As we move into February, the carrier landscape is defined by aggressive product launches and strategic pricing adjustments. From John Hancock’s new protection-focused IUL to Lincoln’s term reprice, here is the latest news from major national carriers.
John Hancock, Boston, MA
New Launch: Protection IUL 26
Effective January 26, 2026, John Hancock introduced Protection IUL 26. This updated chassis features more competitive pricing and enhanced performance potential.
- SmartStart Segments: Indexed segments can now begin on the date the initial premium is paid, aligning maturity with annual statements for clearer reviews.
- Nasdaq Index Option: Introduces a new Nasdaq Indexed Account featuring a high 14.7% cap.
- Underwriting: John Hancock ExpressTrack® (lab-free) is now available for face amounts up to $5M.
Lincoln Financial, Fort Wayne, IN
Term Pricing Improvements
Effective January 12, 2026, Lincoln announced pricing decreases for LifeElements® Level Term and TermAccel®.
- Targeted Decreases: Premiums dropped approximately 4% on average for ages 45+ at face amounts between $1M and $2.5M.
- High Band Competitiveness: Updates were also made to strengthen Lincoln’s position in the $2.5M to $10M death benefit range.
Coming Soon: Lincoln WealthProtector IUL
Launching February 17, 2026, this product will replace Lincoln WealthPreserve 2 IUL (2020) with a focus on flexible protection.
- No-Lapse Guarantee: Features a base period of the earlier of 15 years or age 90, with an option to extend via the ENLR II rider.
- Value Bonus: Includes a new Guaranteed Policy Value Bonus to enhance long-term accumulation.
Securian Financial, St. Paul, MN
New Hybrid LTC: SecureCare IV
Launching January 26, 2026, SecureCare IV is Securian’s latest hybrid LTC/Whole Life solution.
- Retroactive Benefits: LTC benefits are paid retroactively once the 90-day elimination period is met.
- 20-Pay Option: A new 20-pay premium structure joins the existing single- and short-pay options.
- International Coverage: Clients living abroad can now receive 100% of their monthly LTC benefit.
New York Business Update
As of January 24, 2026, Securian has discontinued accepting life or annuity replacement business in the state of New York.
Nationwide, Columbus, OH
Enhanced IUL Accumulator III
Coming March 7, 2026, Nationwide’s new accumulation-focused IUL will feature:
- Performance Lock: Allows clients to lock in index gains during a segment term.
- Uncapped Nasdaq-100: A new strategy aimed at high-growth potential.
- Rate Increases: Effective March 15, Nationwide will increase most cap and participation rates across both currently sold and closed-block IUL and VUL products to reflect current market conditions.
Prudential, Newark, NJ
Enhanced Survivorship IUL
Prudential launched an enhanced PruLife Survivorship Index UL on January 26, offering improved cash value growth options and floored indexed accounts designed for legacy protection.
MassMutual, Springfield, MA
ALIR Limit Increases
Effective January 1, MassMutual increased limits for the Additional Life Insurance Rider (ALIR). New limits are now 15X base premium for non-1035 exchanges and 25X for 1035 exchanges, capped at a $5 million total premium.
Principal Financial, Des Moines, IA
Product Discontinuations & Reprices
- Reprice: Principal SUL Provider (NY) and UL Flex III were repriced in early January to comply with regulatory requirements.
- Retirement: Principal UL Provider Edge II will be retired and no longer offered in any state as of January 30, 2026.
Pacific Life, Newport Beach, CA
Lynchburg/PL Promise Term Reprice
Effective January 20, 2026, Pacific Life rolled out refreshed pricing for PL Promise Term to increase consistency and competitiveness across all risk classes and terms.
Protective Life, Birmingham, AL
Indexed Choice UL Discontinued
Protective has announced that Indexed Choice UL will no longer be available for new sales after March 9, 2026. Electronic tickets must be submitted by February 21 to meet the transition deadline.
