Nationwide vs Ameritas Life
Comprehensive side-by-side comparison of indexed universal life insurance companies
Nationwide
Founded: 1926
Columbus, Ohio
Assets
$140 billion
IUL Experience
18+ years
Products
4
Avg Cap Rate
10.25%
Key Strengths
Fortune 100 company (#72 in 2025)
Pioneer of Volatility Control Index movement
Industry-leading participation rates
Lowest cost of insurance charges in industry
Cap rates reaching 25% on certain strategies
Ameritas Life
Founded: 1887
Lincoln, Nebraska
Assets
$20 billion
IUL Experience
3+ years
Products
4
Avg Cap Rate
9.5%
Key Strengths
Offers 4+ IUL products
Growth IUL, FLX IUL, Ethos IUL (partnership)
Instant underwriting (launched Sept 2023 with Ethos)
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Nationwide | Ameritas Life |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1926 | 1887 |
| Headquarters | Columbus, Ohio | Lincoln, Nebraska |
| Assets Under Management | $140 billion | $20 billion |
| Years in IUL Business | 18+ years | 3+ years |
| Number of IUL Products | 4 | 4 |
| Typical Cap Rate Range | 6.00% - 25.00% | 8% - 11% |
| Participation Rates | 250% | 115% |
| Minimum Premium | $5,000 annual | $3,600 annual |
| Issue Ages | 0-85 years | 0-85 years |
| Underwriting Speed | 2-4 weeks standard | Instant to 3 weeks |