CMFG Life Insurance Review (Updated for 2025)

Finding the right life insurance policy can feel overwhelming. With so many companies and options, where do you even begin? You might have encountered CMFG Life Insurance, often known through its consumer brand, TruStage, especially if you belong to a credit union. They offer seemingly straightforward life insurance products. But is CMFG (or TruStage) the best fit for your unique needs and budget? While they offer convenience, particularly for credit union members, relying on a single provider might mean missing out on better coverage or more competitive rates available elsewhere.

This comprehensive review, updated for 2025, dives deep into CMFG life insurance. We’ll explore their history, the products they offer (like term life, whole life, and guaranteed acceptance policies), their potential pros and cons, and critically, how they stack up against the broader market. Understanding the specifics of CMFG life insurance is crucial, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle.

At Insurance By Heroes, we believe that informed decisions are empowered decisions. Founded by a former first responder and military spouse, our agency is built on a foundation of service and integrity. Our team, many with backgrounds in public service themselves, understands the importance of protecting what matters most. As an independent agency, we aren’t tied to any single insurance company. Instead, we partner with dozens of top-rated carriers across the nation. This allows us to shop the market extensively on your behalf, comparing policies and rates to find coverage truly tailored to your individual circumstances. Throughout this review, we’ll highlight why comparing options through an independent agency like ours is often the key to securing the best possible protection for your loved ones.

Who Are CMFG Life Insurance and TruStage?

CMFG Life Insurance Company is the underwriting entity behind the TruStage brand. CMFG stands for CUNA Mutual Financial Group. For decades, CUNA Mutual Group has focused primarily on serving credit unions and their members, offering a range of financial products, including insurance, retirement plans, and investment services. The TruStage brand was launched to provide insurance products directly to credit union members and the general public, making the CMFG name less visible to the end consumer.

So, when you see TruStage life insurance advertised, particularly through your credit union, it’s typically underwritten by CMFG Life Insurance Company or sometimes other affiliated CUNA Mutual Group insurers. Their marketing often emphasizes simplicity, ease of application (sometimes with no medical exam), and accessibility for credit union members.

Their long-standing relationship with credit unions gives them a built-in distribution channel and a degree of implied trust among members. However, it’s important to remember that TruStage products are designed to be mass-marketed, often prioritizing simplicity over customization or the lowest possible price point across all demographics.

CMFG / TruStage Life Insurance Products Explored

CMFG, primarily through the TruStage brand, offers several core life insurance products designed to meet different needs. Let’s break down the most common offerings:

TruStage Term Life Insurance

Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period (the “term”), such as 10, 15, 20, or 30 years. If the insured person passes away during the term, the policy pays out a death benefit to the beneficiaries. If the term expires and the insured is still living, the coverage ends (unless it’s renewable, often at a much higher premium). Term life is generally the most affordable type of life insurance, especially for younger, healthier individuals, making it suitable for covering temporary needs like income replacement during working years, mortgage protection, or funding children’s education.

Key features often associated with TruStage Term Life include:

• Coverage Amounts: Typically ranging up to $300,000, although this can vary. This might be sufficient for some needs, but many families require higher coverage limits for full income replacement or debt coverage.
• Issue Ages: Usually available for individuals within a specific age range (e.g., 18-69, but this can differ).
• Simplified Underwriting: TruStage term policies often feature simplified underwriting, meaning no medical exam is typically required. Instead, eligibility is determined based on answers to health questions on the application and checks of databases like the MIB (Medical Information Bureau) and prescription history. While convenient, this “guaranteed acceptance” based on questions isn’t the same as true guaranteed issue life insurance (which has no health questions). It also means that if you *are* healthy, you might pay more than you would for a fully underwritten policy from another carrier that includes a medical exam.
• Rate Increases: Some TruStage term policies may feature rates that increase over time, often in five-year bands, rather than remaining level for the entire term. It’s crucial to understand the premium structure before purchasing.

Is TruStage Term Life Right for Everyone? Simplicity and no-exam convenience are appealing. However, the coverage limits might be insufficient for some, and the simplified underwriting process can result in higher premiums compared to fully underwritten policies, especially for healthy applicants. Furthermore, rate structures that increase over time can become unaffordable later. Because Insurance By Heroes works with numerous carriers offering term life, we can compare policies with higher coverage limits, level premiums for the entire term, and options for both simplified and fully underwritten processes, ensuring you don’t overpay for convenience if you qualify for better rates elsewhere.

TruStage Whole Life Insurance

Whole life insurance provides lifelong coverage, as long as premiums are paid. Unlike term life, it doesn’t expire after a set period. Whole life policies also build cash value over time on a tax-deferred basis. This cash value can be borrowed against or withdrawn, although doing so will reduce the death benefit. Premiums typically remain level for the life of the policy.

