TruStage Life Insurance Review (2026)
TruStage (formerly CUNA Mutual Group) sells guaranteed-acceptance and simplified-issue whole life insurance primarily through credit unions. For a 65-year-old female, TruStage's guaranteed-acceptance plan costs $67 per month for $10,000 of coverage with a two-year waiting period. The same coverage through a simplified-issue carrier like Mutual of Omaha costs $41 per month with day-one full coverage and no waiting period (source: Asurgo carrier comparison, June 2026).
The Short Answer
Is TruStage Life Insurance Worth It?
TruStage, formerly CUNA Mutual Group, offers whole life insurance primarily through credit unions. The company rebranded in 2023, but the products and underwriter (CMFG Life Insurance Company) remain the same. TruStage sells two whole life products relevant to seniors shopping for final expense coverage: a guaranteed-acceptance plan with no health questions and a simplified-issue plan that asks health questions but offers lower rates.
The simplified-issue product is competitively priced. At most ages, it costs less than Transamerica and sits in the middle of the market. The guaranteed-acceptance product is a different story. It costs 40% to 85% more than simplified-issue alternatives at every age, and it comes with a two-year waiting period before the full death benefit kicks in.
The core question is whether you can answer a few health questions. If yes, you will almost certainly find a lower rate through an independent broker who shops 25+ carriers. If no, TruStage's guaranteed-acceptance plan is one of several options, but it is not the only one. Colonial Penn and Gerber Life also offer guaranteed-acceptance products, and their pricing structures differ enough that it pays to compare.
This review breaks down both TruStage products with real rate tables, compares them side by side against carriers available through independent brokers, and tells you exactly who should and should not consider TruStage based on your health and budget.
At a Glance
TruStage Life Insurance at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Company | TruStage (CMFG Life Insurance Company) |
| Formerly | CUNA Mutual Group (rebranded 2023) |
| AM Best Rating | A (Excellent) |
| Products | Guaranteed Acceptance Whole Life, Simplified Issue Whole Life, Term Life |
| Issue Ages | 50-80 |
| Medical Exam | No (both products) |
| Health Questions | GI: None. SI: Yes. |
| Waiting Period | GI: 2-year graded benefit. SI: None (day-one coverage). |
| Distribution | Primarily through credit unions |
| Monthly Cost Example | $67/mo (GI) or $44/mo (SI) for $10K at age 65 female |
The Products
What TruStage Actually Sells
TruStage offers three life insurance products through credit unions. Two are whole life policies designed for seniors shopping for final expense or burial coverage. The third is a renewable term product. Here is how each one works.
Simplified Issue Whole Life
TruStage's simplified-issue product asks health questions but does not require a medical exam. If you qualify, coverage starts on day one with no waiting period. Premiums are locked for life and never increase. This is TruStage's most cost-effective product and the one most seniors should consider first.
At age 65, a female pays $44 per month for $10,000 of coverage. A male pays $56.60. These rates are lower than Transamerica's simplified-issue product at the same ages, though higher than Mutual of Omaha.
Guaranteed Acceptance Whole Life
The guaranteed-acceptance product has no health questions and no medical exam. Everyone ages 50 to 80 is accepted regardless of health history. The trade-off is a two-year graded benefit period. If you pass away from non-accidental causes during the first two years, your beneficiary receives a return of all premiums paid plus interest rather than the full death benefit. After two years, the full amount applies. Accidental death is covered from day one.
At age 65, a female pays $67 per month for $10,000 of coverage. That is $23 more per month than the simplified-issue product for the same face amount.
Term Life
TruStage also offers renewable term life insurance with age-banded pricing. Premiums increase at each renewal period. Term coverage is not designed for permanent final expense needs and is not included in the rate comparison below.
The Key Decision: GI vs. SI
The most important question when shopping TruStage (or any final expense carrier) is whether you need guaranteed acceptance or can qualify for simplified issue. The simplified-issue product costs 30% to 40% less at every age. It also pays the full death benefit from day one instead of making your beneficiary wait two years.
