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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. The company was acquired by American Enterprise Group in 2018, and that parent company renamed itself Wellabe in 2023. Great Western Insurance Company did not disappear: Wellabe’s preneed funeral insurance page says the product is underwritten by Great Western Insurance Company, a Wellabe company.
Wellabe’s current product pages list preneed funeral insurance alongside Medicare Supplement, dental, hospital indemnity, and other health products. 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
Table of Contents
Great Western Insurance Company Overview
Company History and Background
Great Western Insurance Company says it was founded in 1983 by John E. Lindquist, owner of Lindquist Mortuaries & Cemeteries, which reflects the company’s early focus on funeral and burial planning. Its website states that American Enterprise Group acquired the company in 2018. Wellabe’s contact page lists its mailing address as 601 Sixth Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309.
In May 2023, American Enterprise Group announced it would rebrand as Wellabe, with its first official business day under the new name on June 26, 2023. The announcement said the group would not rename its six insurance company subsidiaries. That is why Great Western Insurance Company is still the name of the company that underwrites Wellabe’s preneed funeral insurance, while Wellabe is the parent brand. Wellabe is based in Des Moines, Iowa.
Financial Strength and Ratings
When evaluating any insurance provider, financial stability is crucial. In May 2024, AM Best affirmed an A (Excellent) Financial Strength Rating, with a stable outlook, for Wellabe’s six insurance company subsidiaries. Great Western Insurance Company is one of the group’s subsidiary brands. Ratings can change, so check AM Best’s current report for the specific legal entity named on your policy. An A rating falls in AM Best’s “Excellent” category and reflects its view of the insurer’s ability to meet its obligations.
Customer Service and Support
Navigating insurance questions requires accessible customer support. Wellabe’s contact page lists separate phone lines by product, shown in the table below, and a customer service email, customerservice@wellabe.com. General business hours are Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time. Policyholders can use the customer portal at mywellabe.com, which Wellabe says gives access to insurance information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
| Who is calling | Phone number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Preneed funeral customers | 800-995-9010 | Also connects you with a funeral home partner that offers the product |
| Final expense customers | 800-733-5454 | Listed for final expense policies |
| Supplemental health customers | 800-228-6080 | Also the general Wellabe contact line |
| Speak to an agent | 866-739-8143 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central |
Source: Wellabe, “Contact Us” (wellabe.com/contact-us). General business hours are Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central. Mailing address: 601 Sixth Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309. Numbers can change, so confirm on Wellabe’s site.
If you are comparing final expense and life insurance options, our review, Loyal American Life Insurance: Your Complete 2026 Guide, covers another insurer in this space.
Great Western Insurance Company Products
Final Expense and Preneed Insurance
Great Western’s website says it offers preneed funeral insurance and final expense plans, while Wellabe’s main product list shows preneed funeral insurance without final expense. We could not find a clear public statement on whether new final expense policies are still sold in every state, so ask Wellabe before you apply. Wellabe’s contact page lists a separate customer line (800-733-5454) for final expense policies.
Preneed funeral insurance is a permanent life insurance policy that covers only funeral costs. You choose the funeral arrangements with a funeral home, which totals the cost, and that total becomes the basis for the policy. Wellabe says plans range from $500 to $24,999 (amounts of $25,000 or more need pre-approval), can be paid in one lump sum or over three, five, or 10 years, and are sold through funeral homes. This lets people plan and fund their funeral expenses in advance and removes that burden from surviving family members.
Health Insurance Plans
While the Great Western brand is known for end-of-life planning, Wellabe’s website lists a broader range of products, including Medicare Supplement, dental, hospital indemnity, critical illness, first diagnosis cancer, and short-term care insurance. These health plans may be issued by a different Wellabe subsidiary than Great Western, so check the underwriter named in your policy.
Policyholder Benefits
The main benefit for policyholders is planning ahead. Wellabe says preneed insurance funds a funeral service agreement between you and a specific funeral home, and that when the policyholder dies the funds are used to pay the funeral home. Whether the price is locked in depends on the contract, so read it carefully.
Great Western Insurance Reviews and Testimonials
Customer Reviews and Consumer Reports
We could not verify a current NAIC complaint index or Better Business Bureau score for Great Western Insurance Company, so we do not quote one here. You can look up complaint information for the specific insurer through the NAIC’s consumer search (linked in the claims section below) and check the Better Business Bureau profile yourself. Preneed plans are sold through funeral homes, so your experience can also depend on the funeral home you choose.
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, Wellabe sells preneed insurance through funeral homes, which can make setup straightforward. Compare quotes and contract terms from more than one preneed or final expense provider before you decide.
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. Wellabe says your health may determine which preneed plan you qualify for but that you will not be denied a policy because of poor health, and that availability varies by state.
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 by calling 800-995-9010 to connect with a funeral home partner that offers the product, or by calling 866-739-8143 to speak with an agent (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central).
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.
Preneed contracts differ on what happens if you cancel or the funeral costs less than expected, so check your contract for any refund or unused-funds terms.
Claim Documentation Requirements and Timeline
To process a claim, the company typically asks for a certified copy of the death certificate and the completed claim form. Wellabe’s preneed page says the funds are used to pay the funeral home upon death, but it does not publish a claim processing timeline, so ask the funeral home and Wellabe what to expect.
Common Reasons for Claim Denials and Tips for Success
Claims can be denied or delayed for reasons such as incomplete documentation, lapsing on premium payments, or filing for expenses that the contract excludes. Read the contract and ask questions before you sign.
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?
American Enterprise Group acquired Great Western Insurance Company in 2018. In 2023 the parent company renamed itself Wellabe but said it would not rename its six insurance company subsidiaries, so Great Western Insurance Company still exists and underwrites Wellabe’s preneed funeral insurance.
Who owns Great Western Insurance Company?
It is owned by Wellabe, Inc. (formerly American Enterprise Group, Inc.), which is based in Des Moines, Iowa.
How do I find my old life insurance policy?
If you have an old GWIC policy, use the customer portal at mywellabe.com, or call 800-995-9010 for preneed funeral policies or 800-733-5454 for final expense policies, and have your personal details ready.
Which insurance company denies the most claims?
Denial rates vary by insurer, product, and year, and we could not find a verified denial rate for Great Western. Check complaint data through the NAIC and read your policy’s exclusions and claim requirements before you rely on any insurer.
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.
Evaluating a specific carrier is easier with the full context of how the industry works. Our Life Insurance Guide: Common Policy Pitfalls to Avoid covers everything from policy types to what separates a solid provider from a risky one.
Conclusion
Understanding your coverage options with the Great Western Insurance Company requires recognizing their recent evolution into Wellabe. Their history is rooted in funeral planning, and today the Wellabe family emphasizes 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.
Disclaimer: Insuria Insights is an independent educational site and is not affiliated with Great Western Insurance Company, Wellabe, or American Enterprise Group. This article is for general information only and is not insurance, legal, or financial advice. Products, availability, prices, and phone numbers vary by state and change over time. Confirm details with the insurer and your funeral home, or consult a licensed insurance professional, before you buy.
