Gerber Life vs Globe Life: Final Expense Comparison for Seniors (2026)
Gerber Life and Globe Life both market final expense coverage through TV and direct mail, but they are fundamentally different products. Gerber offers guaranteed-acceptance whole life with locked premiums and a 2-year waiting period. Globe Life's most-advertised product is renewable term with premiums that increase every 5 years and coverage that can expire (sources: carrier rate filings, NAIC). Jump to the rate comparison, the decision guide, or the FAQ.
Important Context
This Is a Final Expense Comparison
Both Gerber Life and Globe Life sell children's insurance, which dominates many online comparisons of these two carriers. This page compares their adult final expense and burial insurance products only, for seniors ages 50 and older. If you are looking for information about Gerber's Grow-Up Plan or Globe Life's Young American Plan, those are separate products not covered here.
Part of what makes this comparison confusing is that both companies advertise heavily on television and through direct mail. Gerber's brand is associated with babies and children, so many seniors are surprised to learn the company sells adult life insurance at all. Globe Life's "$1 for the first month" ads run constantly during daytime programming. Both campaigns lead seniors to assume these are their only two options for burial coverage, when in reality the independent market offers dozens of alternatives.
I am a licensed insurance agent (NPN #20817039) and I have researched both carriers' final expense products extensively. Asurgo does not sell Gerber Life or Globe Life policies. This comparison is based on actual rate data, carrier filings, and NAIC consumer data, not secondhand summaries. For the deeper single-carrier breakdowns, see our full Gerber Life review and our full Globe Life review. If you want the broader background first, start with our guide to final expense insurance.
The Bottom Line
Quick Answer: Which Is Better for Final Expense?
If you want guaranteed acceptance with locked rates: Gerber Life. No health questions, level premiums, permanent coverage. But there is a 2-year waiting period and premiums are higher than simplified-issue alternatives.
If you want the lowest Year 1 cost and can answer health questions: Globe Life's simplified-issue products start cheaper, but premiums increase every 5 years and term coverage expires at age 80 to 90.
If you are in average health: Neither. Simplified-issue carriers like Mutual of Omaha cost 30 to 45 percent less than Gerber with day-1 coverage, locked rates, and permanent coverage that Globe Life's term cannot match.
Read on for the full rate comparison, the 20-year cost projection, and the decision framework that shows exactly where each carrier wins.
Head to Head
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Gerber Life | Globe Life |
|---|---|---|
| Product name | Guaranteed Life Insurance | Term + Whole Life (by phone) |
| Underwriting type | Guaranteed issue (no health questions) | Simplified issue (health questions, no exam) |
| Issue ages | 50-80 | Up to 75-80 (varies by state) |
| Coverage range | $5,000-$25,000 | Term: $5K-$100K; Whole: up to $50K |
| Waiting period | 2 years (premiums + 10% interest returned) | None if approved (simplified issue) |
| Premium structure | Level. Locked, never increases | Term: step-rate (increases every 5 years); Whole: level |
| Coverage permanent? | Yes (whole life) | Term: No, expires age 80-90; Whole: Yes |
| AM Best rating | A (Excellent) | A (Excellent) |
| NAIC complaint ratio | 0.32 (below average) | 2.74 (2.7x industry average) |
| Can you be denied? | No. Guaranteed acceptance | Yes. Can be declined |
| How sold | Direct (online, phone) | Direct (TV ads, mail, phone) |
The fundamental difference: Gerber guarantees acceptance with locked premiums but makes you wait 2 years for full coverage. Globe Life can deny applicants but offers day-1 coverage with premiums that increase over time. They are almost opposite approaches to the same problem.
Notice the complaint ratio gap. Gerber's 0.32 is well below the 1.0 industry median, meaning the company generates fewer complaints than expected for its size. Globe Life's 2.74 means the company generates nearly three times the complaints expected for its size. Common Globe Life complaints involve confusion about the step-rate pricing structure, unexpected premium increases, and difficulties with billing. This gap does not necessarily mean Gerber provides better service. It may reflect that Gerber's product is simpler and sets clearer expectations upfront, while Globe Life's marketing creates confusion about what the product actually does.
The Numbers
Rate Comparison: What You Actually Pay
Below is what $10,000 of coverage actually costs from each carrier, by age, for a non-tobacco woman. Gerber rates are verified from the carrier's rate card. Globe Life rates are estimates for their term product and are marked accordingly. Mutual of Omaha is included as the independent simplified-issue benchmark.
