American Heritage Life Insurance Review

American Heritage Life Insurance, which does business as Allstate Benefits since being acquired by the industry giant, is one of the nation’s leading providers of workplace insurance coverage.

Working under the umbrella of the organization that brands itself as the Good Hands people, AHL is customer focused and aims to deliver an array of innovative products and services for groups. 

About American Heritage Life Insurance

American Heritage Life Insurance was founded in 1956 in Jacksonville, Florida, but since being acquired by Allstate in 1998, has conducted business under the marketing name Allstate Benefits. As Allstate Benefits, the company is a leading provider of workplace supplemental, health and life insurance solutions.

It currently provides group coverage for over 4 million individuals through more than 50,000 participating groups, and policies are available in Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C., and every state except New York.

What Life Insurance Products Does American Heritage Life Insurance Offer?

Under the umbrella of Allstate Benefits, American Heritage Life Insurance offers a comprehensive portfolio of group insurance policies, which fall into three main categories: health plans, supplemental coverage and life insurance.

Health Plans

Allstate Benefits primarily offers self-funded group health plans, which are designed to deliver affordable medical coverage to small and mid-sized companies.

These plans have flexible features, which may include prescription benefits, telehealth services and access to national PPO networks, so employers can customize their level of coverage while adhering to their budget.

Texas-based groups may also opt for a more traditional, fully funded plan through Secure Choice. This ACA-compliant coverage offers in- and out-of-network benefits and covers preventative and wellness services. Renewal is guaranteed as long as premiums are paid as contracted.

Supplemental Coverage

AHL sells a wide selection of group supplemental policies. Designed to provide financial protection in the face of unexpected life events, these plans typically provide cash benefits when certain conditions are met.

Depending on the plan, they may pay for treatments, deductibles and household expenses during periods when the covered individual can’t work. Many of AHL's supplemental plans require no waiting periods, and coverage may also be available for spouses or dependent minors.

Available categories of coverage are:

• Accident
• Cancer
• Dental
• Vision
• Legal
• Disability
• Critical illness
• Hospital indemnity
• Identity protection

Some plans may let employers add on optional benefit riders to provide additional coverage.

Life Insurance

Doing business as Allstate Benefits, AHL offers a strong portfolio of group life insurance products as well as riders that employers may add on to enhance workers’ benefits.

Some plans offer guaranteed-issue options, so employees won’t have to answer medical questions or undergo a physical examination before being approved for coverage, and premiums are typically paid through convenient payroll deductions.

Three different types of coverage are available:

• Whole life insurance: Allstate Benefits’ whole life insurance plans offer permanent coverage with fixed premium payments and a guaranteed lump-sum death benefit. With a minimum guaranteed interest rate, these policies build cash value, which policyholders may borrow against as funds accrue.
  
  
• Universal life insurance: Universal life plans are designed to be flexible in the face of changing needs. They feature adjustable death benefits and premiums.
  These policies have an investment component, letting workers build a tax-deferred cash value, which can be borrowed against as funds accrue or accessed through a partial surrender. Beneficiaries receive a lump-sum death benefit if the insured individual dies prior to reaching age 95.
  
  
• Term life insurance: Allstate Benefits’ term life plans provide affordable coverage over a predefined period of time, as set in the contract. These policies, which pay out a lump-sum death benefit if the insured dies during the effective coverage period, may be ideal for individuals who have specific financial needs such as a mortgage or college tuition. Term life coverage is also available for spouses and dependents.

The Pros and Cons of Allstate Health Solutions

Since its acquisition by Allstate in 1998, American Heritage Life Insurance has the distinct advantage of doing business under the umbrella of an industry leader.

The company maintains a comprehensive portfolio of insurance solutions in almost every state, including plenty of optional riders employers can use to customize coverage packages. Additionally, all AHL's policies are portable, so employees can take their coverage with them if they leave their job.  

However, it’s important to note that Allstate Benefits is a group insurance provider and doesn’t sell individual policies. As such, coverage is only available through employers or organizations that provide group benefits.

American Heritage Life Insurance Reviews: What People Are Saying

Reviewers who have supplemental insurance coverage through Allstate Benefits seem to appreciate Allstate’s knowledgeable customer service team. Some reviews also praise the company’s online tools and handy app, which help policyholders keep their coverage information readily available.

However, some reviewers cite negative experiences involving delayed payouts, miscommunications and repeated requests for supporting documentation after filing claims.

Is an American Heritage Life Insurance Policy Right for You?

Employers and organizations seeking group coverage options to offer as part of a comprehensive workplace benefits package may appreciate AHL’s selection of affordable plans.

Because policies are available in 49 states, companies that operate across multiple regions will likely find coverage options suitable for all employees, and optional riders let workers customize coverage to suit their unique needs.