Last Updated: February 9th, 2026
Life Insurance Company of the Southwest (LSW) is a subsidiary of National Life Group, founded in 1848 and headquartered in Montpelier, Vermont. LSW holds an A+ (Superior) rating from AM Best and offers term life, whole life, and universal life insurance. Their EZ Underwriting program allows qualified applicants ages 18 to 65 to get up to $2 million in term coverage without a medical exam.
If you’ve come across Life Insurance Company of the Southwest during your research, you might be wondering who they are and whether they’re worth considering.
Here’s the short answer: LSW is the life insurance arm of National Life Group, one of the oldest mutual insurance companies in the country. They’ve been around since 1848, and their financial strength is solid. But the right question isn’t just “are they a good company?” It’s “are they the right fit for what you need?”
We’ve worked with National Life Group for years and placed policies for families across the country. In this review, we’ll cover their ratings, products, application process, and who LSW is best suited for.
About Life Insurance Company of the Southwest
Life Insurance Company of the Southwest was chartered in 1955 in Addison, Texas. The company operates under the National Life Group trade name, which also includes National Life Insurance Company based in Montpelier, Vermont.
National Life Group was founded in 1848, making it one of the longest-running life insurance operations in the United States. As a mutual company, National Life is owned by its policyholders rather than shareholders. The company reports paying dividends continuously for over 170 years, based on company records.
One thing worth noting: LSW is not an authorized insurer in New York. If you live in New York, you’d need to apply through National Life Insurance Company instead, which offers similar products.
LSW Financial Strength Ratings
Financial ratings matter when you’re choosing a life insurance company. You’re trusting them to pay a claim that might not come for 20 or 30 years. LSW and National Life Group have strong marks across the board.
| Rating Agency | Rating | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| AM Best | A+ (Superior) | Second-highest rating possible. Affirmed July 2025. |
| Standard & Poor’s | A+ (Strong) | Reflects solid financial management and market position. |
| Moody’s | A1 (Good) | Highlights consistent profitability and strong outlook. |
| Better Business Bureau | A+ (not accredited) | Top grade based on complaint resolution history. |
National Life Group was also named to Forbes’ Best Insurance Companies list in both 2024 and 2025. The Wall Street Journal ranked them #2 on their Best Whole Life Insurance Companies list in October 2025. And they’ve made the Ward’s 50 Top Life Insurance Companies list for five consecutive years.
That’s a strong track record. When it comes to financial stability, LSW checks the boxes.
LSW Life Insurance Products
National Life Group offers several types of life insurance through LSW. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available and who each product is designed for.
Term Life Insurance
Term life is the most affordable and straightforward option. LSW offers term life coverage in 10, 15, 20, and 30-year lengths with level premiums that won’t change during the term.
All term plans include optional Accelerated Benefits Riders. The terminal illness rider is typically included at no extra cost, while riders for chronic illness and Alzheimer’s disease are available for an additional premium. These living benefits let you access a portion of your death benefit early if you’re diagnosed with a qualifying condition.
For most families looking for affordable protection, term life from LSW is worth considering.
No-Exam Term Life (EZ Underwriting)
This is where LSW really stands out. Their EZ Underwriting program allows qualified applicants ages 18 to 65 to skip the medical exam entirely. You can get up to $2,000,000 in no-exam term life coverage without blood work or a paramedical visit.
The process uses data-driven underwriting to make faster decisions. Not everyone qualifies, and applicants with certain health conditions may still need traditional underwriting. But for healthy applicants who want coverage fast, this is a real advantage.
Whole Life Insurance
LSW’s whole life policies (called TotalSecure) offer a guaranteed death benefit and cash value accumulation. Because National Life is a mutual company, whole life policyholders may receive dividends.
Premiums are level and guaranteed to never change. These policies also include Accelerated Benefits Riders for terminal, chronic, and critical illness.
Universal Life and IUL
National Life Group also offers universal life, indexed universal life (IUL), and variable universal life policies through LSW. These are permanent products with flexible premiums and cash value components.
These products are more complex and work best for people with specific financial planning needs. If you’re considering IUL or universal life, make sure you understand the fees, caps, and risks involved before committing.
How to Apply for LSW Life Insurance
Applying for coverage through National Life Group is more convenient than many traditional insurers. The entire process can be completed online through an independent agent.
For no-exam term life through the EZ Underwriting program, here’s what to expect. You answer health questions on the application. National Life uses data-driven tools to assess your risk. Qualified applicants can get a decision quickly, often without any medical tests. Once approved, the policy is delivered electronically.
Premium payments can be made through electronic funds transfer from a checking or savings account, and you can adjust your payment draft dates after the policy is in force.
Who Is LSW Best For?
LSW and National Life Group are a strong fit for certain types of buyers. They’re not the best match for everyone.
LSW works well for:
- Healthy applicants ages 18 to 65 who want term life coverage without a medical exam
- Families who need coverage quickly (the EZ Underwriting program speeds up the process significantly)
- Business owners who need life insurance as collateral for a loan
- Buyers who value financial strength and want a carrier with 175+ years of history
LSW may not be the best fit for:
- Seniors shopping for final expense or burial insurance (National Life Group does not offer a stand-alone final expense product)
- Applicants with significant pre-existing health conditions who may not qualify for EZ Underwriting
- New York residents (LSW is not authorized in New York, though National Life Insurance Company offers similar coverage)
If you need final expense coverage, we work with several carriers that specialize in simplified issue policies for seniors. We’re happy to help you find the right option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Life Insurance Company of the Southwest a good company?
Yes. LSW operates under National Life Group, which holds an A+ (Superior) rating from AM Best and has been in business since 1848. They’ve been recognized by Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, and Ward’s 50 as a top-performing insurance company.
Does LSW require a medical exam?
Not always. Their EZ Underwriting program allows qualified applicants ages 18 to 65 to get up to $2 million in term coverage or $3 million in permanent coverage without a medical exam. Applicants with certain health conditions may still need traditional underwriting.
Does National Life Group offer final expense insurance?
No. National Life Group does not offer a stand-alone final expense or burial insurance product. If you’re looking for final expense coverage, other carriers specialize in this type of policy.
Is LSW available in New York?
No. Life Insurance Company of the Southwest is not an authorized insurer in New York. New York residents can apply through National Life Insurance Company, which is the Vermont-based affiliate within the same group.
What term lengths does LSW offer?
LSW offers term life insurance in 10, 15, 20, and 30-year lengths. All term plans come with level premiums and optional Accelerated Benefits Riders.
Key Takeaways
- Life Insurance Company of the Southwest operates under National Life Group, one of the oldest mutual insurers in the U.S. (founded 1848).
- LSW holds an A+ (Superior) rating from AM Best, affirmed in July 2025.
- Their EZ Underwriting program lets qualified applicants ages 18 to 65 get up to $2 million in term coverage without a medical exam.
- National Life Group does not offer stand-alone final expense insurance.
- LSW is not available in New York.
- All term and permanent policies include Accelerated Benefits Riders for terminal illness.
Want to see how LSW’s term life rates compare to other top carriers? Give us a call at 800-712-8519 or use the quote tool on this page to get a free, no-obligation comparison.
