Hi guys,

I am currently in the market for a 30-year term life insurance policy for my spouse. She has been approved for three different options, and I am having a hard time deciding:

1. Transamerica Trendsetter LB (Includes Chronic, Critical, and Terminal Illness living benefit riders)
2. Corebridge QoL (Quality of Life) (Includes Chronic, Critical, and Terminal Illness living benefit riders)
3. Prudential Essential Value Plus (Traditional policy, only includes a standard accelerated death benefit)

The Dilemma: Living Benefits vs. Financial Strength

The living benefits on the Transamerica and Corebridge policies sound incredibly attractive because it feels like you are getting much more comprehensive coverage. However, I spoke with another agent who claimed that living benefits are mostly a "marketing gimmick."

According to him:

• These claims are notoriously difficult to get approved.
• The insurance companies might significantly reduce or cancel the remaining death benefit after a payout because life expectancy has dropped, meaning you lose a major portion of your original coverage value.
• He strongly advised against mixing critical illness coverage with a standard life insurance policy.

Company Reputations & Ratings

Furthermore, the agent gave me pretty negative feedback about Transamerica. I did some independent research and found very mixed reviews—lots of complaints about poor customer service and a frustrating requirement that any policy changes must go through an agent rather than being handled directly online.

There is also a difference in financial strength. Prudential holds an "A+" AM Best rating, whereas Transamerica and Corebridge hold an "A" rating.

My Questions for the Group:

Prudential feels like a "no-brainer" if I want a rock-solid, highly rated, traditional policy. But the added perks of the other two are making me second-guess myself.

1. Should I prioritize the peace of mind that comes with living benefits, or stick to a highly-rated, simple traditional policy?
2. Does anyone have actual experience filing a living benefits claim with Transamerica or Corebridge? How smooth (or difficult) was the process?
3. Is Transamerica's customer service really as bad as the online reviews say?

I would incredibly appreciate any insight or advice you can share!