American Amicable Burial Insurance Review – Pros & Cons
last updated on November 13, 2025Founded in 1910 and headquartered in Waco, Texas, the company has operated for over a century, offering simplified policies at higher than average pricing.
Today, it’s part of iA Financial Group, a large Canadian insurance conglomerate that owns several U.S. life insurance subsidiaries.
That ownership gives American Amicable some financial backing and stability, though it also means a foreign parent company now influences corporate decisions.
American Amicable is rarely the best choice for life insurance shoppers due to excessively high pricing, call center utilization, and poorly trained newer agents.
Find out how the Final Expense Guy can help save you money and get better life insurance coverage.
(If you’d like to get answers before reading, call the Final Expense Guy directly at 888-862-9456)
COMPANY HISTORY AND OWNERSHIP
American Amicable began as a small regional life insurer serving Texas residents.
For decades, it has built a reputation on conservative financial management and simple products.
That conservative strategy helped the company avoid the financial troubles that hurt many competitors during the 2008 financial crisis.
In 2010, the company was acquired by Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. (iA Financial Group), one of Canada’s largest insurance corporations. That acquisition provided American Amicable with additional capital and reinsurance strength, allowing it to expand beyond Texas into all 50 states.
While iA Financial Group is publicly traded and well-capitalized, it’s important to understand what that means for policyholders.
Oversight for American Amicable policies still falls under U.S. state insurance regulators and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), not Canadian regulators.
This structure requires all policies to comply with the same U.S. consumer protections and solvency requirements as any other domestic insurer.
The company’s focus on growth means that it doesn’t have employee agents who sell its products. Rather, they contract with independent agents and call centers to sell their insurance on their behalf.
That’s why experiences with American Amicable can vary widely depending on the agent, the marketing group, or the call center a client buys through.
American Amicable’s Better Business Bureau record shows a mix of positive and neutral feedback.
Many people complain about confusion over waiting periods, misunderstanding policy terms, and long wait times for customer service.
IS AMERICAN AMICABLE STATE REGULATED?
Like every legitimate life insurance company in the United States, American Amicable is fully regulated at the state level.
Every state has its own Department of Insurance that sets solvency requirements, approves policy forms, and enforces consumer protection laws.
That means if you live in California, Texas, or Florida, American Amicable must follow the rules of that specific state.
These rules are coordinated nationally through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), which helps maintain consistent oversight across all fifty states.
You might have seen ads that say you can “qualify for a state-regulated life insurance program.” That wording misleads people into thinking a government program is involved when no such program exists.
“State-regulated” means the company is licensed to sell policies that meet your state’s insurance laws. The government does not sponsor, pay for, or endorse private life insurance plans.
While American Amicable is legally compliant and financially supervised, it remains a private company that competes for profit like any other insurer. That’s why policy features, pricing, and waiting periods can vary between companies even though they’re all state-regulated.
If you ever question whether a life insurance company is legitimate, you can verify its license directly through your state’s Department of Insurance website.
Every state keeps a searchable database that lists active life insurance carriers and the agents authorized to represent them.
That’s the real meaning of “state-regulated”, not a special program or discount, just legal oversight to keep companies honest, and consumers safe.
HOW AMERICAN AMICABLE FINAL EXPENSE INSURANCE WORKS
American Amicable’s flagship senior product is a simplified issue whole life insurance policy, often marketed as “Senior Choice.”
These policies are designed for people who want permanent coverage without a medical exam.
They remain in force for life, accumulate a small cash value, and have level premiums that never increase.
The company offers three versions of this plan depending on health and age:
- Immediate Benefit – first-day coverage
- Graded Benefit – partial payout during the first two years
- Return of Premium – refund of paid premiums plus interest if death occurs during the waiting period (this one is a terrible plan!)
The plan you qualify for depends entirely on your health answers.
Applicants must complete a short health questionnaire that includes questions about heart disease, diabetes, oxygen use, or recent hospitalizations.
If you’re in reasonably good health, you can qualify for the Immediate Benefit plan with full coverage starting on day one.