Key features often associated with TruStage Whole Life include:

• Lifelong Coverage: Offers permanent protection.
• Cash Value Accumulation: Builds a savings component over time.
• Level Premiums: Premiums are designed to stay the same throughout the policy’s life.
• Coverage Amounts: Often available in smaller amounts compared to term life, sometimes up to $100,000, suitable for needs like final expense planning or leaving a small legacy.
• Simplified Underwriting: Similar to their term product, TruStage whole life often uses simplified underwriting based on health questions, not a medical exam.

Is TruStage Whole Life Right for Everyone? Whole life provides permanent security and cash value growth. However, it is significantly more expensive than term life for the same death benefit amount. The coverage amounts offered by TruStage might be limiting for needs beyond final expenses. Again, the simplified underwriting might mean higher costs than necessary for healthy individuals. At Insurance By Heroes, we can compare whole life policies from various carriers, including those with potentially lower premiums, different cash value growth projections, higher coverage amounts, and options for riders (additional benefits) that TruStage may not offer. We help you determine if whole life is the right strategy and, if so, which company provides the best value for your specific situation.

TruStage Guaranteed Acceptance Whole Life Insurance

This type of policy is designed for individuals who may not qualify for other types of life insurance due to significant health issues. As the name suggests, acceptance is guaranteed within a specific age range (often 45-80), regardless of health history. There are no health questions asked and no medical exam required.

Key features of TruStage Guaranteed Acceptance Whole Life:

• Guaranteed Approval: No health questions or medical exam (within the specified age range).
• Graded Death Benefit: This is a critical feature. These policies typically have a two-year waiting period (sometimes longer). If the insured dies from natural causes (illness) during this period, the policy usually only pays out a return of the premiums paid, plus some interest (e.g., 10%). Only accidental death typically pays the full face amount during this initial period. After the waiting period, the full death benefit is paid for death from any cause.
• Lower Coverage Amounts: Coverage is generally intended for final expenses, such as funeral costs and medical bills, with face amounts typically ranging from $2,000 to $25,000 or $50,000.
• Higher Premiums: Because the insurer accepts everyone within the age band regardless of health, the risk pool is higher, leading to significantly higher premiums per thousand dollars of coverage compared to medically underwritten or even simplified issue policies.

Is TruStage Guaranteed Acceptance Right for Everyone? This product serves a specific purpose: providing some level of coverage for those with serious health conditions who cannot qualify elsewhere. The graded death benefit is a major drawback – beneficiaries won’t receive the full amount if death occurs soon after policy issue unless it’s accidental. The cost is also very high relative to the coverage amount. While TruStage offers this option, it’s crucial to explore alternatives first. Insurance By Heroes works with multiple carriers specializing in high-risk cases and final expense insurance. We can help determine if you might qualify for a simplified issue policy (which asks some health questions but may offer immediate coverage or lower premiums) or compare guaranteed issue policies from different companies to find the most competitive rate and terms, even if CMFG/TruStage seems like the only option initially.

Pros and Cons of CMFG / TruStage Life Insurance

Like any insurance provider, CMFG/TruStage has advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these can help you see why comparing options is so important.

Potential Pros:

• Convenience for Credit Union Members: Easy access and marketing through affiliated credit unions can simplify the initial discovery process.
• Simplified Application Process: Many policies offer applications without a medical exam, relying on health questions, which can be faster and less intrusive.
• Brand Recognition: The TruStage brand is well-known, especially among credit union members, which can provide a sense of familiarity.
• Guaranteed Acceptance Option: Provides a coverage pathway for individuals with significant health issues who might otherwise be uninsurable (though with limitations and high cost).
• User-Friendly Website: TruStage generally offers a clear website for basic information and sometimes online quotes/applications.

Potential Cons:

• Potentially Higher Premiums: Simplified underwriting often means healthier individuals may pay more than they would for a fully underwritten policy from another carrier. Guaranteed acceptance policies are inherently expensive.
• Limited Coverage Amounts: Maximum coverage amounts (especially for term life) may be insufficient for comprehensive income replacement or large debt coverage needs.
• Limited Policy Options and Riders: Compared to the broader market, CMFG/TruStage may offer fewer types of policies and limited optional riders (add-ons like waiver of premium, accidental death benefit enhancements, or child riders) to customize coverage.
• Rate Structure Concerns: Some term policies may have premiums that increase over time (e.g., every five years) rather than remaining level, potentially becoming unaffordable later in the term.
• Graded Death Benefits: The two-year waiting period on guaranteed acceptance policies is a significant drawback, as the full benefit isn’t paid for natural death during that time.
• Lack of Personalized Advice (Direct Model): While convenient, applying directly online or via mail may lack the personalized guidance an independent agent provides to ensure the policy truly aligns with complex needs and integrates with an overall financial plan. A simple product isn’t always the *right* product.

