The Manhattan Life Insurance
ManhattanLife is a privately held Houston-based insurance carrier founded in 1850 that underwrites supplemental health, life, annuity, and Medicare supplement products for individuals, families, seniors, and employers across at least 29 U.S. states.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1850
- HeadquartersHouston, United States
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What The Manhattan Life Insurance does
The Manhattan Life Insurance Company, operating commercially as ManhattanLife, is a privately held U.S. insurance carrier founded in 1850 and headquartered in Houston, Texas. The company underwrites and distributes a diversified portfolio of supplemental health insurance, life insurance, annuities, Medicare supplement plans, mortgage protection, and short-term disability products through six legal entities including Manhattan Life Insurance Company, ManhattanLife Insurance and Annuity Company, Western United Life Assurance Company, and Standard Life and Casualty Insurance Company. It serves three primary customer segments: individuals, families and seniors seeking supplemental health, life, and retirement income products; employers of all sizes purchasing voluntary group benefits; and homeowners purchasing mortgage protection, with all distribution conducted domestically across at least 29 U.S. states.
ManhattanLife generates revenue primarily through recurring insurance premiums collected on a monthly or annual basis across its product lines, with annuity premiums structured as annual single-premium or flex-premium contracts. Distribution is executed through a hybrid go-to-market model: an independent producer and agent network handles the majority of sales, a direct-to-consumer website (manhattanlife.com) supports policy research, agent contact, and self-service, and a direct employer sales motion targets voluntary benefits at small, mid-market, and large national employers. The technology stack is a conventional insurance administration platform with dedicated policyholder, provider, and producer portals, an iOS/Android Easy Upload mobile app for document submission, and a separate mortgage lending portal supporting commercial real estate loan origination. Pricing is quote-based on age, health, coverage amount, and product type, with no public rate-card disclosure.
The company is owned and controlled by the Harris family through Central United Life Insurance Company; David Harris fully acquired Manhattan Life in 2000 and relocated the corporate office to Houston, and Tyler Harris was promoted to President in April 2022. The company has grown through acquisitions including Western United Life Assurance (2013), Humana Workplace Voluntary Benefits and Financial Protection Plan lines (2018), and Standard Life and Casualty (2020), and unified the family of companies under the ManhattanLife brand in 2018. It carries an A (Exceptional) Financial Stability Rating and a BBB A+ accreditation, and celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2025.
The Manhattan Life Insurance firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Manhattan Life Insurance
- Legal name
- Manhattan Life Insurance Company
- Website
- https://manhattanlife.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1850
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- ManhattanLife is a privately held Houston-based insurance carrier founded in 1850 that underwrites supplemental health, life, annuity, and Medicare supplement products for individuals, families, seniors, and employers across at least 29 U.S. states.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Manhattan Life Insurance industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Life Insurance & Annuities
- NAICS
- Direct Life Insurance Carriers (524113), Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers (524114), Insurance Carriers and Related Activities (524)
- SIC
- Life Insurance (6311), Accident & Health Insurance (6321)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Large Group Health Insurance (Mid-Market & National Accounts) (FSAIAFAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Supplemental/Voluntary Group Term Life (Employee-Paid) (FSAIADAB), Group Whole Life (Limited/Continuous Pay) (FSAIADAE)
Keywords
Where The Manhattan Life Insurance is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Houston
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
The Manhattan Life Insurance business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Life Insurance Premiums: Recurring premium payments from whole life insurance policies providing permanent coverage with fixed premiums and cash value accumulation. Also includes term life and group universal life products offered to employers.
- Supplemental Health Insurance Premiums: Premium revenue from supplemental health products including accident, cancer, heart attack & stroke, dental/vision/hearing, hospital indemnity, home health care, short-term care, and out-of-pocket (GAP) coverage.
- Annuity Products: Revenue from multi-year guarantee annuities (MYGAs) and fixed index annuities (FIAs). Annuities provide growth potential, income security, and retirement planning solutions. Premiums are invested with returns distributed to annuitants over time.
- Medicare Supplement Plans: Medicare supplement insurance products that help cover costs not paid by original Medicare, including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
- Mortgage Protection: Insurance products that pay off mortgage balances in the event of death or disability, protecting homeowners and their families.
- Employer Group Products: Voluntary benefits sold to employers including accident, critical illness, hospitalization, life insurance, and short-term disability coverage.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Individual Life Insurance - Whole Life |
| Subscription | Monthly | Supplemental Health Products |
| Subscription | Annual | Annuities - MYGAs and Fixed Index Annuities |
| Subscription | Monthly | Employer Group Voluntary Benefits |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
The Manhattan Life Insurance product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ManhattanLife is a private insurance holding company that underwrites and distributes supplemental health insurance (accident, cancer/heart/stroke, dental/vision/hearing, hospital indemnity, home health care, short-term care, out-of-pocket/GAP), life insurance (whole life, term life, group universal life), annuities (multi-year guarantee annuities and fixed index annuities), Medicare supplement plans, and employer group voluntary benefits. Products are sold to individuals, families, and seniors through independent agents and direct-to-consumer channels, and to employers of all sizes for group voluntary benefits.