However, many agents fail to clarify that if you answer “yes” to certain questions, your plan will be downgraded to the Graded or Return of Premium version.
Those downgraded plans have a two-year waiting period, which means your family won’t receive the full death benefit if you die within the first 24 months. Instead, they’ll receive a refund of premiums paid plus 10% interest. This is a horribly expensive plan compared to American Amicable’s rival insurance companies.
American Amicable Senior Choice Plan Types
This system of tiered approval is common across final expense insurers.
The difference lies in how many people can qualify for first-day coverage. With stronger underwriting flexibility, companies like Aetna, Family Benefit Life, Trinity Life, and others often approve applicants that American Amicable would downgrade.
That’s why it’s important to work with a broker like the Final Expense Guy who compares multiple companies.
A direct agent representing only one insurer might stop at “You’re approved,” without clarifying that your plan includes a waiting period.
WAITING PERIODS AND BENEFIT LIMITS
The biggest misunderstanding in the entire final expense market comes down to waiting periods.
American Amicable offers multiple plan types, and only one provides full coverage from day one. The other options delay benefits for the first two years.
If you’re healthy enough to qualify for their Immediate Benefit plan, you’re covered from the moment your first premium clears.
The problem is that most people applying online or through lead ads don’t realize they’re being steered toward the Graded or Return of Premium versions due to moderate health problems.
Those downgraded plans only pay a partial benefit in the first 24 months, or refund your premiums plus 10% interest if you die early. For families counting on coverage to pay for a funeral, that delay can be devastating.
American Amicable’s own policy documents spell this out in detail.
The refund clause exists because the company is taking on higher-risk clients who otherwise wouldn’t qualify for traditional coverage.
The sad part is that there are other companies that will offer 1st-day coverage rather than a waiting period.
If you want true first-day coverage, you must qualify for the Immediate Benefit plan. That means passing their health questionnaire with “no” answers to major medical conditions.
American Amicable Waiting Period Comparison
Every major carrier has some version of this structure.
The difference is how many applicants qualify for that top-tier, day-one plan. American Amicable’s underwriting is stricter than competitors like Foresters or Aetna.
That means more people get pushed into the waiting-period bucket unnecessarily.
If you’re in decent health, there’s no reason to settle for a plan that makes your family wait two years to receive what you’ve already paid for.
PRICING AND COST FACTORS
American Amicable’s final expense prices are on the higher side.
Premiums depend on your age, gender, tobacco use, and state of residence. They offer small coverage amounts, usually between $2,500 and $35,000, which is typical for funeral insurance.
Their higher rates are locked for life, meaning your price and coverage never change as long as premiums are paid. That’s a good feature. The concern is that American Amicable’s premiums tend to be significantly higher than other top first-day coverage companies for similar age and health profiles.
This happens because American Amicable allows for fewer health risks. Their pricing model is built to protect their profit margins, not necessarily to compete aggressively on price.
Another factor that raises cost is add-on riders.
Features like accidental death or child coverage increase premiums, sometimes significantly. While riders can sound appealing, most buyers don’t need the added expense on small burial policies.
American Amicable does not publish official rate charts on its website. You can’t see your actual premium until an agent quotes it.
Sample Monthly Premium Comparison (Non-Smoker, $10,000 Coverage)
American Amicable tends to be more expensive.
If you qualify for first-day coverage elsewhere, paying extra for the same $10,000 benefit doesn’t make sense. Most families would rather put those extra dollars toward groceries or bills.
TERM LIFE INSURANCE FROM AMERICAN AMICABLE
American Amicable offers a term life product called Term Made Simple.
This is a level-premium term policy with durations of 10, 15, 20 or 30 years.
Face amounts start from about $50,000 and go up to as much as $500,000 in some markets. Underwriting is “simplified,” meaning no full medical exam is required in many cases.
You select a term length (for example, 20 years) and you pay fixed premiums for that term.
If you pass away during the term, your beneficiary will receive the death benefit. After the term ends, your coverage and locked-in rates end.
The policy allows riders to select options such as accelerated benefit for terminal illness and return-of-premium for specific term lengths.
