When I bought my first life insurance policy, I was lost in a sea of jargon—whole life, term, endowment, and then this one that stood out: VUL. Variable Universal Life Insurance. It sounded complicated at first, but also… promising. I wanted something that didn’t just protect my family but also helped me grow my savings. So, I started hunting for the best VUL insurance I could find. If you’re reading this, you’re probably on the same path—scrolling through articles late at night, comparing premiums, wondering which plan is truly worth your hard-earned money. The good news? Finding the right policy isn’t about luck or guesswork. It’s about understanding what “best” actually means for you.

What Makes a VUL Policy the “Best”?

Many people assume the best VUL insurance is the one that gives the highest returns or charges the lowest premiums. But that’s not always true. The right plan depends on your life goals, income stability, and comfort with investment risk. When I was choosing mine, I wasn’t chasing the cheapest option—I was searching for balance. I wanted steady fund growth, strong life protection, and a company I could trust to still exist decades from now. Your version of “best” might look different, and that’s perfectly fine.

1. Start With Your “Why”

Before getting into the numbers and benefits, pause and ask yourself: Why are you getting VUL insurance?

• Is it for your family’s financial safety if something happens to you?
• Do you want to grow wealth for retirement or your child’s college fund?
• Or maybe you’re after tax advantages or estate planning benefits?

Your “why” determines what you should prioritize. For example, if your goal is long-term investment, focus on policies with solid fund performance. If protection matters most, pick a plan with robust coverage and flexible riders.

2. Check the Company’s Reputation

This might sound basic, but choosing a financially stable insurer can make all the difference. You want a provider that’s built to last—one that can pay claims decades from now. Look for:

• Strong financial ratings (from AM Best, Fitch, or S&P Global)
• Years of proven experience in both life insurance and investments
• Good standing with local regulators and insurance commissions
• Real customer feedback from people who’ve held policies long-term

I chose a company with over a century of experience. That kind of longevity gave me confidence that they’d still be there when my family needed them most.

3. Compare Fund Performance and Investment Options

Here’s where many people get overwhelmed. With VUL insurance, part of your premium is invested in sub-funds—like mutual funds—that can grow over time. But not all funds are managed equally. Some are aggressive, others are more conservative. Here’s what I personally looked at before deciding:

• Historical returns over 5–10 years (not just short-term spikes)
• How the fund performs during market downturns
• Types of funds offered (local vs. global, equity vs. bond)
• Whether I could switch funds easily and for free

If you’re not comfortable with investments, choose a company that offers guided fund management. But if you enjoy managing your money hands-on, look for a policy that gives you full control.

4. Understand the Fees—They Add Up

Even the best VUL insurance plan can disappoint if you don’t understand its fees. Some people get frustrated years later when they realize a chunk of their payments went to charges they didn’t expect. So, always ask about:

• Insurance and administrative fees
• Fund management costs
• Surrender or withdrawal penalties
• Charges for switching funds

A good advisor will explain these clearly and provide an illustration of how they affect your returns over time. If an agent avoids these questions or rushes you, that’s a red flag.

5. Look Into Riders and Policy Flexibility

What sets VUL apart from traditional life insurance is flexibility. You can adjust your premiums, tweak your coverage, and even access your cash value if needed. Riders (add-ons) are also worth considering:

• Critical illness coverage
• Accidental death benefit
• Waiver of premium
• Hospital income protection

When I bought my policy, I added a critical illness rider. The extra cost was minimal, but it gave me comfort knowing I’d have financial help if I ever got seriously ill.

6. Work With a Licensed and Ethical Advisor

Finding the best VUL insurance doesn’t mean doing it all alone. A trusted advisor can help you interpret policy details, compare options, and identify which one fits your lifestyle best. But—and this is important—beware of agents who seem more interested in commissions than your needs. A good advisor will take time to understand your goals, explain trade-offs honestly, and never pressure you into a decision. It’s your policy, your money, your choice.

7. Redefine “Best” Based on Your Life

The best VUL insurance isn’t about perfection—it’s about fit. Your priorities will evolve as life changes. What makes sense in your 20s might not in your 40s. Choose a policy that can grow with you and adapt to different stages of your financial journey. When I signed up, my “best” meant growth and flexibility. A few years later, it meant security and family protection. And that’s what VUL does best—it adjusts when you do.

Disclosure

Disclosure: Terms, fund performance, and benefits of VUL insurance vary by company, region, and product type. Always review the policy documents and consult a licensed financial advisor before committing. Investment growth is not guaranteed and depends on market performance.

Your Best VUL Policy Is the One That Fits You

The truth is, there’s no single “best” VUL insurance for everyone. What matters most is that your policy feels right for your goals and gives you peace of mind. Don’t rush into it. Take time to compare, ask questions, and visualize how the plan fits into your future. When you find one that aligns with your lifestyle, you’ll know—it just feels right. It won’t be about chasing the highest return or the lowest premium. It’ll be about security, growth, and confidence that you’re building something meaningful for your future. If you’re ready to explore smart ways to build wealth while protecting your family, learn more about Variable Universal Life Insurance and how it can complement long-term savings tools like Roth IRAs, 529 Plans, and 401(k) accounts. These plans work together to strengthen your financial foundation and prepare you for life’s uncertainties. Take a few minutes today to request an insurance quote. The best time to build your financial safety net isn’t someday—it’s now.