Nationwide vs Symetra Life Insurance Company
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
Symetra Life Insurance Company
Founded: 1957
Bellevue, Washington
Assets
$58+ billion
IUL Experience
10+ years
Products
3
Avg Cap Rate
9.5%
Key Strengths
May 2023: higher caps, participation rates, bonuses; lower premiums
Fastest approvals: 18-25 minutes
Cancer Care Compass Rider (multi-cancer detection)
2% lookback guarantee (Accumulator)
GoodLife rewards for healthy lifestyle
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Nationwide | Symetra Life Insurance Company |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1926 | 1957 |
| Headquarters | Columbus, Ohio | Bellevue, Washington |
| Assets Under Management | $140 billion | $58+ billion |
| Years in IUL Business | 18+ years | 10+ years |
| Number of IUL Products | 4 | 3 |
| Typical Cap Rate Range | 6.00% - 25.00% | 8% - 11% |
| Participation Rates | 250% | 140% |
| Minimum Premium | $5,000 annual | $3,600 annual |
| Issue Ages | 0-85 years | 20-85 (Accumulator/Protector); 20-60 (SwiftProtector) |
| Underwriting Speed | 2-4 weeks standard | SwiftProtector 18-25 minutes; SwiftTerm 18 minutes |