Last Updated: January 31st, 2026
Pacific Life is a highly-rated insurance company founded in 1868 with A+ ratings from A.M. Best and the BBB. They offer PL Promise Term life insurance with 10 to 30-year terms and coverage starting at $50,000. Their PAL+ accelerated underwriting program allows qualifying applicants to get up to $3 million in coverage without a medical exam.
If you’re researching Pacific Life for term life insurance, you’re looking at one of the oldest and most financially stable insurers in the country. With over 155 years of experience and top-tier ratings from independent agencies, Pacific Life has built a reputation for reliability.
This review covers what matters most: their term life products, underwriting options, and whether Pacific Life is a good fit for your coverage needs. We’ll focus on the PL Promise Term product line and their PAL+ accelerated underwriting program, which can get you approved without a medical exam.
Is Pacific Life a Good Insurance Company?
Pacific Life consistently earns excellent marks from independent rating agencies. These ratings measure a company’s ability to pay claims and meet financial obligations to policyholders.
| Rating Agency | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A.M. Best | A+ (Superior) | Excellent ability to meet obligations |
| Fitch | AA- | Very strong financial security |
| Moody’s | A1 | Good financial strength |
| S&P Global | AA- | Very strong capacity to meet commitments |
| BBB | A+ | Highest BBB rating |
Pacific Life was named one of the 2025 World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute. This marks their eighth consecutive year receiving this recognition. You can verify their current financial ratings on their official website.
The company scored above average in J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Individual Life Insurance Study for customer satisfaction. Pacific Life products are available in all states except New York.
PL Promise Term Life Insurance
PL Promise Term is Pacific Life’s flagship term life insurance product. It offers straightforward death benefit protection with flexible term lengths and competitive pricing.
Term Lengths and Coverage
PL Promise Term offers five term length options: 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years. The 25-year term is a standout feature since many competitors only offer 10, 15, 20, or 30-year options. This gives you more flexibility to match your coverage period to specific financial obligations.
Minimum coverage starts at $50,000. Maximum issue ages vary by term length, ranging from age 65 for 30-year terms up to age 80 for 10-year terms.
Risk Classes
Pacific Life offers multiple risk classes that determine your premium rates:
Non-Nicotine Classes: Preferred Best, Preferred, Select, and Standard
Nicotine Classes: Preferred Nicotine and Standard Nicotine
One advantage of Pacific Life’s underwriting is their substandard rating structure. They charge 20% per table rating compared to the industry standard of 25%. This means if you have health conditions requiring a table rating, you may pay less with Pacific Life than with other carriers.
PL Promise GUL
For those who want permanent coverage focused on the death benefit, Pacific Life offers PL Promise Guaranteed Universal Life. This product provides lifetime protection with level premiums and a guaranteed death benefit.
PL Promise GUL has a lower entry point with a $25,000 minimum face amount. Issue ages range from 0 to 80. The policy includes no-cost return of premium and terminal illness riders.
PAL+ Accelerated Underwriting
Pacific Life’s PAL+ program is one of the most competitive accelerated underwriting options available. It offers three pathways to approval, with the accelerated path allowing up to $3 million in no medical exam life insurance.
Accelerated Pathway
The fastest option for qualifying applicants. No medical exam required.
Coverage up to $3 million for term life. Available for ages 18 to 60. Must qualify for Standard risk class or better. Decision in days rather than weeks.
Modified Pathway
For applicants who don’t qualify for the accelerated path but have recent medical records.
Coverage up to $3 million for term or $2 million for GUL. Available for ages 18 to 70. All risk classes eligible. Requires a physical exam with labs completed within the past 12 months.
Traditional Pathway
Full underwriting for applicants who need it.
No coverage limits. All ages and risk classes. Complete medical underwriting with exam.
Conversion Options
PL Promise Term policies can be converted to permanent coverage without additional underwriting. This is valuable if your needs change and you want lifetime protection. Conversion is available up to age 70 or the end of the level premium period, whichever comes first.
You can convert to Pacific Life’s universal life products, giving you flexibility as your financial situation evolves.
Available Riders
Pacific Life offers several riders to customize your coverage:
PL Promise Term Riders: Accelerated Death Benefit for terminal illness (included at no cost), Waiver of Premium, Children’s Term, and Accidental Death Benefit.
PL Promise GUL Riders: Return of Premium (included at no cost), Terminal Illness (included at no cost), Waiver of Premium, Children’s Term, and Accidental Death Benefit.
Eligibility and Application Process
Pacific Life sells through independent agents and financial professionals. You won’t find an online quote tool on their website. To get a quote or apply, you’ll need to work with a licensed agent who represents Pacific Life.
The application process depends on which PAL+ pathway you qualify for. Accelerated approvals can happen in days. Traditional underwriting typically takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Pros and Cons of Pacific Life
Pros
Excellent financial strength ratings from all major agencies. PAL+ accelerated underwriting offers up to $3 million without a medical exam. The 25-year term option provides flexibility most competitors don’t offer. Lower substandard ratings at 20% per table versus the 25% industry standard. Strong conversion options to permanent coverage up to age 70.
Cons
Not available in New York. No online quotes or direct application. Must work with an agent. Limited final expense options for seniors seeking smaller face amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pacific Life good for term life insurance?
Yes. Pacific Life offers competitive term life products with their PL Promise Term line. Their PAL+ accelerated underwriting program is one of the best in the industry, allowing up to $3 million in coverage without a medical exam for qualifying applicants ages 18 to 60.
What is Pacific Life’s financial rating?
Pacific Life holds an A+ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best, AA- from both Fitch and S&P Global, A1 from Moody’s, and A+ from the BBB. These ratings indicate excellent financial strength and claims-paying ability.
Can I get Pacific Life insurance without a medical exam?
Yes. Through their PAL+ accelerated underwriting program, qualifying applicants can get up to $3 million in no medical exam life insurance. You must be between ages 18 and 60 and qualify for Standard risk class or better.
Does Pacific Life offer coverage in New York?
Pacific Life Insurance Company products are not available in New York. Pacific Life & Annuity Company offers some products in New York, but availability is limited compared to other states.
What term lengths does Pacific Life offer?
PL Promise Term offers 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30-year terms. The 25-year option is relatively uncommon in the industry and gives you more flexibility to match coverage to your specific needs.
Key Takeaways
- Pacific Life holds A+ ratings from A.M. Best and BBB, with over 155 years of financial stability
- PL Promise Term offers 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30-year terms starting at $50,000 minimum coverage
- PAL+ accelerated underwriting allows up to $3 million in coverage without a medical exam for ages 18 to 60
- Lower substandard table ratings (20% vs 25% industry standard) benefit applicants with health conditions
- Conversion to permanent coverage available up to age 70
- Products available in all states except New York
Compare Your Options
Pacific Life is a strong choice for term life insurance, especially if you want accelerated underwriting or need a 25-year term. The best way to know if Pacific Life fits your situation is to compare quotes from multiple carriers.
Use our free quote tool to see how Pacific Life stacks up against other top-rated insurers. Or call us at 800-712-8519 to speak with a licensed agent who can help you find the right coverage at the best price.