Why Looking Beyond a Single Carrier Matters

Choosing CMFG/TruStage might seem easy, especially if recommended by your credit union. However, life insurance isn’t a one-size-fits-all product. What works well for one person might be entirely unsuitable or overpriced for another. Relying solely on one company, no matter how convenient, limits your ability to find the best possible solution.

Here’s why shopping the market is critical:

• Varying Underwriting Standards: Every insurance company assesses risk differently. One company might view a particular health condition or lifestyle factor (like occupation or hobbies) more favorably than another. CMFG’s simplified underwriting might lump you into a broader risk class, potentially costing you more if you’re relatively healthy. A company using full underwriting might offer a significantly better rate after a medical exam confirms your good health. Conversely, for certain conditions, another specialist carrier might offer better terms than CMFG’s standard or guaranteed issue options.
• Different Pricing Structures: Insurers constantly compete on price, and their target markets differ. A company focused on young, healthy individuals might offer highly competitive term rates, while another might specialize in affordable whole life or final expense policies. CMFG’s pricing reflects *their* target market and underwriting approach, which may not yield the best price for *you*.
• Diverse Product Offerings: Need coverage higher than $300,000? Want a term policy with a guaranteed conversion option to a specific type of permanent policy? Require a specific rider for critical illness or long-term care? CMFG/TruStage might not offer these. The broader market provides a vast array of policy types (like Universal Life), features, and riders that can be tailored to intricate needs.
• Finding the Right “Fit”: The “best” policy depends entirely on your age, health, budget, coverage duration needs, financial goals (like cash value accumulation), and desired features. A single company rarely excels in all areas for all people.

This is precisely why working with an independent agency is so advantageous. We aren’t limited to CMFG or any other single carrier’s portfolio.

The Insurance By Heroes Advantage: Service, Choice, and Expertise

At Insurance By Heroes, we approach insurance differently. Our foundation is built on the values of service and protection, inspired by our founder’s background as a first responder and military spouse. We understand firsthand the sacrifices made by those in public service – firefighters, police officers, EMTs, military personnel, healthcare workers, educators – and the unique importance of securing their families’ futures. This perspective shapes our commitment to every client we serve, whether they have a public service background or not.

Our team comprises dedicated professionals, many of whom also share a history of service. This common thread fosters a deep understanding of responsibility, integrity, and the need for reliable protection. We aren’t just selling policies; we’re building relationships based on trust and a genuine desire to help you find the right coverage.

Crucially, Insurance By Heroes is an independent insurance agency. This independence is your advantage. Here’s what it means for you:

• Access to Dozens of Carriers: We partner with a wide network of highly-rated insurance companies across the country. This includes major national brands and specialized niche carriers. When you request a quote from us, we don’t just check one company like CMFG/TruStage; we systematically compare options from multiple insurers.
• Unbiased Recommendations: Our loyalty is to you, our client, not to any single insurance company. We have no incentive to push one carrier’s product over another, except when it truly offers the best combination of coverage, price, and features for your specific situation.
• Tailored Solutions: Because we have access to a diverse range of products, we can find policies that align perfectly with your needs. Whether you need high-limit term life, specialized whole life, universal life with flexible premiums, or the most competitive guaranteed issue policy, we can search the market to find it. We compare term lengths, premium structures (level vs. increasing), underwriting requirements (no-exam vs. full exam), available riders, and financial strength ratings.
• Expert Guidance: Navigating the complexities of life insurance – understanding the differences between term and whole life, grasping underwriting nuances, deciphering policy language – can be challenging. Our experienced team provides clear explanations and personalized advice, helping you understand your options and make confident decisions. We take the time to understand your goals and financial picture before recommending solutions.
• Saving You Time and Money: Instead of you spending hours researching and getting quotes from multiple individual companies, we do the heavy lifting for you. We leverage our industry knowledge and technology to efficiently compare offerings, potentially uncovering significant savings or better coverage than you might find on your own or through a single-source provider like CMFG/TruStage.

While CMFG/TruStage offers a convenient option, especially through credit unions, it represents just one possibility in a vast marketplace. By limiting your search to one company, you risk overpaying or settling for coverage that doesn’t fully meet your needs. Insurance By Heroes provides the comprehensive comparison shopping necessary to ensure you secure the optimal protection for your family’s future.

Finding Your Best Fit: CMFG vs. The Broader Market

So, when might CMFG/TruStage be a reasonable consideration, and when is it essential to look further?

CMFG/TruStage might seem adequate if:

• You are a credit union member looking for basic, low-coverage term or whole life insurance.
• You prioritize a simple, potentially no-exam application process over potentially lower costs or more features.
• You have significant health issues and are specifically seeking their guaranteed acceptance policy (but even then, comparison is vital).

