Securian Financial Enhances VUL Defender for Modern Insurance Needs

Securian Financial has enhanced its VUL Defender, a variable universal life insurance product, by boosting cash value potential and investment flexibility, enhancing underwriting practices, and improving digital capabilities and policy servicing.

This strategic update reflects the industry's wider push for modernization and aligns with evolving customer expectations. The enhancements include competitive premiums, a reliable guaranteed death benefit, and the introduction of an optional No-Lapse Guarantee Agreement (NLGA) designed to maintain coverage up to age 100 and beyond. These features cater to the needs of policyholders anticipating longer life expectancies.

Optimized Investment Options and Protections

The updated VUL Defender features over 75 investment options, providing policyholders with exceptional flexibility. Importantly, these options come without restrictions under the NLGA, allowing for robust asset allocation that can be tailored to meet diverse financial goals. Additionally, optional protections for terminal illness, chronic illness, and long-term care offer further security, a response to consumer demand for comprehensive life insurance solutions.

• Optional No-Lapse Guarantee Agreement: Supports coverage beyond traditional spans.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Includes protections for terminal, chronic illness, and long-term care.
• Investment Flexibility: Access to over 75 unrestricted investment allocations.
• Digital Enhancements: Streamlined underwriting and policy servicing reflect tech-driven industry evolution.

Continued Focus on Long-term Value

Originally launched in 2015, the VUL Defender initially emphasized a strong guaranteed death benefit. These latest enhancements build on that foundation by expanding investment choices and increasing cash value potential. The emphasis on long-term value reflects Securian Financial's commitment to providing a versatile product that adapts to modern client needs.

Alignment with Industry Trends

While Securian Financial's announcement did not explicitly mention artificial intelligence (AI), advancements in underwriting and digital capabilities highlight how the insurance sector increasingly leverages technology to optimize efficiency. These digital improvements aim to reduce administrative burdens and enhance client-advisor interactions, a trend gaining momentum across the industry.

Securian Financial's Long-standing Market Presence

Serving millions since its inception over 145 years ago, Securian Financial provides services throughout the US and Canada. The company collaborates with employers, financial professionals, and affinity groups, with the updated VUL Defender offered in most US jurisdictions, excluding California and Connecticut. The issuance of this product involves Minnesota Life Insurance Company in states excluding New York, where Securian Life Insurance Company handles it.

Ben Roth, head of life and annuity product development at Securian Financial, emphasized the importance of evolving planning strategies considering increasing life expectancies. The VUL Defender’s improvements aim to fortify long-term value and flexibility, ensuring that both financial professionals and clients can respond to modern insurance needs effectively without the threat of unexpected coverage lapses.