Gerber Life GI vs Globe Life Term vs Mutual of Omaha SI: $10,000, Non-Tobacco
| Age | Gerber Life (F) | Gerber Life (M) | Globe Life Term (F) | Globe Life Term (M) | Mutual of Omaha SI (F) | Mutual of Omaha SI (M) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $34.47/mo | $44.09/mo | $9.82/mo | $12.49/mo | $24/mo | $31/mo |
| 55 | $44.28/mo | $57.93/mo | $11.51/mo | $14.75/mo | $28/mo | $36/mo |
| 60 | $51.06/mo | $63.89/mo | $15.49/mo | $19.93/mo | $33/mo | $43/mo |
| 65 | $62.61/mo | $85.16/mo | $20.49/mo | $27.34/mo | $41/mo | $56/mo |
| 70 | $75.53/mo | $99.18/mo | $26.99/mo | $35.19/mo | $53/mo | $74/mo |
| 75 | $108.17/mo | $139.52/mo | $36.99/mo | $49.12/mo | $72/mo | $100/mo |
| 80 | $176.37/mo | $247.32/mo | $52.99/mo | $79.49/mo | $98/mo | $139/mo |
Why the Initial Price Is Misleading
At first glance, Globe Life looks dramatically cheaper. A 65-year-old woman pays $20.49 per month with Globe Life compared to $62.61 with Gerber Life. That is less than a third of the Gerber premium. But Globe Life's rate is the Year 1 price for a term policy that increases every time you enter a new 5-year age band. Gerber's rate is locked forever. The question is not which costs less today, but what the total cost is over 10, 15, or 20 years, and whether coverage is still in force when you need it.
Globe Life actually remains cheaper than Gerber cumulatively for the first 20+ years. The real problem is not the price crossover with Gerber, it is the coverage structure. Globe Life's term policy can expire at age 80 to 90, and premiums at that point can be $76 per month or more. Gerber's whole life policy pays out at any age, for the same $62.61 per month forever.
But both cost more than they need to for most seniors. The same 65-year-old woman pays approximately $41 per month with Mutual of Omaha's simplified issue, a rate that is locked, provides permanent coverage, and pays the full death benefit from day 1 with no waiting period. To estimate how much coverage your family actually needs, try our burial cost calculator.
The Long-Term Math
The 20-Year Cost Projection: Why Year 1 Rates Are Misleading
Globe Life's step-rate term starts cheaper, and it stays cheaper than Gerber for at least 20 years. But the premium increases accelerate, and the real risk is what happens to coverage after that. Here is the cumulative cost for a 65-year-old woman holding $10,000 of coverage.
Cumulative Cost: 65-Year-Old Female, $10,000 Coverage
| Timeframe | Gerber Life (level) | Globe Life Term (step-rate) | Mutual of Omaha SI (level) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $751 | $246 | $492 |
| Year 5 | $3,757 | $1,541 | $2,460 |
| Year 10 | $7,513 | $3,641 | $4,920 |
| Year 15 | $11,270 | $6,628 | $7,380 |
| Year 20 (age 85) | $15,026 | $10,912 | $9,840 |
What the numbers actually show: Globe Life is cheaper than Gerber at every time horizon through at least 20 years. At year 20, Globe Life's total is $10,912 compared to $15,026 for Gerber. That is a cumulative savings of over $4,100. If cost were the only factor, Globe Life would beat Gerber easily.
But cost is not the only factor. By year 20 the policyholder is 85 years old and paying $75.99 per month for Globe Life coverage that can terminate around age 90. Gerber's policyholder is still paying $62.61 per month for permanent coverage that will pay out at any age, no matter how long she lives. The risk with Globe Life is not the cumulative cost. It is the real possibility that coverage expires exactly when it is needed most.
The real winner: Globe Life is the cheapest option through roughly year 17. But around year 18, Mutual of Omaha overtakes it, and by year 20 MoO's cumulative total ($9,840) is $1,072 less than Globe Life's ($10,912). More importantly, Mutual of Omaha's premium never increases, the coverage never expires, and the full death benefit is paid from day 1. Globe Life's policyholder at that point is paying $75.99 per month for coverage that may terminate within a few years. That combination of lower long-term cost, permanent coverage, and no waiting period is why simplified-issue carriers are the better option for most seniors in average health.
Day One vs Year Two
The Waiting Period Difference
| Factor | Gerber Life | Globe Life |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting period | 2 years mandatory | None (if approved for SI) |
| Natural-cause death in first 24 months | Premiums paid + 10% interest | Full death benefit (if approved) |
| Accidental death | Full benefit from day 1 | Full benefit from day 1 |
| After 24 months | Full death benefit | Full death benefit |
Gerber Life's 2-year waiting period is the trade-off for guaranteed acceptance. Globe Life can offer day-1 coverage because they ask health questions and can decline applicants. For seniors who can answer those health questions favorably, Globe Life has an advantage here. But for seniors who have been declined elsewhere, Gerber's guaranteed acceptance with the 10% return during the waiting period is a legitimate safety net.
