Last Updated: February 11th, 2026
TruStage is a legitimate life insurance brand backed by CMFG Life Insurance Company, which holds an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best. TruStage offers term, whole life, and guaranteed acceptance policies through 3,200+ credit unions nationwide. No medical exam is required for any policy, and most applicants get an instant decision online.
If you’ve seen TruStage life insurance advertised through your credit union, you’re probably wondering if it’s a good deal. TruStage is one of the most widely marketed insurance brands in the credit union space, and millions of Americans have coverage through them.
But is TruStage the right fit for you? In this review, we’ll break down the company’s background, products, pricing structure, and who TruStage works best for so you can make a confident decision.
Is TruStage Life Insurance Legit?
Yes. TruStage is a well-established insurance brand with deep roots in the credit union industry.
TruStage policies are underwritten by CMFG Life Insurance Company, a subsidiary of CUNA Mutual Group. CUNA Mutual was founded in 1935, giving the organization nearly 90 years of experience in the insurance industry. Today, TruStage partners with more than 3,200 credit unions across the country and protects more than 35 million consumers.
The company is headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, and has paid out more than $2 billion in claims to policyholders and their families.
Financial Strength Ratings
Since CMFG Life Insurance Company underwrites all TruStage policies, their financial ratings are what matter most. Strong ratings mean the company has the financial resources to pay claims when your family needs it.
| Rating Agency | Rating |
|---|---|
| AM Best (CMFG Life) | A (Excellent), affirmed Dec. 2024 |
| Better Business Bureau | A+ |
CMFG Life’s AM Best rating of A (Excellent) was affirmed as of December 2024, with a stable outlook. This tells you the company is financially sound and expected to remain that way.
TruStage Life Insurance Products
TruStage keeps its product lineup simple. You’ll find three main types of life insurance, and none of them require a medical exam.
| Feature | Term Life | Whole Life | Guaranteed Acceptance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age Range | 18-69 | 18-85 | 45-80 |
| Coverage | $5,000-$300,000 | $5,000-$100,000 | $2,000-$25,000 |
| Pricing | Increases every 5 years | Level (never increases) | Level (never increases) |
| Health Questions | Yes | Yes | None |
| Medical Exam | No | No | No |
| Cash Value | No | Yes | Yes |
| Waiting Period | None | None | 2 years for natural causes |
TruStage Term Life Insurance
TruStage term life insurance is designed for people who need temporary coverage at a lower cost. Here’s what you need to know.
Coverage amounts range from $5,000 to $300,000. It’s available to applicants ages 18 to 69. No medical exam is required, just a health questionnaire. You can apply online and get an instant decision in most cases. Coverage starts as soon as your first payment is processed.
There’s one important detail that sets TruStage apart from most term policies. TruStage uses 5-year age-banded pricing. This means your premium isn’t locked in for the full term. Instead, your rate increases every five years as you enter a new age band (25, 30, 35, 40, and so on).
Most traditional term policies let you lock in the same rate for 10, 20, or 30 years. With TruStage, a rate that starts at $25 per month at age 35 could jump to $35 at age 40 and $48 at age 45. It keeps climbing from there. Over time, this banded pricing can add up to significantly more than a level-term policy.
The policy is renewable until age 80, even if your health declines. You also have the option to convert all or part of your term coverage to a whole life policy at any time without answering additional health questions.
TruStage Whole Life Insurance
TruStage whole life insurance provides permanent coverage that lasts your entire life, as long as you pay your premiums. This is the product TruStage markets for final expense and burial cost coverage.
Coverage amounts range from $5,000 to $100,000. It’s available to applicants ages 18 to 85. Premiums are locked in at the time of purchase and never increase. The policy builds cash value over time on a tax-deferred basis. You can borrow against the cash value if needed (any outstanding loan balance reduces the death benefit).
Like the term product, TruStage whole life doesn’t require a medical exam. You’ll answer a few health questions during the application, and the company may check your prescription history and electronic health records as part of the underwriting process.
TruStage Guaranteed Acceptance Whole Life Insurance
This policy is designed for people who can’t qualify for traditional life insurance due to serious health conditions. You cannot be turned down for any reason.
Coverage amounts range from $2,000 to $25,000, though the maximum available may vary by age and state. It’s available to applicants ages 45 to 80. No health questions and no medical exam. Premiums are guaranteed to never increase. Coverage can’t be canceled as long as you pay your premiums.
There’s an important limitation to understand. Guaranteed acceptance policies come with a two-year waiting period. If you pass away from natural causes during the first two years, your beneficiaries receive a refund of all premiums paid plus 10% interest rather than the full death benefit. Accidental death is covered in full from day one.
