What is whole life insurance?

Enjoy lifelong protection1 and other features you can use throughout your life with this type of permanent life insurance. As you make payments, your policy will accumulate cash value. It's guaranteed to grow (typically tax-deferred) regardless of market ups and downs. You can use the cash value for whatever you want or need.2 You can also earn dividends3 that can be taken as cash, used to pay premiums, or buy more coverage.

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Your whole life insurance policy highlights

Guaranteed payout

Along with feeling confident that your loved ones will get a guaranteed death benefit1 when you're no longer here, you'll have lifelong coverage.

Costs are set

How much you'll pay will depend on things like your coverage amount, age, and health. Once your premiums are set, what you pay each month (or yearly) will never go up.5

Accumulates cash value

Your policy accumulates a pool of money (aka cash value) over time.2 You can use it for anything you need—unexpected expenses, college tuition, or as income when you retire.

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How much life insurance is right for you?

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How much will your whole life insurance cost?

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Many factors can affect the cost of your policy. That's why your advisor will work with you directly. They'll ask deeper questions and listen closely to fully understand you and your situation. What you pay monthly (or yearly) will depend on things like:

  • Your goals and needs
  • Your coverage amount
  • Your age and health
  • Added riders
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Which type of life insurance is best for you? Compare them.

Compare life insurance products
BenefitsWholeTerm
Guaranteed payout to loved ones1
Lifelong protection1
Accumulates cash value2
Chance to get dividends3
Premiums that never increase5
Optional riders available

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For over 165 years, we've been committed to helping our clients succeed. And we're good at it.

No. 1 most admired companies

Fortune® named us one of the World's Most Admired Life Insurance Companies, 20237

Ranking for Northwestern Mutual, 2021 Fortune®

$8.2B in dividends expected to be paid in 2025

in dividends expected to be paid in 20253

Statistic for Northwestern Mutual, Dividends are reviewed annually and are not guaranteed. based on Northwestern Mutual policyowner data.

A++ financial strength rating

AAA, Aaa, and AA+—we've earned the highest financial strength ratings awarded to life insurers from all four major rating agencies.8

Awarded in the Insurance category: Life & Health industry, Fortune® Magazine's annual survey, 2017
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Now you're ready for the best life insurance option for you.

Your advisor will ask deeper questions to help figure out the right amount of whole life insurance for your goals and budget.

It's easy to get started—no commitment, just a conversation.