Most seniors qualify for simplified issue even with common health conditions like controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, or COPD. The health questions screen for recent hospitalizations, pending surgeries, and specific diagnoses rather than requiring perfect health. If you are unsure whether you would qualify, an independent broker can run your health profile against multiple carriers in a single phone call at no cost.
Guaranteed Acceptance Rates
TruStage Guaranteed Acceptance Rates ($10,000 Coverage)
These are monthly premiums for TruStage's guaranteed-acceptance whole life product. All policies include a two-year graded benefit waiting period. Premiums are level and never increase after issue.
| Age | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | $44/mo | $55/mo |
| 55 | $49/mo | $60/mo |
| 60 | $55/mo | $72/mo |
| 65 | $67/mo | $93/mo |
| 70 | $85/mo | $122/mo |
| 75 | $113/mo | $157/mo |
| 80 | $181/mo | $312/mo |
Rates from TruStage guaranteed-acceptance whole life product materials, June 2026. Non-tobacco. Individual rates may vary by state.
Most seniors qualify for lower rates.
If you can answer a few health questions, simplified-issue coverage starts at $24/mo for the same $10,000.
Simplified Issue Rates
TruStage Simplified Issue Rates ($10,000 Coverage)
These are monthly premiums for TruStage's simplified-issue whole life product. There is no waiting period. Coverage begins on day one if you qualify through the health questionnaire. Premiums are level and never increase.
| Age | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | $25.80/mo | $30/mo |
| 55 | $30.20/mo | $36.30/mo |
| 60 | $36/mo | $44.60/mo |
| 65 | $44/mo | $56.60/mo |
| 70 | $61.70/mo | $78/mo |
| 75 | $84.10/mo | $106.70/mo |
| 80 | $112.40/mo | $138.10/mo |
Rates from TruStage simplified-issue whole life product materials, June 2026. Non-tobacco. Individual rates may vary by state and health answers.
The Comparison
How TruStage Compares to Independent Carriers
The table below shows both TruStage products alongside two simplified-issue carriers available through independent brokers. All figures are for a female, non-tobacco, $10,000 of whole life coverage. Mutual of Omaha and Transamerica rates are from current Asurgo carrier illustrations.
| Age | TruStage GI | TruStage SI | Mutual of Omaha SI | Transamerica SI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $44 | $25.80 | $24 | $33 |
| 55 | $49 | $30.20 | $28 | $37 |
| 60 | $55 | $36 | $33 | $41 |
| 65 | $67 | $44 | $41 | $52 |
| 70 | $85 | $61.70 | $53 | $65 |
| 75 | $113 | $84.10 | $72 | $86 |
| 80 | $181 | $112.40 | $98 | $134 |
TruStage GI includes a 2-year waiting period. All other products shown are simplified issue with day-one coverage. TruStage rates from product materials. Mutual of Omaha and Transamerica rates from Asurgo carrier illustrations, June 2026.
What the Numbers Show
TruStage's simplified-issue product is the second-lowest option at every age. It costs less than Transamerica and more than Mutual of Omaha. At age 65, TruStage SI costs $3 per month more than MoO. At age 70, the gap widens to about $9 per month. That is a meaningful but not dramatic difference.
The guaranteed-acceptance product is where the math changes. At age 65, TruStage GI costs $67 per month compared to $41 for MoO simplified issue. That is 63% more for the same $10,000 of coverage, and it comes with a two-year waiting period that the MoO policy does not have. Over 15 years, the difference adds up to $4,680 in extra premiums paid.
The question worth asking: if you can qualify for TruStage's simplified-issue product, you can almost certainly qualify for Mutual of Omaha's simplified-issue product too. Both ask health questions. Both have no medical exam. The only difference is who you are buying from and what it costs.
