John Hancock Life Insurance: The Complete Guide
Last Updated: November 12, 2025 | Written by President of Term Life Online – AU, AAI, ARM
John Hancock Life insurance Company
200 Clarendon Street
John Hancock Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02117-0111
www.johnhancock.com
Financial Rating: "A++" (Superior) from A.M. Best
Founded in 1864, the John Hancock Life Insurance Company formed the fifth largest insurance company in the world after merging with Manulife Financial Corporation in 2003.
John Hancock offers term life and permanent life insurance protection. Term life is available for 10, 15, 20 or 30 years. Should your needs change, you may convert your term life policy into permanent life insurance coverage.
One of the oldest insurers in America and the world, it offers customers peace of mind knowing the company will be around to pay any claims.
If you’ve been researching life insurance, chances are the name John Hancock has already crossed your path. As one of America’s oldest and most trusted life insurance companies, John Hancock has built a reputation for offering flexible coverage, wellness-focused benefits, and competitive term and permanent life insurance policies.
This guide breaks everything down clearly: what John Hancock offers, who it’s best for, real advantages, potential drawbacks, and how to compare rates confidently before applying. No confusing jargon, no sales fluff. Just straight answers so you can make a smart decision.
Who John Hancock Life Insurance Is Best For
John Hancock is a strong fit for people who:
- Want competitive term life insurance rates
- Prefer a big, established brand with financial stability
- Are interested in health and wellness rewards programs
- Might want permanent life insurance with living benefits or cash value growth
- Value digital policy management and fitness-tracking integration
If you're the type who likes to track steps, monitor health metrics, or earn rewards for healthy habits, John Hancock stands out in a big way.
John Hancock Insurance Products Explained
Term Life Insurance
John Hancock’s term life coverage is designed to be affordable and straightforward. You choose a coverage amount and duration (typically 10 to 30 years). If you pass away during that term, your beneficiaries receive the payout.
Why it’s great:
- Competitive pricing vs. other large insurers
- Can convert to permanent life later
- Works well for income replacement, mortgages, and family protection
Permanent Life Insurance
John Hancock also offers several forms of permanent policies, including:
- Universal Life
- Indexed Universal Life (IUL)
- Variable Universal Life (VUL)
- Whole Life (more limited availability)
These policies build cash value, which grows tax-advantaged and can be accessed while you're alive.
This is ideal for long-term financial planning, wealth building, and estate protection.
The John Hancock Vitality Program (A Major Differentiator)
This is where John Hancock really stands apart.
The Vitality Program rewards you for making healthier lifestyle choices. You can earn:
- Gift cards
- Discounts
- Health insights
- Even potential premium savings
By syncing a fitness device like Apple Watch or Fitbit, you track healthy activities and receive incentives. It’s essentially life insurance that pays you back for taking care of yourself.
If you like being rewarded for doing what’s good for you anyway, it’s a huge perk.
Pros and Cons of John Hancock Life Insurance
Pros
- Strong financial strength and long history
- Excellent digital wellness and rewards features
- Flexible term and permanent insurance options
- Highly customizable policies
Cons
- Health-based rewards aren’t for everyone
- Some permanent policies can be complex
- Rates may not always be the lowest if you’re in perfect health
Rates and Pricing: What to Expect
Your price will depend on:
- Age
- Gender
- Health status
- Tobacco use
- Policy type and coverage amount
However, John Hancock is usually competitive for:
- Healthy individuals
- Active people
- Those interested in wellness incentives
If you’re already taking steps to stay healthy, they might reward you for it in actual savings.
Should You Choose John Hancock?
Choose John Hancock if you want:
- A top-rated, established insurer
- Flexibility between term and permanent coverage
- Access to health incentives that can reduce premiums and improve your lifestyle
If you want purely the cheapest possible premium with no extra features, you may want to compare numbers across multiple insurers first.
The smart move is always to compare quotes side-by-side before you apply.
How to Get the Best Rate with John Hancock
- Decide whether you want term or permanent coverage.
- Choose how much coverage your family or financial goals require.
- Compare their rates against at least 2-3 other insurers.
- Take advantage of Vitality Program rewards if you’re health-focused.
A licensed independent agent can help you compare options fast and find hidden savings you might not catch on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions About John Hancock Life Insurance
1. Is John Hancock a good life insurance company?
Yes. John Hancock has been in business for over 160 years and holds strong financial ratings from major rating agencies. They are known for offering flexible policy options and their popular Vitality wellness rewards program.
2. What types of life insurance does John Hancock offer?
John Hancock offers both term life insurance and permanent life insurance, including universal life, indexed universal life (IUL), variable universal life (VUL), and some whole life options.
3. How does the John Hancock Vitality Program work?
The Vitality Program rewards policyholders for making healthy lifestyle choices like exercising, completing health checkups, and tracking daily activity. You can earn discounts, gift cards, and potentially lower premiums.
4. Can I convert my John Hancock term policy to permanent insurance?
Yes. Most term policies come with a conversion option, allowing you to switch to a permanent policy without a medical exam, typically within a specified time window.
5. Is John Hancock life insurance expensive?
John Hancock’s prices are generally competitive, especially for individuals who live a health-focused lifestyle. However, rates vary based on health, age, and tobacco use. It’s smart to compare quotes before applying.
Final Takeaway
John Hancock is one of the most reputable and innovative companies in the life insurance industry. If you’re looking for a company with a strong history, modern technology, and wellness benefits that reward healthy habits, it’s absolutely worth getting a quote.
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Resources:
- Learn How a Term Life Insurance Policy Works
- Tips for Buying a Term Life Insurance Policy
- A.M. Best Company: Compare financial strength ratings of life insurance companies
- Life Happens.org: Learn about life insurance and review facts.
- Investopedia: Learn more about financial planning with term life insurance.
About Our Methodology
Reviewed By: President of Term Life Online – AU, AAI, ARM
- 30+ years of experience in insurance planning
How We Keep This Guide Accurate: We regularly updates our content to reflect the latest rates and industry trends. We are committed to providing transparent, unbiased information to help you make the best decision for your family.
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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Consult a licensed professional for advice.
Disclosure: Compensated Affiliate