Product overview
ManhattanLife operates as a diversified insurance and annuity company offering a comprehensive portfolio of supplemental health and life insurance products. The portfolio is organized around three core customer segments: Individuals, Seniors & Families; Employers (voluntary benefits); and Annuities. The supplemental health insurance offerings include Accident, Cancer/Heart Attack & Stroke, Dental/Vision/Hearing, Home Health Care, Hospital Indemnity (including Affordable Choice), Out-of-Pocket (GAP), and Short-Term Care. Life insurance products span Whole Life, Term Life, and Group Universal Life. Annuity products include Multi-Year Guarantee Annuities (MYGAs) and Fixed Index Annuities (FIAs). Additional offerings include Medicare Supplement plans, Mortgage Protection, and Critical Illness coverage. The company serves as a holding company for multiple subsidiaries including ManhattanLife Assurance Company of America, Western United Life Assurance Company, Standard Life and Casualty Insurance Company, and Family Life Insurance Company. The portfolio was built through strategic acquisitions including Central United Life Insurance (1993), Western United Life (2013), Humana Voluntary Benefits (2018), and Standard Life and Casualty (2020), with the unified ManhattanLife brand established in 2018.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Affordable Choice: Hospital Indemnity plan providing coverage for hospital visits, urgent care, ER visits, surgeries, and ambulance services with no deductible
- PAID (Personal Accident Indemnity Delivery)
- Accident Indemnity Plus
Products and services
- Accident Insurance Individual and employer supplemental accident coverage providing financial protection after unexpected injuries, covering out-of-pocket expenses that major medical insurance may not fully cover.
- Cancer, Heart Attack & Stroke (Dread Disease) Insurance Supplemental coverage providing lump-sum benefits for cancer, heart attack, stroke, and dread disease conditions to help manage financial consequences beyond traditional health insurance.
- Dental, Vision & Hearing Insurance Combined coverage for dental, vision, and hearing needs with guaranteed issue for ages 18-85 and guaranteed renewable for life, with no provider networks and choice of providers.
- Home Health Care Insurance Coverage providing flexibility and financial support for recovering at home, covering services not typically included in traditional health plans.
- Hospital Indemnity Insurance Supplemental hospital coverage that pays benefits directly to policyholders to address costs associated with inpatient care, including hospital stays, ER visits, surgeries, and ambulance services.
- Out-of-Pocket (GAP) Insurance Coverage helping bridge financial exposure from out-of-pocket costs associated with hospital stays, reducing exposure to unexpected medical bills.
- Short-Term Care Insurance Affordable insurance plan offering flexibility, customization, and simplified underwriting for short-term care needs.
- Whole Life Insurance Permanent life insurance with fixed premiums and potential to accumulate cash value over time, covering expenses such as funeral costs, mortgages, and long-term family needs.
- Term Life Insurance Life insurance providing coverage for a specific period (10 to 30 years), commonly chosen for temporary needs such as income replacement or mortgage protection.
- Group Universal Life Insurance Permanent coverage available through employer-sponsored plans with flexible premiums, adjustable benefits, cash value features, and optional riders.
- Multi-Year Guarantee Annuities (MYGAs) Annuity products with guaranteed interest rates for specified terms, offering growth potential and income security for retirement planning.
- Fixed Index Annuities (FIAs) Annuities with interest linked to market index performance while providing downside protection, offering income security and retirement planning options.
- Medicare Supplement Plans Supplemental insurance designed to fill gaps in traditional Medicare coverage for seniors, providing additional financial protection for healthcare costs including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
- Short-Term Disability Insurance Employer group product providing income replacement for employees unable to work due to temporary disability.
- Mortgage Protection Insurance Coverage protecting homeowners by paying mortgage payments in case of death or disability, ensuring family can remain in their home.
- Critical Illness and Cancer (Employer Voluntary Benefit) Employer voluntary benefit providing lump-sum benefits for critical illness and cancer diagnoses.
- Employer Accident Insurance Employer group accident insurance providing financial protection for employees after unexpected injuries.
- Employer Hospitalization Benefits Employer group hospitalization coverage providing supplemental hospital benefits to employees.
- Personal Accident Indemnity Delivery (PAID) Individual accident plan with both 24-Hour and Off-the-Job Only options, covering hospital admission (up to $1,000), fractures (up to $5,000), burns (up to $10,000), emergency dental, ambulance, and ER treatment. Guaranteed Renewable until age 70 for ages 18-64.
