes | Yes |
| Accelerated Death Benefit | Yes (often included) | Yes (living benefits) |
| Child Term Rider | Yes | Yes |
| Accidental Death Benefit | Yes | Yes |
| Guaranteed Insurability | Yes | Yes |
| Paid-Up Additions | Yes (whole life) | Yes (whole life, with flexibility) |
| Return of Premium | Yes | Limited |
Best For…
| Company | Best For |
|---|---|
| Western & Southern | Clients wanting a strong, stable insurer with flexible policy options, accelerated underwriting, and a wide choice of riders. |
| Ohio National | Clients seeking some of the lowest term life rates, strong conversion options, and policyholder-focused mutual company benefits. |
Pros and Cons
| Western & Southern | Ohio National |
|---|---|
|
Pros: Exceptional financial strength, flexible products, accelerated underwriting, many riders, strong BBB rating Cons: No online quotes, must call for claims, some policies only through subsidiaries |
Pros: Consistently low term rates, strong conversion options, mutual company dividends, broad product range Cons: Strict underwriting, limited online info, slower approval, may require medical exams |
Customer Experience & Support
Western & Southern: Strong BBB rating (A+), recognized for customer service and financial advice. Claims must be initiated by phone, not online.
Ohio National: Focuses on policyholder service, but online resources and digital claims are more limited. Support is available via phone and online account management.
Final Verdict
For clients focused on affordable life insurance, both Western & Southern and Ohio National are strong contenders. Western & Southern stands out for its superior financial ratings, flexible product options, and streamlined application process, making it a safe choice for those seeking both value and stability. Ohio National excels in low-cost term life—especially for healthy applicants—and offers strong conversion and dividend features, though its stricter underwriting may not suit everyone.
Choose Western & Southern if you value top-tier financial strength, flexibility, and a broad range of riders. Opt for Ohio National if your priority is the lowest possible term life premiums, strong conversion options, and the benefits of a mutual insurer.
FAQs: Western & Southern vs. Ohio National Life Insurance
Both companies provide a range of life insurance products, including term life, whole life, and universal life insurance. Each offers policy options designed to meet different coverage needs and financial goals.
Western & Southern has very strong financial ratings, often higher than many competitors, reflecting its stability and ability to pay claims. Ohio National also maintains strong ratings, but Western & Southern is generally rated higher by agencies like AM Best and S&P.
Ohio National is frequently recognized for offering some of the lowest term life insurance rates, especially for healthy applicants. Western & Southern is also competitive, but Ohio National often leads in affordability for term coverage.
Yes, both insurers offer a variety of riders, such as accelerated death benefits, waiver of premium, and child term riders, allowing you to tailor your policy to your needs.
Western & Southern offers both traditional and accelerated underwriting, with some simplified issue options that may not require a medical exam. Ohio National typically uses full medical underwriting, which can mean more scrutiny but potentially better rates for healthy applicants.
For Western & Southern, anyone can initiate a claim by calling their claims customer service. You do not need the policy number to start the process; they can locate policies using the insured’s name and date of birth or Social Security number. Ohio National’s claims process is similar, typically initiated by contacting their customer service.
Both companies offer strong whole and universal life products with cash value accumulation. Ohio National is noted for its unique participating whole life policies, while Western & Southern provides a variety of permanent options with flexible features.
Western & Southern generally receives positive reviews for customer service and claims support. Ohio National also has a reputation for strong policyholder service, though some processes may be less digital or streamlined.
Western & Southern typically requires you to speak with an agent for quotes and claims, while Ohio National’s online resources may also be limited. Both companies encourage working with a financial professional for personalized advice.
Other top-rated, affordable life insurance providers include Legal & General America (Banner Life), MassMutual, and Protective Life, which may offer lower rates or additional digital conveniences.
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