Great Western Insurance Company Review: Policies, Claims, and the Wellabe Transition

Discover everything you need to know about Great Western Insurance Company. Read our complete review covering policies, the claims process, and Wellabe updates.

Quick Summary

Great Western Insurance Company has long been a recognized name in the final expense and preneed funeral insurance market. Originally based in Ogden, Utah, the company underwent a major transition when it was acquired and eventually rebranded under the name Wellabe in 2023. While traditional Great Western life insurance options and annuities are no longer offered to new applicants as of 2024, the company still services existing policies and continues to provide preneed funeral insurance through the Wellabe brand. This comprehensive guide covers everything from the company’s history and current product offerings to their customer service details, claims process, and financial ratings, helping you understand exactly where Great Western stands today.

Table of Contents

Great Western Insurance Company Overview

Company History and Background

Founded in 1983, Great Western Insurance Company began its journey in Ogden, Utah. Established by John E. Lindquist, whose family has deep roots in the funeral industry, the company originally focused on providing reliable preneed and burial insurance. Over the decades, it grew significantly. If you search for the Great Western Insurance Company address, you will find their historic ties to Ogden, Utah, though their corporate structure has since evolved.

In 2018, a major shift occurred when the company was acquired by the American Enterprise Group. Later, in 2023, a significant rebranding took place. The Great Western Insurance Company Wellabe transition merged several insurance subsidiaries under one unified brand. Today, Wellabe continues the legacy of Great Western by providing robust insurance solutions focused on health and end-of-life planning.

Financial Strength and Ratings

When evaluating any insurance provider, financial stability is crucial. Great Western, operating under Wellabe, maintains strong financial health. The parent company consistently receives an “A” rating from AM Best, a highly respected credit rating agency in the insurance sector. This rating indicates a strong ability to meet ongoing financial obligations and pay out claims to policyholders.

Customer Service and Support

Navigating insurance questions requires accessible customer support. For existing policyholders looking for the Great Western Insurance Company phone number, customer service can be reached through Wellabe’s main support channels. Policyholders frequently search for the Great Western Insurance Company customer service email and operating hours to manage their accounts. For direct management, the Great Western insurance login portal allows users to view policy details, update beneficiary information, and download necessary documents.

If you are exploring other types of insurance to round out your financial portfolio, such as vehicle protection, you can explore our recent Custom Motorcycle Insurance Guide for insights on specialty coverage.

Great Western Insurance Company Products

Final Expense and Preneed Insurance

Historically, Great Western offered a variety of life insurance options, including traditional whole life and final expense insurance. However, as of 2024, they transitioned away from offering new traditional life insurance policies. Instead, the focus has entirely shifted to preneed funeral insurance. This product allows individuals to plan and fund their funeral expenses in advance, removing the financial burden from surviving family members.

Health Insurance Plans and Annuities

While the GWIC brand was known for end-of-life planning, the transition to Wellabe brought a broader range of products. Today, customers can access Medicare Supplement insurance, hospital indemnity plans, and short-term care insurance. These health insurance plans are designed to fill the gaps left by traditional health coverage.

Policyholder Benefits

The main benefit for policyholders is peace of mind. Knowing that funeral costs are locked in and funded protects families from inflation and unexpected expenses during a difficult time.

Great Western Insurance Reviews and Testimonials

Customer Reviews and Consumer Reports

When looking at Great Western Insurance Company reviews and consumer reports, the feedback highlights their strong customer service record, as evidenced by an excellent NAIC rating of 0.41. Many common compliments highlight the ease of setting up preneed plans directly with funeral homes.

On the other hand, common complaints often relate to the fact that they discontinued their popular burial insurance lines in 2024. However, the company maintains a strong track record of resolving issues. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the parent company maintains an A+ rating for their commitment to resolving consumer complaints, though their aggregate customer review score is lower at 1.67 out of 5.

Comparison with Other Insurance Companies

Compared to competitors, Great Western (Wellabe) stands out in the niche market of preneed insurance. While other companies might offer broader term life policies, Great Western’s deep integration with funeral homes makes their specific product highly efficient for final expense planning.

How to Apply for a Policy with Great Western Insurance

Application Process Overview and Eligibility Criteria

Applying for a preneed policy is typically done in coordination with a local funeral home that partners with the company. The eligibility criteria are generally very relaxed, as these policies are designed for adults looking to secure end-of-life arrangements. For their related health products under Wellabe, eligibility ages typically range from 40 to 89.

Required Documentation and Online Application Steps

To apply, you will need basic identification and a drafted funeral plan outlining your desired services. While you cannot always complete the entire process strictly through an online application without selecting a funeral provider, you can start the process by contacting an agent via the Wellabe website or calling their support line at 866-739-8143 to get a quote and find a local partner.

Great Western Insurance Claims Process

How to File a Claim

The Great Western Insurance claims process is designed to be as seamless as possible for grieving families. If you are wondering how to submit a claim to your insurance company, the first step is to locate the Great Western Insurance Company death claim form. This document is required to initiate the payout to the designated funeral home or beneficiary.

If the policy includes provisions for returning unused funds, you might also need to know how to fill out a reimbursement claim form. A standard reimbursement form looks like a simple document requiring the policy number, the claimant’s information, and an itemized receipt of the services rendered.

Claim Documentation Requirements and Timeline

To process a claim, the company requires a certified copy of the death certificate and the completed claim form. The claim processing timeline is generally swift, often paying out directly to the funeral home within a few business days to ensure services can proceed without financial delay.

Common Reasons for Claim Denials and Tips for Success

Many people ask, “Can a reimbursement claim be denied?” Yes, it can. Common reasons for claim denials include submitting incomplete documentation, lapsing on premium payments before the policy matured, or filing for expenses that are explicitly excluded in the policy language.

The biggest mistake people often make when dealing with an insurance claim is failing to provide a certified death certificate or delaying the notification process. To ensure a successful claim, always double-check your paperwork and maintain open communication with your customer service representative. For more broad information on how insurance industry regulations govern claims, you can review consumer resources provided by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happened to Great Western Insurance Company?

Great Western Insurance Company was acquired by the American Enterprise Group in 2018. In 2023, the parent company rebranded its subsidiaries, merging Great Western into the new brand known as Wellabe. They continue to service existing policies and offer preneed insurance under this new name.

Who owns Great Western Insurance Company?

It is currently owned by the Wellabe Insurance Group (formerly known as the American Enterprise Group), which is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa.

How do I find my old life insurance policy?

If you have an old GWIC policy, you can log into the Great Western insurance login portal through the Wellabe website. Alternatively, you can call their main customer service phone number and provide your personal details to retrieve your policy information.

Which insurance company denies the most claims?

While data varies by year and policy type, large health insurance networks typically have higher denial rates for medical procedures. In the realm of preneed and final expense insurance, companies like Great Western have historically low denial rates, provided the policy was active and the death certificate is submitted correctly.

What not to say when filing a claim?

When filing a claim, avoid guessing or providing speculative information about the circumstances of the passing if you are unsure. Stick strictly to the factual information requested on the death claim form. Providing incorrect statements can delay the claim processing timeline.

Conclusion

Understanding your coverage options with the Great Western Insurance Company requires recognizing their recent evolution into Wellabe. While their historic base was in Ogden, Utah, offering a broad spectrum of burial policies, their modern focus is heavily dedicated to preneed funeral planning and supplemental health products. By familiarizing yourself with their updated claims process, utilizing their customer service tools, and keeping your policy documents organized, you can ensure that your end-of-life planning is secure and ready to support your loved ones when they need it most.