Strengths
- Simplified underwriting means faster approval and fewer hoops.
- Flexibility in term lengths (10 to 30 years) gives you options.
- Several riders available give extra features (though at extra cost).
Risks and drawbacks
- Though no exam is required, simplified underwriting still means you may pay higher rates than some carriers that allow full underwriting or “preferred” tiers. Independent reviews show that American Amicable’s term rates often run higher than those of better-value carriers.
- Conversion privileges may not be offered or present, depending on the policy you are offered.
- Term ends after the selected period. If you still need coverage after the term, renewal or new purchasing will be far more expensive. Some buyers expect “lifetime” protection even though it’s a term life insurance product.
- Being simplified issue means you won’t get the lowest rates or the best underwriting for your health profile.
Who is this product best suited for?
- Individuals with a need for temporary large coverage (for mortgage, dependents, business obligations) where term life is appropriate.
- Applicants who want a relatively quick underwriting process and may not want or qualify for a full underwriting medical exam, and the lowest rates.
- Buyers who understand a term policy’s finite nature and plan accordingly.
Who should look elsewhere?
- Healthy applicants seeking lifelong coverage or cash-value accumulation may find a whole life or universal life product to be more suitable.
- Buyers focused solely on the lowest premium for a term: you should compare multiple carriers because American Amicable will not be the lowest.
- Clients who dislike policy details, riders, and conversion fine-print. Simpler may be better in that case.
UNDERWRITING AND ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
American Amicable uses simplified underwriting for its final expense and term life plans.
That means no medical exams or blood work, just a brief list of health questions.
Applicants must answer “no” to conditions like heart disease, cancer, COPD, kidney failure, or insulin use before age 30.
They also check your prescription history through a national database called Milliman IntelliScript. If you’ve been prescribed certain medications linked to serious conditions, the system automatically flags your application for review.
In plain terms, American Amicable’s underwriting is stricter than it looks. Even a single “yes” answer or prescription match can downgrade you to a denial, graded, or return-of-premium plan.
They also use height and weight charts that exclude many applicants from coverage.
If you have chronic health conditions, there’s nothing wrong with applying, but it’s best to do so through a broker who compares multiple carriers to increase your chances of approval and get the lowest rates.
RIDERS AND OPTIONAL ADD-ONS
American Amicable includes a few optional riders with some policies.
Some are automatically included, others increase your premium. It’s critical to know which is which.
Common Riders Include:
- Accelerated Death Benefit Rider: Allows early access to a portion of the death benefit if diagnosed with a terminal illness.
- Accidental Death Benefit Rider: Adds an extra payout if death results from an accident. This one increases your monthly premium.
- Children’s Insurance Rider: Provides small coverage amounts for dependent children or grandchildren.
- Nursing Home Confinement Rider: Some plans allow partial benefit access if you’re permanently confined to a nursing home.
These riders can sound comforting, but they rarely justify the cost on small policies.
The accidental death rider is especially oversold. It adds cost but only pays if you die from a qualifying accident, not illness, which is how most people pass away.
Many buyers think they’re adding “extra protection” when in reality they’re buying a feature that won’t apply in most situations.
Common American Amicable Riders and Key Facts
Most people would be better served by focusing on strong first-day coverage instead of paying extra for riders they’ll never use. The policy itself is what protects your family, not the small add-ons that sound nice in marketing materials.
HOW CLAIMS AND PAYOUTS ACTUALLY WORK
American Amicable’s claims process is straightforward on paper, but can be slow in practice depending on how the policy was written.
When a policyholder passes away, the beneficiary must submit a death certificate, claim form, and sometimes a physician’s statement if the death occurred within the first two policy years.
This verification period is where most delays happen. The company reserves the right to review and deny any claim filed within the first two years of issue under what’s called the contestability period.
If your plan comes with immediate coverage, and death occurs after this period. Payments are then typically made within 10 to 14 business days once documentation is complete, unless the death occurred in the first two years.
