Foresters Financial is a fraternal benefit society offering term, whole life, and universal life insurance with unique member benefits. The company has maintained an A (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best for 25 consecutive years. Foresters stands out for offering non-smoker rates to vapers and e-cigarette users, plus industry-first non-medical underwriting for people with Type 2 diabetes.
Foresters Life Insurance Company isn’t your typical life insurance provider. Organized as a fraternal benefit society, this Toronto-based company answers to its policyholders rather than Wall Street shareholders.
Founded in 1874, Foresters has spent over 150 years helping families protect their financial future. But what really sets them apart? A commitment to giving back to their members’ communities and some of the most flexible underwriting in the industry.
If you vape, have Type 2 diabetes, or use marijuana, Foresters might be exactly the carrier you’ve been looking for. Let’s take a closer look at what they offer.
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Foresters Financial at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Type | Fraternal Benefit Society |
| Founded | 1874 (150+ years) |
| Headquarters | Toronto, Canada |
| A.M. Best Rating | A (Excellent) for 25 consecutive years |
| Total Assets | $12.9 billion (December 2024) |
| Surplus | $1.5 billion |
| Policies In Force | 2.4 million certificates |
| Available In | All U.S. states except New York |
Financial Strength and Stability
When you buy life insurance, you’re trusting a company to be there decades from now when your family needs them most. That’s why financial stability matters.
Foresters has maintained an A (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best for 25 consecutive years. This rating was most recently affirmed in October 2025 and reflects the company’s strong ability to meet its ongoing obligations to policyholders.
The company also holds an “A” rating from Morningstar DBRS. With total assets of $12.9 billion and a surplus of $1.5 billion, Foresters’ solvency ratios are well above local requirements in all jurisdictions where they operate.
As a fraternal benefit society, Foresters reinvests profits into member benefits and community programs rather than paying shareholders. This member-first approach has helped them build a track record of conservative, stable management.
Who Should Consider Foresters? (Underwriting Advantages)
Foresters shines brightest for people who struggle to find affordable coverage elsewhere. Here’s why:
Vapers and E-Cigarette Users
This is where Foresters really stands out. Their Strong Foundation Term product offers non-smoker rates to vapers and e-cigarette users, as long as you haven’t smoked cigarettes in the past 12 months.
Most life insurance companies charge vapers the same rates as cigarette smokers, which can be 2-3 times higher. With Foresters, a 40-year-old male buying a $250,000 20-year policy might pay $40-55 per month instead of $95-125 at other carriers. That’s potential savings of $13,000-$17,000 over the life of the policy.
The Strong Foundation non-tobacco classification also includes cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, nicotine patches, and nicotine gum. Learn more about life insurance for vapers and how to secure the best rates.
Type 2 Diabetes
In November 2019, Foresters became the first carrier to offer non-medical life insurance with relaxed underwriting for people with Type 2 diabetes. They’ve expanded this program significantly since then.
Today, Foresters offers non-medical coverage up to Table 12 for diabetics. This means face amounts of $50,000-$300,000 for ages 18-55, and up to $150,000 for ages 56 and older. No blood tests or fluids required.
Your eligibility depends on factors like your A1C levels, how long you’ve had diabetes, your age, and your overall build. Foresters provides a Diabetes Rating Calculator to help agents pre-qualify clients quickly. For more details on coverage options, see our complete guide to life insurance for diabetics.
Marijuana Users
With marijuana now legal in many states, more people are asking about coverage. Foresters’ Strong Foundation product treats marijuana users the same as non-tobacco users. Cannabis consumption won’t bump you into a smoker classification.
Mild COPD
Foresters also accepts applicants with mild COPD under these conditions: you must be a non-smoker, not using oxygen or prescription steroids, and able to climb one flight of stairs without significant shortness of breath. Many carriers decline COPD applicants outright, making this a valuable option.
Life Insurance Products from Foresters
Foresters offers a comprehensive lineup of term and permanent life insurance options.
Term Life Insurance
YourTerm Level Term
This is Foresters’ flagship term life insurance product with coverage from $50,000 to $10 million. You can choose terms of 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years. Available to ages 18-80, YourTerm is renewable until age 95 and convertible to permanent coverage.
Both non-medical and fully underwritten options are available. The policy includes an Accelerated Death Benefit rider for chronic, critical, or terminal illness at no additional cost.