However, you should absolutely compare options through an independent agency like Insurance By Heroes if:

• You are relatively healthy and want to ensure you’re getting the most competitive rates for term or whole life insurance (simplified underwriting often costs healthy people more).
• You need a higher coverage amount than typically offered by TruStage (e.g., over $300,000 for term life).
• You want a term life policy with premiums guaranteed to remain level for the entire term (10, 20, 30 years).
• You are interested in permanent policies beyond basic whole life, such as Universal Life, which offers more flexibility.
• You require specific policy riders (like waiver of premium, critical illness, or long-term care riders) that CMFG/TruStage may not offer.
• You want personalized advice to ensure your life insurance strategy aligns with your overall financial goals.
• You have moderate health conditions and want to see if you can qualify for better rates than guaranteed acceptance or standard simplified issue policies.
• You simply want the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ve explored the market and secured the best possible value.

Remember, the team at Insurance By Heroes understands that every client’s situation is unique. Our background in service drives us to ensure you get the protection you deserve, not just the easiest policy to sign up for. We take the time to understand your individual needs – whether you’re a first responder needing occupation-friendly underwriting, a military family navigating frequent moves, or anyone seeking reliable financial security.

How Insurance By Heroes Helps You Compare CMFG and Others

When you reach out to Insurance By Heroes, we make the comparison process straightforward and transparent. Here’s how we help you navigate your options, including how CMFG/TruStage stacks up against the competition:

1. Understanding Your Needs: We start with a conversation (or through our online quote request form) to understand your specific situation: your age, health status, budget, financial dependents, debts (like mortgages), future goals (like college funding), and how long you anticipate needing coverage.
2. Market Analysis: Leveraging our access to dozens of top-rated insurance carriers, we analyze the market based on your profile. We input your information into our quoting systems to compare rates and policy features side-by-side. This includes looking at term life options (various term lengths, coverage amounts, underwriting types), whole life policies, universal life, and final expense/guaranteed issue options if applicable.
3. Presenting Your Options: We don’t just give you a list of prices. We present you with clear, easy-to-understand comparisons of the most suitable policies from different carriers. We’ll explain the pros and cons of each option, including how a potential CMFG/TruStage policy might compare in terms of cost, coverage features, and underwriting requirements. For example, we might show you:
   • How a fully underwritten term policy from Carrier A compares in price to a TruStage simplified issue policy.
   • How the cash value growth projections differ between whole life policies from Carrier B and Carrier C.
   • Whether another company offers a guaranteed issue policy with slightly better terms or a lower premium than TruStage for your age and desired coverage.
   • Which carriers offer the specific riders you might need.
4. Answering Your Questions: We are here to answer all your questions, ensuring you fully understand the policies you are considering before making any decisions. We demystify insurance jargon and explain the fine print.
5. Application Assistance: Once you choose a policy, we guide you through the application process, making it as smooth as possible, whether it involves a simplified application or scheduling a medical exam (if required for the best rates).
6. Ongoing Support: Our relationship doesn’t end once the policy is issued. We remain a resource for you for future reviews, questions, or beneficiary changes.

Our goal is to empower you with information and choice, ensuring the life insurance you select provides genuine value and peace of mind. We know CMFG/TruStage is one option, but our commitment is to help you discover if it’s the *best* option for *you* by comparing it against the many other excellent carriers available.

Conclusion: Make an Informed Choice About Your Life Insurance

CMFG Life Insurance, operating as TruStage, offers accessible life insurance products, particularly convenient for credit union members. Their term, whole life, and guaranteed acceptance policies cater to basic needs and prioritize simplified underwriting. However, this convenience can come at a cost – potentially higher premiums, limited coverage amounts, fewer customization options, and unfavorable terms like graded death benefits on guaranteed issue policies.

While CMFG/TruStage might be a visible option, it represents just one slice of the vast life insurance market. Relying solely on one provider without comparing alternatives could mean missing out on significant savings, more comprehensive coverage, or policies better suited to your specific health profile and financial goals. The truth is, the “best” life insurance policy is highly individual, and no single company, including CMFG/TruStage, is the optimal choice for everyone.

This is where Insurance By Heroes makes a crucial difference. As an independent agency founded on principles of service and integrity, with a team that understands the importance of protection, we work for you, not for an insurance company. We leverage our access to dozens of top-rated carriers to shop the market, compare diverse policy options, and provide unbiased, expert guidance.

We believe everyone deserves to find life insurance that truly fits their needs and budget. Don’t settle for the first option you encounter. Let us help you compare CMFG/TruStage against the broader market to ensure you secure the best possible protection for your loved ones.

Ready to see how much you could save and find the coverage that’s truly right for you? Take the first step towards securing your family’s future. Fill out the quote request form on this page today. There’s no obligation, just personalized comparisons and expert advice from the dedicated team at Insurance By Heroes. Let us put our commitment to service and our market expertise to work for you.