- Ancillary Benefits Supplemental benefits for individuals including various coverage options to complement primary insurance.
- Commercial Real Estate Mortgage Lending Commercial real estate loans originated through the ManhattanLife Mortgage Lending Team, based in Houston, Texas.
Companies that use The Manhattan Life Insurance
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
The Manhattan Life Insurance technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
The Manhattan Life Insurance partnerships and signals
Strategic signalScale indicators5 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
The Manhattan Life Insurance competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Globe Life: Supplemental health and life insurer serving middle-income American families through independent agents. Directly comparable distribution model, target customer, and product mix (whole life, accident, cancer) to ManhattanLife.
- CNO Financial Group (Bankers Life): Mid-market insurer focused on supplemental health, Medicare supplement, and annuities distributed to middle-income consumers and seniors through captive and independent agents. Closely comparable to ManhattanLife's senior-skewed product set.
- National Western Life Insurance Group: Privately controlled life insurance and annuity carrier focused on whole life, term, and annuities for niche markets. Comparable in private-ownership structure, product mix (life + annuities), and target customer profile.
- American Equity Investment Life Insurance: Specialty annuity writer focused on MYGAs and fixed-index annuities with strong independent-producer distribution. Direct comparison for ManhattanLife's annuity block and channel strategy.
- Sammons Financial Group (North American Company): Privately held insurance holding company selling life, annuities, and supplemental health through independent producers. Closely aligned business model and product portfolio to ManhattanLife.
- Fidelity & Guaranty Life (FGL Holdings): Insurance holding company focused on annuity and life products distributed through independent agents and broker-dealers. Comparable product mix (FIAs, MYGAs, life) and independent channel orientation.
- Security Benefit: Privately owned insurance and retirement provider offering annuities and life insurance through financial professionals. Analogous mid-sized private player with overlapping product categories and distribution model.
Broad incumbents
- AFLAC: Largest U.S. supplemental health insurer (cancer, accident, hospital indemnity) sold primarily through employer payroll-deduction via independent brokers. Closest large-scale analog to ManhattanLife's supplemental health portfolio, though materially larger.
- Transamerica: Large diversified life, annuity, and supplemental health carrier with broad independent-advisor distribution. Overlaps with ManhattanLife across life, supplemental health, and retirement income products.
- Lincoln Financial Group: Major U.S. carrier in life insurance, annuities (fixed and variable), and group benefits. Comparable across life, annuity, and employer group voluntary benefits segments, though at substantially larger scale.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Manhattan Life Insurance social profiles
Digital presenceThe Manhattan Life Insurance compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
The Manhattan Life Insurance financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Manhattan Life Insurance leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
The Manhattan Life Insurance subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries7 records
The Manhattan Life Insurance funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Manhattan Life Insurance M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Manhattan Life Insurance
What does The Manhattan Life Insurance do?
ManhattanLife is a private insurance holding company that underwrites and distributes supplemental health insurance (accident, cancer/heart/stroke, dental/vision/hearing, hospital indemnity, home health care, short-term care, out-of-pocket/GAP), life insurance (whole life, term life, group universal life), annuities (multi-year guarantee annuities and fixed index annuities), Medicare supplement plans, and employer group voluntary benefits. Products are sold to individuals, families, and seniors through independent agents and direct-to-consumer channels, and to employers of all sizes for group voluntary benefits.
Is The Manhattan Life Insurance a public or private company?
The Manhattan Life Insurance is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was The Manhattan Life Insurance founded?
The Manhattan Life Insurance was founded in 1850. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is The Manhattan Life Insurance based?
The Manhattan Life Insurance is headquartered in Houston, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Manhattan Life Insurance make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Life Insurance Premiums are the primary driver. The others are supplemental Health Insurance Premiums, annuity Products, medicare Supplement Plans, mortgage Protection and employer Group Products.
Who are The Manhattan Life Insurance's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Globe Life, CNO Financial Group (Bankers Life), National Western Life Insurance Group, American Equity Investment Life Insurance, Sammons Financial Group (North American Company), Fidelity & Guaranty Life (FGL Holdings) and Security Benefit. Broad incumbents are AFLAC, Transamerica and Lincoln Financial Group.
Does The Manhattan Life Insurance have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Manhattan Life Insurance.
What industry is The Manhattan Life Insurance in?
The Manhattan Life Insurance's product category is Life Insurance & Annuities. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSAIAFAE, Large Group Health Insurance (Mid-Market & National Accounts), with a secondary code of FSAIADAB, Supplemental/Voluntary Group Term Life (Employee-Paid). Its NAICS code is 524113 and its SIC code is 6311.