For their whole life, graded or return of premium plan, the process can stretch longer because the company has to calculate the refund or partial payout. Many families only discover during the claim that the coverage was limited for two years.
If a beneficiary believes a claim is being unfairly delayed, they can file a complaint directly with their state Department of Insurance or the NAIC Consumer Information Source (CIS) database.
State regulators have full authority to step in and require insurers to respond. The law requires all legitimate carriers to maintain sufficient reserves and pay legitimate claims promptly.
COMPLAINTS, CUSTOMER REVIEWS, AND REGULATORY STANDING
American Amicable has an NAIC Complaint Index above the national average, meaning it receives more complaints than a typical company of its size (source: NAIC Consumer Information Source). The most common issues involve policy misunderstandings, waiting periods, and communication after purchase.
The company holds an A (Excellent) financial strength rating from A.M. Best, confirming it has the resources to pay claims. That’s good news from a solvency standpoint.
However, solvency isn’t the same as satisfaction.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) lists an A+ rating with a moderate volume of complaints.
Many customer reviews describe the same problem: they thought they had full coverage, only to find out later it was a graded or return-of-premium plan. This pattern traces back to inconsistent agent training rather than outright dishonesty from the company.
Because American Amicable relies heavily on independent agents, the buyer experience varies dramatically. Some agents are experienced professionals who explain everything clearly. Others rush through applications and leave clients confused.
Consumers also report that contacting the company directly can be time-consuming, with limited service agents compared to other companies.
Despite these issues, American Amicable remains financially stable and legally compliant. It’s not a scam, it’s just not a market leader for customer experience or product transparency.
American Amicable Reputation Overview
The fine print about waiting periods and reduced benefits is often buried in paperwork that few seniors ever read.
That’s why consumer education matters more than ever.
COMMON MISUNDERSTANDINGS AND SALES TACTICS
Most confusion around American Amicable comes from how their products are marketed, not from the contract itself.
The company allows independent agents to advertise “no exam,” “easy approval,” and sometimes “state-regulated coverage,” which sounds reassuring, but often leads to misunderstanding.
Many seniors believe “no medical exam” means automatic full coverage. It doesn’t.
It simply means the insurer makes a decision based on your health questions and prescription record instead of lab results. You can still be downgraded to a plan with a waiting period without realizing it.
Another sales tactic is emphasizing the word guaranteed.
Agents often say “guaranteed acceptance,” but that phrase only applies to the return-of-premium plan. It’s technically true, you can’t be denied, but the tradeoff is a two-year waiting period and no full payout if you pass away early.
These tactics work because they sound official and urgent. Some mailers even include fake government seals or talk about “state-regulated programs” to build trust. They’re designed to make you respond emotionally, not logically.
Captive agents or call centers tend to use scripts that push you toward a policy that pays them the highest commission, not the one that protects your family the best. Once the policy is issued, you often never hear from that agent again.
If you’re healthy enough to qualify for first-day coverage, there’s no reason to buy a plan that limits benefits for two years.
That’s where experience matters.
An independent broker like the Final Expense Guy who understands underwriting differences can place you with a company that fits your health profile, thereby saving you money and giving your family real protection from day one.
WHO AMERICAN AMICABLE IS BEST FOR
American Amicable fits a narrow group of buyers who don’t mind overpaying on a plan for the rest of their life.
That’s where American Amicable falls short. Their stricter underwriting results in higher pricing and, even worse, 2-year waiting-period plans that cost more and pay less.
The truth is, about 97% of applicants can qualify for first-day coverage when they apply through a skilled broker like the Final Expense Guy who knows how to match health conditions to the right carrier.
American Amicable should never be your first choice unless every other option is off the table.
Who Should and Should Not Choose American Amicable
American Amicable serves a purpose, but it’s not the most consumer-friendly option in the market.
BETTER ALTERNATIVES TO AMERICAN AMICABLE
If your goal is real first-day coverage, there are better choices than American Amicable.
These companies approve more applicants for immediate benefits and often offer the same protection at a lower cost.