Gerber returns premiums plus 10% interest during the waiting period, which is among the most generous return rates for guaranteed-issue carriers. Colonial Penn, by comparison, returns premiums plus only 7%. For more on how to avoid the wait entirely, see our guide to burial insurance with no waiting period.
Best Fit
Who Should Choose Gerber Life
- Seniors who have been declined by simplified-issue carriers due to serious health conditions
- Anyone who wants guaranteed acceptance without health questions
- Seniors who value locked-in premiums that never increase
- Anyone who wants permanent coverage that cannot expire
- Ages 50-80
- People who tried Globe Life but were denied
Gerber Life's guaranteed acceptance fills an important role. If you have active cancer, recent stroke, COPD requiring oxygen, or other conditions that simplified-issue carriers decline, Gerber provides certainty. The premiums are higher and the 2-year waiting period applies, but coverage is guaranteed. Gerber is backed by Western and Southern Financial Group, carries an A (Excellent) AM Best rating, and the NAIC complaint ratio of 0.32 suggests the company delivers on its promises.
Before choosing Gerber, check whether you qualify for simplified-issue coverage. Many seniors assume their health disqualifies them when it does not. Controlled diabetes, managed high blood pressure, and even some heart conditions are accepted by simplified-issue carriers. An independent broker can check your eligibility across multiple carriers in minutes.
Check if you qualify for lower rates
Most seniors qualify for simplified-issue coverage with no waiting period and lower premiums than guaranteed issue.
When Globe Life Works
Who Should Choose Globe Life
- Seniors who can answer health questions and want the lowest possible Year 1 premium
- Anyone specifically seeking term coverage rather than whole life
- Seniors under 75 who understand and accept the step-rate premium increases
- Anyone who prefers applying without speaking to an agent (Globe Life's term is available online)
Globe Life's term product has a genuine advantage for specific situations: if you need temporary coverage at the lowest initial cost and you understand that premiums will increase. However, for permanent burial insurance, Globe Life's step-rate term is typically more expensive over the life of the policy than level-premium alternatives.
Important: Globe Life's most-advertised product is term insurance, not whole life. Term coverage expires at age 80 to 90 in most states. If you want coverage that lasts your entire life regardless of age, whole life from Gerber, Mutual of Omaha, or another carrier is the better structure. Globe Life does offer a whole life product with level premiums and permanent coverage, but it is only available by phone and the rates are not publicly disclosed. Most consumers who respond to Globe Life's ads receive the term product. For how Globe Life stacks up against another major advertiser, see our Colonial Penn vs Globe Life comparison.
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The Third Option
The Better Option: Simplified-Issue Coverage
For the majority of seniors in average health, neither Gerber Life nor Globe Life is the most cost-effective option. Simplified-issue carriers like Mutual of Omaha, Transamerica, and AIG offer:
- Day-1 full coverage (no 2-year waiting period)
- Level premiums locked for life (no step-rate increases)
- Lower cost than Gerber at every age, and lower cumulative cost than Globe Life by year 18
- Permanent whole life coverage that never expires
A 65-year-old woman pays $62.61 per month with Gerber or $20.49 per month initially with Globe Life for $10,000 of coverage. With Mutual of Omaha's simplified issue, the same coverage costs approximately $41 per month with immediate day-1 protection and premiums that never increase.
The reason simplified-issue carriers can undercut Gerber is straightforward: they ask a few health questions, which lets them assess risk more precisely. That precision means they do not have to build the cost of guaranteed acceptance into the premium. Compared to Globe Life, the monthly premium is higher, but the coverage is permanent whole life rather than expiring term, and the rate never increases. The only trade-off is answering roughly 5 to 12 yes-or-no questions about your health. No blood work, no doctor visit.
As an independent broker, Asurgo works with 25+ carriers including Mutual of Omaha, Transamerica, AIG, Aetna, and Aflac. We are licensed in all 50 states. If neither Gerber Life nor Globe Life is the right fit, we can match you to the carrier that best fits your health profile and budget. See our full carrier comparison for the wider field, or read our Mutual of Omaha vs Colonial Penn comparison for another side-by-side breakdown.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for final expense - Gerber Life or Globe Life?