The 15-Year Cost Difference
Life insurance premiums are paid every month for as long as you own the policy. Small monthly differences compound into large dollar amounts over time. Here is what a 65-year-old female would pay in total premiums over 15 years for the same $10,000 of whole life coverage.
| Carrier / Product | Monthly | 15-Year Total |
|---|---|---|
| Mutual of Omaha (SI) | $41 | $7,380 |
| TruStage (SI) | $44 | $7,920 |
| Transamerica (SI) | $52 | $9,360 |
| TruStage (GI) | $67 | $12,060 |
The $3 per month gap between TruStage SI and Mutual of Omaha adds up to $540 over 15 years. That is modest. But the gap between TruStage GI and Mutual of Omaha SI is $4,680 over the same period. For seniors who can qualify for simplified issue, that $4,680 stays in their pocket or goes to their beneficiary instead of to the insurance company.
See how your rate compares.
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The Balance Sheet
TruStage Life Insurance: Pros and Cons
Strengths
- Credit union trust. Many seniors already have a relationship with their credit union and feel comfortable purchasing through a familiar institution.
- Competitive SI rates. The simplified-issue product is priced lower than Transamerica at every age, placing it in the middle of the market.
- No medical exam. Neither product requires a medical exam, blood test, or in-person visit.
- AM Best A (Excellent). CMFG Life Insurance Company has a strong financial strength rating, meaning claims are backed by solid reserves.
- Level premiums. Both products lock your rate at issue. It never increases regardless of age or health changes.
Weaknesses
- GI costs 40-85% more than SI alternatives. The guaranteed-acceptance product carries a significant price premium at every age compared to simplified-issue carriers.
- Credit union channel limits shopping. Buying through a credit union means you only see TruStage. An independent broker shows you quotes from 25+ carriers side by side.
- SI still costs more than MoO. Even the simplified-issue product is $3 to $14 more per month than Mutual of Omaha at every age.
- 2-year waiting period on GI. The guaranteed-acceptance product does not pay the full death benefit during the first two years for non-accidental death.
- Not available through brokers. TruStage is not available through independent agents, which means you cannot compare it against other carriers in a single call.
Is It Right for You?
Who TruStage Makes Sense For
TruStage is a reasonable option in a few specific situations.
- Credit union members who want convenience. If you already bank with a credit union that offers TruStage and want to keep everything under one roof, the simplified-issue product is competitively priced. Just know that you may be paying $3 to $14 more per month than the lowest available rate.
- Seniors who have been declined by multiple carriers. If you have applied for simplified-issue coverage from Mutual of Omaha, Transamerica, and other carriers and been placed in graded tiers each time, TruStage's guaranteed-acceptance product is one of several fallback options.
- People who prefer not to speak with an insurance agent. TruStage products can sometimes be purchased through your credit union's website or in-branch, which some seniors prefer over a phone call with a broker.
Compare First
Who Should Compare Other Options
Most seniors shopping for final expense coverage will find better rates through an independent broker. This is especially true if any of the following apply.
- You can answer a few health questions. If you can truthfully answer yes/no questions about your medical history, you qualify for simplified-issue coverage from carriers like Mutual of Omaha, which costs less than TruStage SI at every age and has no waiting period.
- You want to see multiple quotes at once. An independent broker compares 25+ carriers in a single call. Buying through a credit union means you see one option.
- You are looking for the lowest possible rate. Mutual of Omaha's Living Promise product is the lowest-cost simplified-issue final expense policy among the carriers Asurgo quotes. At age 65, it saves $3 per month compared to TruStage SI and $26 per month compared to TruStage GI.
- You need more than $25,000 in coverage. TruStage's guaranteed-acceptance coverage may be capped at $25,000. Carriers like Mutual of Omaha offer up to $40,000 on simplified-issue policies.
15 minutes could save you thousands.
Over 15 years, the difference between TruStage GI and Mutual of Omaha SI adds up to $4,680 for a 65-year-old female.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TruStage life insurance legitimate?