Aetna Final Expense is one of the most flexible programs in the market. Their underwriting accepts many common health issues such as controlled diabetes, mild COPD, or high blood pressure. Aetna’s Modified and Level Benefit plans give most seniors a fair chance at first-day coverage, and their approval process is fast, often completed within minutes. The company also holds a strong A (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best, demonstrating its long-term financial strength.
Family Benefit Life specializes in simple, affordable whole life insurance with straightforward underwriting. Their Final Expense plan is known for its leniency toward conditions such as high cholesterol or past minor surgeries. Family Benefit Life is small but highly responsive. Claims are handled quickly, and their rates are among the most competitive for seniors between 55 and 75. For applicants who prefer personalized customer service over a call center, this company stands out.
Trinity Life Insurance Company is another strong alternative. Their New Vista Final Expense plan offers full first-day coverage for most applicants in fair health. Trinity is more forgiving with applicants who use insulin or have moderate heart conditions, situations where American Amicable would likely apply a waiting period. They also offer flexible payment options and quick e-applications through licensed brokers nationwide.
Each of these companies shares two major strengths. They’re transparent about their health questions, and they pay full benefits immediately for the majority of qualified applicants.
None of them relies on misleading “state-regulated” advertising or two-year waiting period plans.
If you’re healthy enough to qualify for first-day coverage, you don’t need to settle for higher costs or delayed protection.
Independent brokers can compare all many companies side by side to find the best fit for your age, budget, and health profile.
Comparison of Final Expense Options
American Amicable is financially solid, but it’s not the best choice for most people or healthy applicants. You can often save hundreds to thousands of dollars over time and get complete protection right away with another carrier.
A broker who works independently, like the Final Expense Guy, can compare dozens of carriers in minutes to match you with the right plan.
HOW TO COMPARE FIRST-DAY COVERAGE OPTIONS
Comparing final expense policies can feel overwhelming, but the process is simple when you know what to look for.
You only need to focus on a few key points.
- Check if the plan is truly first-day coverage.
If the brochure says “graded” or “return of premium,” that means there’s a waiting period. Always ask if your full death benefit starts immediately. - Review the health questions carefully.
Some companies have a short questionnaire; others ask in-depth questions about hospital visits or medications. The stricter the questions, the fewer people qualify for full coverage. - Look at the company’s claim reputation.
Research complaint ratios through the NAIC or ask your broker about claim turnaround times. Fast payouts matter when families are under stress. - Ask to see actual rates from multiple carriers.
Never buy from an agent who only shows one company. Independent brokers can show several options side by side, helping you compare prices and benefits. - Confirm the company’s financial strength.
Stick with A-rated insurers from A.M. Best. A strong financial rating ensures your policy will still be around decades from now.
What to Look for When Comparing First-Day Coverage
When you know what to look for, it’s easy to separate the good companies from the bad.
If you’re unsure which plan best fits your needs, call 888-862-9456 or visit www.FEXGUY.com for a free comparison quote. It takes five minutes to find out if you qualify for first-day coverage that never expires.
FINAL VERDICT: SHOULD YOU BUY AMERICAN AMICABLE LIFE INSURANCE?
American Amicable is a legitimate, financially stable life insurance company with more than a century of experience. It’s not a scam, and it pays valid claims.
For most seniors, American Amicable isn’t the strongest choice.
The company’s underwriting rules are strict, which means many people who could qualify for first-day coverage elsewhere end up in a two-year waiting period plan without realizing it.
The rates are also higher than comparable options from Mutual of Omaha, Foresters, or Aetna. That extra cost might seem small each month, but over time it adds up.
Paying more for a policy that pays less doesn’t make sense for most families.
If you’re in moderately poor to fair or good health, there are better choices.
To compare your real first-day coverage options, call 888-862-9456 or visit www.FEXGUY.com. You’ll see exactly what you qualify for before spending a penny.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: AMERICAN AMICABLE LIFE INSURANCE
Is American Amicable legit for life insurance?