It depends on your priorities. Gerber Life offers guaranteed acceptance with locked premiums and permanent coverage, but has a 2-year waiting period and costs more upfront. Globe Life offers simplified-issue products with no waiting period and lower initial premiums, but rates increase every 5 years and term coverage expires. For most seniors in average health, simplified-issue carriers like Mutual of Omaha are more cost-effective than either option.
Is Gerber Life insurance worth it for seniors?
Gerber Life serves a specific purpose: guaranteed acceptance for seniors who cannot qualify for simplified-issue coverage. If you have been declined by other carriers due to serious health conditions, Gerber's guaranteed issue at $5,000 to $25,000 with an A (Excellent) AM Best rating is a legitimate option. If you can answer a few health questions, simplified-issue alternatives cost 20 to 40 percent less.
Does Globe Life insurance increase in price?
Yes. Globe Life's most-advertised final expense product is five-year renewable term, with premiums that increase every 5 years. A $10,000 policy for a 60-year-old woman starts at $15.49 per month but rises to $36.99 by age 75 and $52.99 by age 80. Globe Life also offers whole life with level premiums, but it is only available by phone and rates are not publicly disclosed.
Does Gerber Life have a waiting period?
Yes. All Gerber Life guaranteed issue policies have a mandatory 2-year graded death benefit. If death occurs from natural causes in the first 24 months, beneficiaries receive all premiums paid plus 10 percent interest rather than the full death benefit. Accidental death is covered in full from day 1. After 24 months, the full death benefit applies.
Is Globe Life good for burial insurance?
Globe Life offers burial insurance, but the flagship product is term life rather than whole life. Term coverage expires at age 80 to 90 and premiums increase over time. For permanent burial coverage with locked rates, guaranteed-issue carriers like Gerber Life or simplified-issue carriers like Mutual of Omaha may be more suitable.
What is Globe Life's complaint rate compared to Gerber?
Gerber Life's NAIC complaint ratio is 0.32, well below the 1.0 industry average. Globe Life's complaint ratio is 2.74, nearly 3 times the average. Common Globe Life complaints involve confusion about step-rate pricing, unexpected premium increases, and billing issues. You can look up any carrier's complaint history through the NAIC.
What is the maximum coverage for Gerber Life burial insurance?
Gerber Life's guaranteed issue whole life offers $5,000 to $25,000 in coverage for ages 50 to 80. The maximum is $15,000 in South Dakota, and the product is not available in Montana. Globe Life offers up to $100,000 for term products and up to $50,000 for whole life.
Does Globe Life offer whole life or just term?
Globe Life offers both, but the heavily advertised $1 first month product is five-year renewable term insurance. Globe Life's whole life product is only available by calling their 800 number and rates are not publicly disclosed. Most consumers who respond to Globe Life ads receive the term product.
What are cheaper alternatives to Gerber Life and Globe Life?
For seniors who can answer a few health questions (most can, even with common conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure), simplified-issue carriers offer 30 to 45 percent lower premiums than Gerber's guaranteed issue. Compared to Globe Life, the monthly premium is higher but the coverage is permanent whole life with locked rates, and the cumulative cost is lower by roughly year 18. Mutual of Omaha, Transamerica, AIG, Aetna, and Aflac all offer simplified-issue final expense with day-1 coverage and permanent whole life coverage. An independent broker can check your eligibility across multiple carriers.
Is Gerber Life guaranteed acceptance for seniors?
Yes. Gerber Life's Guaranteed Life Insurance accepts all applicants ages 50 to 80 with no health questions and no medical exam. The trade-off is a 2-year waiting period for natural-cause death and higher premiums compared to simplified-issue alternatives. If you have been declined by other carriers, Gerber's guaranteed acceptance ensures you can still get coverage.
Related Reading
Compare both, then decide with confidence.
Gerber Life guarantees acceptance with locked rates. Globe Life starts cheaper but increases. Neither is the lowest cost for most seniors in average health. Asurgo shops 25+ carriers so you can see exactly where you qualify and what you would actually pay. Getting a quote takes a few minutes and does not obligate you to buy.
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Nicholas Norminton, Licensed Insurance Specialist
Nicholas is a nationally licensed insurance specialist who has personally helped thousands of clients secure life insurance coverage. He built Asurgo into a trusted, tech-forward brokerage serving clients in all 50 states with access to 25+ carriers. He compares carrier products based on firsthand underwriting experience and published rate data.
Sources
NAIC (complaint ratios) · AM Best (financial strength ratings) · Better Business Bureau (BBB ratings). Gerber Life rate figures are from the Gerber Life Guaranteed Life rate card (GL-RC), accessed May 30, 2026. Globe Life term rate estimates are from published industry sources and marked for verification. Mutual of Omaha rates are from current Asurgo carrier illustrations, 2026.