Yes. TruStage is the consumer brand of CMFG Life Insurance Company, formerly CUNA Mutual Group. The company holds an AM Best rating of A (Excellent) and has been providing insurance products through credit unions since 1935. Policies are legally binding contracts backed by CMFG Life Insurance Company's financial reserves.
How much does TruStage life insurance cost per month?
TruStage costs depend on the product, your age, and gender. For a 65-year-old female, the guaranteed-acceptance plan costs $67 per month for $10,000 of coverage. The simplified-issue plan costs $44 per month for the same amount. Both products have premiums that are locked and never increase.
Is TruStage the same as CUNA Mutual?
Yes. CUNA Mutual Group rebranded to TruStage in 2023. The insurance products are underwritten by CMFG Life Insurance Company, which is the same legal entity that underwrote CUNA Mutual policies. Existing policyholders were not affected by the name change.
Does TruStage life insurance require a medical exam?
No. Neither the guaranteed-acceptance nor the simplified-issue product requires a medical exam. The simplified-issue product asks health questions over the phone or online. The guaranteed-acceptance product has no health questions at all.
What is the TruStage guaranteed acceptance waiting period?
TruStage's guaranteed-acceptance whole life policy has a 2-year graded benefit period. If you pass away from non-accidental causes during the first two years, your beneficiary receives a return of all premiums paid plus interest rather than the full death benefit. After two years, the full death benefit applies. Accidental death is covered from day one.
Can you buy TruStage without a credit union membership?
TruStage products are primarily marketed through credit unions, and availability may vary by state and product. If you are not a credit union member and want similar coverage, independent brokers can quote simplified-issue carriers with comparable or lower rates and no membership requirements.
Is TruStage life insurance good for seniors?
TruStage offers products designed for seniors ages 50 to 80. The simplified-issue product is competitively priced, though Mutual of Omaha costs less at every age. The guaranteed-acceptance product costs significantly more. Most seniors who can answer a few health questions will find better rates through an independent broker.
What is the maximum TruStage coverage amount?
Coverage amounts vary by product. The guaranteed-acceptance whole life product typically offers $5,000 to $25,000 in coverage. For seniors needing more than $25,000, independent carriers like Mutual of Omaha offer up to $40,000 on simplified-issue whole life policies.
How does TruStage compare to Mutual of Omaha?
Mutual of Omaha costs less than TruStage at every age for simplified-issue coverage. At age 65, a female pays $41 per month with Mutual of Omaha compared to $44 with TruStage simplified issue or $67 with TruStage guaranteed acceptance for $10,000 of coverage. Mutual of Omaha is also available through independent brokers, making it easier to compare options.
Can you cancel TruStage life insurance?
Yes. You can stop paying premiums at any time and the policy will lapse. There is no cancellation penalty. If you find better rates through another carrier, purchase the new policy first and then let your TruStage policy lapse once the new coverage is in force.
Is TruStage life insurance worth it?
For most seniors, TruStage is not the best value. The guaranteed-acceptance product costs 40 to 85 percent more than simplified-issue alternatives available through independent brokers. The simplified-issue product is competitive but still costs more than Mutual of Omaha at every age. TruStage makes sense primarily for credit union members who prefer one-stop convenience or seniors who have been declined by multiple carriers.
Compare your options.
TruStage's simplified-issue product is competitively priced, but Mutual of Omaha costs less at every age. Asurgo is an independent brokerage licensed in all 50 states. We shop 25+ carriers to find you the lowest rate for your health profile, and there is never a fee to compare.
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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.
Sources
AM Best (financial strength rating) · NAIC Consumer Insurance Search (complaint data). TruStage rate figures referenced inline are from TruStage product materials, accessed June 2026. Mutual of Omaha and Transamerica rates are from current Asurgo carrier illustrations verified by a licensed agent (NPN #20817039).