Here are sample rates for a $500,000 20-year policy for healthy non-smokers:
| Age | Male Non-Smoker | Female Non-Smoker |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | $21.00 | $16.63 |
| 30 | $21.00 | $18.81 |
| 35 | $22.31 | $19.25 |
| 40 | $31.50 | $27.13 |
| 45 | $53.38 | $39.38 |
| 50 | $79.19 | $57.75 |
Rates shown are samples for healthy non-smokers and may vary based on health, lifestyle, and other factors. Contact us for a personalized quote.
Strong Foundation Term
This non-medical product is ideal for people who use tobacco alternatives, have Type 2 diabetes, or have mild COPD. Coverage ranges from $50,000 to $500,000 with the same term options as YourTerm.
Strong Foundation doesn’t include living benefits, but the relaxed underwriting makes it a game-changer for many applicants who would otherwise pay smoker rates or be declined.
Whole Life Insurance
Advantage Plus Whole Life
This participating whole life insurance policy provides a guaranteed lifetime death benefit and builds cash value over time. As a participating policy, you may receive dividends that can be used to buy paid-up additions, reduce premiums, accumulate interest, or taken as cash.
Non-medical coverage is available up to $400,000 for ages 16-55 and $150,000 for ages 56-75. The policy includes Accelerated Death Benefit, Common Carrier Accidental Death Benefit, and Family Health Benefit riders at no extra cost.
PlanRight Whole Life (Final Expense)
Designed for seniors ages 50-85, PlanRight offers $5,000 to $35,000 in coverage to help with funeral and burial costs. No medical exam is required.
Foresters uses liberal underwriting for PlanRight, making it a solid choice for seniors dealing with health issues. The company offers both standard and graded/modified benefit plans depending on your health history.
BrightFuture Children’s Whole Life
This simplified issue product covers children ages 0-17 with $5,000 to $75,000 in coverage. The policy builds cash value over time and includes a guaranteed insurability rider, allowing the child to increase coverage later without a medical exam. Not available in New York or Washington.
Universal Life Insurance
SMART Universal Life
This flexible permanent policy offers lifetime guaranteed death benefit protection with cash value accumulation. Coverage ranges from $10,000 to $10 million for ages 0-85.
SMART UL lets you adjust premiums and death benefits as your needs change. The cash value grows at a guaranteed interest rate and can be accessed through policy loans or partial surrenders.
Four benefits are included at no additional cost: Accelerated Death Benefit, Common Carrier Accidental Death Benefit, Charity Benefit, and Family Health Benefit.
Member Benefits That Set Foresters Apart
When you buy a Foresters policy, you become a member of their fraternal organization. That membership comes with valuable benefits beyond just insurance coverage.
Competitive Scholarships
Foresters offers 400 scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year, each worth $2,000. Eligible members, their spouses, children, and grandchildren can apply. The program emphasizes community service alongside academic achievement. Foresters’ scholarship program was recognized by USA TODAY as one of America’s Best Loyalty & Rewards Programs in 2025.
Foresters Renew Grants
This continuing education benefit provides up to $1,000 for members seeking to gain new marketable skills. Grants can be used toward course tuition and required materials. It’s one of the only programs of its kind in the life insurance industry.
LawAssure Legal Services
Members get access to free wills, powers of attorney, and other legal documents through the LawAssure platform. This can save hundreds of dollars in legal fees.
Charity Benefit
When Foresters pays a death benefit, they’ll also donate an additional 1% of the face amount (up to $100,000) to a registered charity of the policyholder’s choice. The donation is made in the insured’s name.
Foresters Care Community Grants
Members can apply for grants to fund volunteer projects in their communities. It’s part of Foresters’ mission to enrich family and community well-being.
Diabetes Support
Through a partnership with Roche Diabetes Care, members get discounts on Accu-Check diabetes monitoring products. This helps reduce the cost of managing diabetes over time.
Orphan Benefits
If a member passes away, their orphaned children may be eligible for scholarships up to $6,000 per year for up to four years, plus monthly payments of up to $900.
How to Apply for Foresters Coverage
Foresters doesn’t offer online quotes or applications through their website. To get coverage, you’ll need to work with a licensed insurance agent.
