Nationwide vs Columbus 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
Columbus Life
Founded: 1906
Cincinnati, Ohio
Assets
$45 billion group assets (Western & Southern)
IUL Experience
10+ years
Products
3
Avg Cap Rate
9%
Key Strengths
Offers 3+ IUL products
Indexed Explorer Plus, Indexed Explorer Now (rapid issue), Expedition SIUL (survivorship)
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Nationwide | Columbus Life |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1926 | 1906 |
| Headquarters | Columbus, Ohio | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| Assets Under Management | $140 billion | $45 billion group assets (Western & Southern) |
| Years in IUL Business | 18+ years | 10+ years |
| Number of IUL Products | 4 | 3 |
| Typical Cap Rate Range | 6.00% - 25.00% | 8% - 10% |
| Participation Rates | 250% | 110% |
| Minimum Premium | $5,000 annual | $5,000 annual |
| Issue Ages | 0-85 years | 0-85 years |
| Underwriting Speed | 2-4 weeks standard | 2-4 weeks standard, rapid issue available |