Yes. American Amicable Life Insurance Company is a legitimate, state-regulated life insurer founded in 1910 and headquartered in Waco, Texas. It operates under the supervision of each state’s Department of Insurance and adheres to the consumer protection standards established by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). The company’s A (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best confirms it has the financial resources to pay valid claims.
Even though it’s legitimate, American Amicable often charges higher premiums than competitors offering the same type of coverage. For most people, it makes more sense to work with an independent expert like the Final Expense Guy, who can compare multiple A-rated insurers and help you qualify for first-day coverage at a better price.
Is American Amicable a reputable company?
American Amicable is financially reputable and legally compliant, backed by iA Financial Group, one of Canada’s largest insurance corporations. The company maintains an A (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best, showing strong financial stability. However, its customer reputation is mixed.
The NAIC Complaint Index lists American Amicable as receiving more complaints than the average insurer of its size. Many customer issues involve unclear waiting periods, confusion over downgraded policies, and delayed service. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) gives the company an A+ rating but notes several unresolved communication complaints.
Financial strength and legal standing make American Amicable reputable in solvency, but its customer experience is less consistent. Independent carriers such as Aetna, Family Benefit Life, or Trinity Life generally deliver faster claims service and lower costs through brokers like the Final Expense Guy.
Who owns American Amicable?
American Amicable is owned by Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. (iA Financial Group), a publicly traded Canadian insurance company headquartered in Québec. iA Financial Group acquired American Amicable in 2010, giving it access to greater financial resources and reinsurance support.
Although iA is a Canadian parent company, American Amicable’s operations and regulatory oversight remain under U.S. jurisdiction. Policies are still governed by U.S. state insurance departments and the NAIC, ensuring American Amicable complies with American consumer protection laws.
How do I contact American Amicable life insurance?
American Amicable’s corporate office is located in Waco, Texas, and its official website lists customer service options for policyholders. The company provides phone, email, and mail contact information directly on its site. Exact contact details are publicly available on the company’s official domain at www.americanamicable.com.
For faster and more personalized help, especially if you’re comparing rates, applying for coverage, or canceling a policy, the Final Expense Guy can assist directly at 888-862-9456 or through www.FEXGUY.com.
What is the lawsuit against American Income Life?
American Income Life is a separate company owned by Globe Life Inc. It is not the same entity as American Amicable. Public court filings show that American Income Life has faced multiple lawsuits over employment practices and commission structures, but none of those are directed against American Amicable.
There are no major active lawsuits publicly listed against American Amicable Life Insurance Company itself. Consumers can verify this through the NAIC Consumer Information Source or the Texas Department of Insurance database, which lists disciplinary actions and legal settlements for licensed insurers.
How to cancel American Amicable life insurance?
Policyholders can cancel American Amicable life insurance by contacting the company’s customer service department in writing or by phone. Because the company does not publish specific cancellation instructions on its website, you must request cancellation directly through their service team.
If the policy was purchased through a call center or independent agent, it’s important to confirm the agent is licensed and authorized to process cancellations. For clients who want to replace or upgrade their policy, the Final Expense Guy can help you compare better options with first-day coverage before you cancel so your protection never lapses.
What is the phone number for American Amicable life insurance?
The official customer service phone number for American Amicable Life Insurance Company is published on the company’s website at www.americanamicable.com. That’s the most reliable and publicly verified source for current contact information.
If you’re having trouble reaching them or want help reviewing your existing coverage before calling, you can speak directly with the Final Expense Guy at 888-862-9456 for no-cost guidance.
How much did the American-Amicable lawsuit pay out?
There are no publicly available records confirming a specific payout amount tied to any American Amicable lawsuit. While the company has been named in individual civil cases over the years, no verified source or regulatory filing shows a class-action settlement or large-scale payout currently in effect.
If you see online references claiming a specific lawsuit payout amount, be cautious, as they’re not verified by court or regulator databases. Always check the NAIC Consumer Information Source or your state’s Department of Insurance for accurate, up-to-date complaint and enforcement history.
For those who simply want to make sure their own coverage is with a reliable, transparent carrier, the Final Expense Guy can review your current plan and show legitimate first-day coverage options from proven A-rated companies.