Contact Options:
- Phone: 800-828-1540 (weekdays 9am-5pm ET)
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: PO Box 179, Buffalo, NY
The application process varies by product. Many policies use non-medical underwriting with pharmacy and medical data checks rather than traditional exams. For higher face amounts or complex health situations, a medical exam may be required.
Pros and Cons of Foresters Life Insurance
Pros:
- 25 consecutive years of A (Excellent) AM Best rating
- Non-smoker rates for vapers and e-cigarette users
- Industry-leading underwriting for Type 2 diabetes
- Accepts marijuana users at non-tobacco rates
- Accepts mild COPD
- Valuable member benefits (scholarships, grants, legal services)
- No medical exam required for many products
- Charity benefit donates to causes you care about
Cons:
- Not available in New York
- No online quotes or application process
- Some customer service complaints about accessibility
- Claims must be filed by phone or mail (no online option)
- Higher premiums than some competitors for standard-risk applicants
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Foresters offer non-smoker rates to vapers?
Yes. Foresters’ Strong Foundation Term product offers non-tobacco rates to vapers and e-cigarette users who haven’t smoked cigarettes in the past 12 months. This also applies to users of nicotine patches, nicotine gum, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco. This can save thousands of dollars compared to carriers that charge smoker rates for any nicotine use. Learn more about life insurance for vapers.
Can I get Foresters life insurance with Type 2 diabetes?
Yes. Foresters was the first carrier to offer non-medical life insurance with relaxed underwriting for Type 2 diabetes. They offer coverage up to Table 12 on a non-medical basis. Your eligibility depends on your A1C levels, duration of diabetes, age, and overall health. Face amounts range from $50,000 to $300,000 for ages 18-55. See our complete guide to life insurance for diabetics.
Is Foresters financially stable?
Yes. Foresters has maintained an A (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best for 25 consecutive years, most recently affirmed in October 2025. The company has total assets of $12.9 billion and a surplus of $1.5 billion. As a fraternal benefit society, they prioritize member interests over shareholder returns.
What states is Foresters available in?
Foresters is available in all U.S. states except New York. Products and riders may vary by state.
Does Foresters require a medical exam?
It depends on the product and coverage amount. Many Foresters products offer non-medical underwriting, including Strong Foundation Term, Advantage Plus Whole Life (up to certain limits), and PlanRight final expense. Higher face amounts or complex health situations may require an exam.
What makes Foresters different from other life insurance companies?
Foresters is a fraternal benefit society, not a traditional stock company. This means they reinvest profits into member benefits rather than paying shareholders. Members get access to scholarships, community grants, legal services, and other unique benefits. They also have some of the most flexible underwriting in the industry for vapers, diabetics, and marijuana users.
Does Foresters offer children’s life insurance?
Yes. BrightFuture Children’s Whole Life covers children ages 0-17 with $5,000 to $75,000 in coverage. The policy builds cash value and includes a guaranteed insurability rider. It’s not available in New York or Washington.
How do I file a claim with Foresters?
Claims can be filed by contacting Foresters’ customer service at 800-828-1540. You’ll need to provide a death certificate and complete claim forms. Processing times vary based on documentation completeness.
What is the Foresters Charity Benefit?
When Foresters pays a death benefit to your beneficiaries, they also donate an additional 1% of the death benefit (up to $100,000) to a registered 501(c)(3) charity of your choice. The donation is made in the policyholder’s name.
Can marijuana users get Foresters life insurance at non-smoker rates?
Yes. Foresters’ Strong Foundation product treats marijuana users as non-tobacco users. Cannabis consumption won’t result in smoker classification or higher premiums.
Key Takeaways
- Foresters Financial has held an A (Excellent) AM Best rating for 25 consecutive years
- As a fraternal benefit society, Foresters reinvests profits into member benefits rather than shareholder dividends
- Strong Foundation Term offers non-smoker rates to vapers, e-cigarette users, marijuana users, and those using nicotine alternatives
- Foresters provides industry-first non-medical underwriting for Type 2 diabetes up to Table 12
- Member benefits include $2,000 scholarships (400 awards), $1,000 continuing education grants, free legal documents, and community grants
- Coverage is available in all states except New York
- The Charity Benefit donates 1% of the death benefit to a charity of your choice
Get Your Free Foresters Quote
Ready to see if Foresters is right for your situation? Whether you vape, have diabetes, or just want access to unique member benefits, we can help you compare options and find the best coverage for your needs.
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