Life insurance you can apply for tonight, from your couch.
Answer a set of health and lifestyle questions online, see your own price before you commit, and get a decision — often within minutes. Many applicants qualify with no medical exam.
Applications contain certain health questions. Your answers determine eligibility and price, and some applicants are asked for additional information before a decision.
Three steps, all online
See your estimated price
Enter a few basics — age, ZIP code, tobacco use, and the coverage you're considering — and see an estimated monthly price before you fill out anything else.
Complete the application
Answer the health questions yourself, in your own words. You'll pick a term length (commonly 10 to 30 years) and name your beneficiaries. Nothing is submitted until you say so.
Get a decision
Many applicants receive a decision right away. If the carrier needs more information, they'll tell you what's needed. Once approved and paid, coverage is in force.
How much coverage should you apply for?
A common starting point: replace your income for the years your family depends on it, clear the debts you'd leave behind, and subtract what you already have. Move the sliders to see a rounded figure.
- Income replacement
- $1,275,000
- Debts
- $350,000
- Education
- $100,000
- Less existing coverage
- −$100,000
Term length to consider: 20 years — long enough to cover the income-replacement years you chose.
Rounded to the nearest $50,000. This is a planning guide, not a recommendation or a quote — your actual price depends on age, health, term length, and the amount you choose, and you'll see it during the application.
Apply with this amount in mindGood fit for the online application — and when to call me instead
The online application usually suits you if
- You want term coverage — a set number of years at a level price.
- You're roughly 20 to 65 and in generally good health.
- You'd rather not schedule an exam, a phone interview, or an office visit.
- You want to compare the price yourself before deciding.
Let's talk first if
- You have a significant health history — I can help you choose the right carrier before you apply anywhere.
- You need permanent coverage (whole or universal life) or a policy for a business or estate plan.
- You've been declined before.
- You just want a second opinion. There's no charge for a conversation.
Email me and I'll reply personally.
Short answers to the questions people ask before they apply
Term life insurance in California: the plain guide
Free-look period, contestability, the state guarantee association, taxes, beneficiaries · 11 min · Start hereHow much term life does a new parent need?
A four-number method, with the reasoning · 6 minTerm vs. whole life, in plain English
Different tools for different jobs · 7 minWhat the health questions actually ask
Every category, and what gets checked · 6 minIs the life insurance you get through work enough?
Three limits of group coverage · 5 minBefore you start
Do I need a medical exam?
Many applicants do not. The application contains health questions, and the carrier may check prescription history and other records with your permission. Depending on your answers and the amount you request, some applicants are asked to complete an exam or provide more information.
What is term life insurance?
Coverage for a set period — commonly 10, 15, 20, or 30 years — at a level monthly price. If you die during the term, your beneficiaries receive the death benefit, generally income-tax-free. If the term ends, coverage ends unless you renew or convert, if your policy allows it.
How much does it cost?
It depends on your age, health, tobacco use, the amount of coverage, and the term length, so I won't publish a number that may not apply to you. The application shows you your own estimated price before you commit, and the final price before your policy goes in force.
What does the agent do if I apply myself?
I'm the licensed agent of record. I can see where your application stands, answer questions, and help if something gets stuck — but you answer the application questions yourself, in your own words. I'm compensated by the carrier if a policy is issued; it doesn't change the price you pay.
Can I change my mind?
Yes. Policies issued in California include a free-look period after delivery during which you can cancel for a full refund of premium paid. You can also cancel a term policy at any time after that; you simply stop being covered.
What if I'm declined, or asked to take an exam?
It happens, and it isn't the end of the road. Carriers weigh health history differently, so a "no" or an exam request from one is often a "yes" from another. If that happens, email me before applying anywhere else and I'll help you pick the right carrier the second time. That part is the actual job of an agent.
What happens to my information?
This page doesn't collect any personal information. Your application answers go directly to the application platform and the issuing carrier, under their privacy policies, and are used for underwriting. I can see the status of your application so I can step in if it stalls.
Who actually issues the policy?
The application is completed through the Ethos online platform, and the policy is issued by one of the licensed insurance carriers Ethos works with. Your policy documents will name the carrier, which is the company that holds the obligation to pay your beneficiaries.
Johnathan Shelton
I'm an independent life insurance agent licensed by the California Department of Insurance. I built this page for people who want straightforward term coverage without a sales call — and who'd like a real, licensed person to reach if a question comes up.
If you'd rather talk it through before applying, email me. No pressure, no follow-up calls unless you ask for them.