This type of policy is typically a last resort for people who have been declined for other coverage. The premiums are higher and the coverage amounts are smaller, but it provides a guaranteed option when other doors have closed.
Pros and Cons of TruStage Life Insurance
Every insurance product has trade-offs. Here’s an honest look at where TruStage shines and where it falls short.
What TruStage Does Well
- No medical exam required for any policy, making it a strong option for people with health conditions
- Quick online application with instant decisions for most applicants
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee with a full refund if you cancel within the first month
- Guaranteed acceptance option for people with serious health issues who’ve been declined elsewhere
- Term-to-whole-life conversion without additional health questions gives you flexibility as needs change
Where TruStage Falls Short
- 5-year age-banded pricing on term policies means your rate increases every five years rather than staying level for the full term
- Low coverage limits: $300,000 max for term, $100,000 for whole life, and $25,000 for guaranteed acceptance
- Very limited rider options. TruStage offers an optional accidental death benefit rider, but no waiver of premium, no accelerated death benefit, and no child or spouse riders.
- Term coverage ends at age 80 with no option to extend
- Higher premiums over time compared to level-term policies, especially for healthy applicants
- Not available in all states. TruStage term life and guaranteed acceptance policies are not available in New York. Guaranteed acceptance coverage is also unavailable in Washington.
Who Is TruStage Best For?
TruStage works well for certain situations but isn’t the best fit for everyone.
TruStage may be a good fit if you:
- Want a simple, no-exam policy with a fast application process
- Have health conditions that make qualifying for traditional life insurance difficult
- Are a senior looking for smaller coverage amounts to cover final expenses
- Are a credit union member who values the convenience of purchasing through your existing financial institution
- Need guaranteed acceptance coverage because you’ve been declined elsewhere
TruStage may not be the best fit if you:
- Are in good health and could qualify for lower rates with a fully underwritten policy
- Need more than $300,000 in term coverage or $100,000 in whole life coverage
- Want level-term premiums that stay the same for 10, 20, or 30 years
- Are looking for policy riders or customization options
If you’re unsure whether TruStage is the right choice, it’s worth comparing your options. An independent agent can show you what you qualify for across multiple carriers, including no medical exam life insurance options that often provide better coverage at a lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TruStage life insurance legit?
Yes. TruStage is a legitimate insurance brand backed by CMFG Life Insurance Company, which was founded in 1935 and holds an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best. The company partners with more than 3,200 credit unions and protects more than 35 million consumers nationwide.
What company underwrites TruStage life insurance?
CMFG Life Insurance Company underwrites all TruStage life insurance policies. CMFG Life is a subsidiary of CUNA Mutual Group, headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin.
Does TruStage require a medical exam?
No. None of TruStage’s life insurance products require a medical exam. You may need to answer health questions for term and whole life policies, but the guaranteed acceptance policy doesn’t require any health information at all.
Why do TruStage term life insurance rates increase?
TruStage uses 5-year age-banded pricing for its term life insurance. Your rate increases every five years as you enter a new age bracket. This is different from traditional level-term policies where the premium stays the same for the entire term.
Can I convert my TruStage term policy to whole life?
Yes. You can convert all or part of your TruStage term life insurance to a whole life policy at any time without answering additional health questions.
What is the maximum coverage TruStage offers?
TruStage term life insurance offers $5,000 to $300,000 in coverage. Whole life insurance ranges from $5,000 to $100,000. Guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance offers $2,000 to $25,000.
How do I contact TruStage?
You can reach TruStage by phone at 1-800-779-5433. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT. You can also apply and get quotes online at trustage.com.
Key Takeaways
- TruStage is a legitimate, well-established insurance brand underwritten by CMFG Life Insurance Company (AM Best: A, Excellent).
- The company protects more than 35 million consumers through partnerships with 3,200+ credit unions.
- TruStage offers three products: term life ($5,000-$300K), whole life ($5,000-$100K), and guaranteed acceptance whole life ($2,000-$25K).
- No medical exam is required for any TruStage policy.
- TruStage term life uses 5-year age-banded pricing, meaning your rates increase every five years rather than staying level for the full term.
- Rider options are very limited, and some products are not available in New York or Washington.
- TruStage is best for people with health conditions, seniors needing final expense coverage, or anyone who values a quick, no-exam application process.
Want to see how your options compare? Use our free quote tool to compare life insurance rates from top-rated carriers, or call us at 800-712-8519 to speak with an experienced agent. No pressure, no obligation.
