Choosing the right life insurance provider is a critical financial decision. Unum is a well-known name in insurance, offering term, whole, and accidental death policies—but how does it stack up against competitors?
In this detailed Unum life insurance review, we’ll cover:
✔ Types of life insurance Unum offers
✔ Pricing & affordability
✔ Customer satisfaction & complaints
✔ How Unum compares to Aflac, MetLife, and others
✔ Final verdict: Is Unum a good choice?
What Types of Life Insurance Does Unum Offer?
Unum provides several life insurance options, primarily through employer-sponsored group plans but also for individual buyers.
1. Term Life Insurance
- Coverage Length: 10, 20, or 30 years
- Best For: Temporary needs (mortgage protection, income replacement)
- Pros: Affordable, simple underwriting for group plans
- Cons: No cash value, premiums increase at renewal
2. Whole Life Insurance
- Lifetime coverage (as long as premiums are paid)
- Cash value component (grows tax-deferred)
- Pros: Guaranteed death benefit, stable premiums
- Cons: More expensive than term
3. Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
- Pays out for deaths/injuries from accidents
- Often bundled with employer benefits
- Pros: Low-cost supplemental coverage
- Cons: Doesn’t cover illness-related deaths
Unum Life Insurance Costs: Is It Affordable?
Pricing varies based on age, health, and coverage type, but here’s a general estimate:
| Policy Type | Monthly Cost (Healthy 35-Year-Old) |
|---|---|
| Term Life ($500K, 20-year) | ~25−25−40 (group) / ~30−30−50 (individual) |
| Whole Life ($100K) | ~80−80−120 |
| AD&D ($100K) | ~5−5−15 |
Key Takeaways:
✅ Group plans are cheaper (employer subsidies help).
❌ Individual policies are pricier than competitors like Haven Life or Banner Life.
Unum Life Insurance Reviews: What Do Customers Say?
Positive Feedback 👍
- Easy enrollment through employer benefits
- Fast claims processing for straightforward cases
- Helpful customer service (for group policyholders)
Common Complaints 👎
- Denied claims (especially for AD&D)
- Slow appeals process
- Poor communication for individual policyholders
BBB Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) – Mixed reviews, with complaints about claim disputes.
Unum vs. Competitors: How Does It Compare?
| Feature | Unum | Aflac | MetLife |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Employer group plans | Supplemental coverage | Individual & family policies |
| Term Life Options | Yes (10-30 years) | Limited | Yes (competitive rates) |
| Whole Life Available? | Yes | No | Yes |
| AD&D Coverage | Yes | Strong (core product) | Yes |
| Customer Satisfaction | Mixed | Better (4/5 BBB) | Strong (A+ BBB) |
Best Alternatives to Unum:
- For low-cost term life: Haven Life or Banner Life
- For whole life: Northwestern Mutual
- For AD&D: Aflac
Pros and Cons of Unum Life Insurance
✅ Pros
✔ Good for employer-sponsored plans (often discounted)
✔ Multiple policy types (term, whole, AD&D)
✔ No medical exam for some group policies
❌ Cons
✖ Expensive for individual buyers
✖ Mixed claims satisfaction
✖ Limited online tools (compared to modern insurers like Bestow)
Final Verdict: Should You Choose Unum?
Who Is Unum Best For?
- Employees with access to group life insurance
- Those needing basic AD&D coverage
- People who prefer employer-managed benefits
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
- Individuals buying standalone policies (better rates elsewhere)
- Those needing robust online account management
- High-risk applicants (Unum’s underwriting can be strict)
FAQs About Unum Life Insurance
1. Does Unum life insurance cover suicide?
Most policies have a 2-year suicide clause (no payout if suicide occurs within the first two years).
2. Can I convert my Unum term life to whole life?
Yes, but only during the conversion period (check your policy terms).
3. How do I file a Unum life insurance claim?
- Contact Unum (via phone or online).
- Submit a death certificate & claim form.
- Wait for processing (typically 30-60 days).
Need Help Choosing Life Insurance?
If Unum doesn’t fit your needs, consider:
- Term Life: Haven Life (digital application, fast approval)
- Whole Life: Northwestern Mutual (strong dividends)
- AD&D: Aflac (specialized accident coverage)