Getting Started
What is Eterna Insurance Solutions?
Eterna Insurance Solutions is an independent life insurance agency licensed in all 50 states. We help individuals and families find the right life insurance coverage by combining smart technology with real human expertise — making the process simple, fast, and transparent.
How do I get started with Eterna?
Getting started is easy. You can request a free quote online, book an appointment with one of our licensed agents, or contact us directly. We'll guide you through your options and help you find the right coverage for your situation — with no pressure and no obligation.
Is Eterna licensed in my state?
Yes — Eterna is licensed to operate in all 50 states. No matter where you live in the United States, we can help you find and secure the right life insurance coverage.
Do I need a medical exam to get coverage?
It depends on the type of coverage. Some policies, like Final Expense insurance, offer guaranteed acceptance with no medical exam required. Other policies such as Term Life or Whole Life may require a medical exam or health questionnaire. Our agents will walk you through the best options for your health profile.
How long does the application process take?
Many of our policies can be applied for and approved the same day. The timeline varies depending on the carrier and type of coverage — some applications are fully digital and take just minutes, while others that require underwriting may take a few days to a few weeks.
Coverage & Policy Questions
What types of life insurance does Eterna offer?
We offer a full suite of life insurance solutions including Term Life, Whole Life, Indexed Universal Life (IUL), Final Expense insurance, and Annuities / Retirement Planning. Each product serves a different need — our agents will help you determine which is the best fit for your goals and budget.
What is the difference between Term and Whole Life insurance?
Term Life provides coverage for a specific period (typically 10, 20, or 30 years) at the lowest possible premium — ideal for those wanting affordable protection during key life stages. Whole Life provides permanent, lifelong coverage and builds guaranteed cash value over time. The right choice depends on your goals, budget, and family situation.
What is an IUL and who is it best for?
An Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policy is a permanent life insurance product that builds cash value tied to a market index (like the S&P 500). It offers growth potential with a floor that protects you from market losses. IULs are popular for people looking for both life insurance protection and a tax-advantaged way to grow wealth for retirement.
How much life insurance coverage do I need?
A common rule of thumb is 10–12 times your annual income, but the right amount depends on your specific situation — including your debts, dependents, income replacement needs, and long-term goals. Our agents will help you calculate the right coverage amount for your family.
Can I change or update my policy after it's issued?
In many cases, yes. Depending on your policy type and carrier, you may be able to update beneficiaries, adjust coverage amounts, or add riders. Contact your Eterna agent or reach out to us directly and we'll help you navigate any changes to your existing policy.
What is Final Expense insurance and who is it for?
Final Expense insurance is a type of whole life insurance designed to cover end-of-life costs such as funeral expenses, burial costs, and outstanding medical bills. It's typically available to people ages 50–85, requires no medical exam, and offers guaranteed acceptance options. It's an affordable way to ensure your family is never left with a financial burden during an already difficult time.
Living Benefits
What are living benefits?
Living benefits are features built into certain life insurance policies — particularly Whole Life and IUL — that allow you to access your policy's value while you're still alive. This includes the ability to build tax-free cash value, take policy loans, or access accelerated death benefit riders if you're diagnosed with a serious illness. Essentially, your life insurance becomes a financial tool you can use during your lifetime, not just after you pass.
What is cash value and how does it work?
Cash value is a savings component that builds inside permanent life insurance policies (Whole Life and IUL). A portion of your premium goes into this cash value account, which grows over time — either at a guaranteed rate (Whole Life) or tied to a market index with a floor (IUL). You can borrow against it, withdraw from it, or use it to pay premiums. Growth is tax-deferred, and loans are generally tax-free.
Can I use my life insurance policy as a retirement income stream?
Yes — this is one of the most powerful uses of a properly structured IUL or Whole Life policy. Over time, you can accumulate significant cash value that can be accessed tax-free through policy loans during retirement. Unlike a 401(k) or IRA, there are no required minimum distributions, no contribution limits, and withdrawals don't count as taxable income. This makes it an excellent supplement to traditional retirement savings.
What is an accelerated death benefit rider?
An accelerated death benefit (ADB) rider allows you to access a portion of your policy's death benefit early if you're diagnosed with a terminal, chronic, or critical illness. For example, if you're diagnosed with cancer or suffer a major heart attack, you could access funds to cover medical bills, long-term care, or living expenses — without waiting for a claim to be filed after death. Many policies include this rider at no additional cost.
What is the difference between a policy loan and a withdrawal from my cash value?
A policy loan allows you to borrow against your cash value without triggering taxes — the loan is not considered income, and the cash value continues to grow. You can repay it on your own schedule or let it be deducted from the death benefit. A withdrawal is a permanent removal of funds from your cash value, which may trigger taxes on gains. In most cases, policy loans are the preferred strategy for accessing cash value tax-efficiently.
Retirement Planning
What is an annuity and how does it work?
An annuity is a financial product issued by an insurance company that converts a lump sum of money into a guaranteed stream of income — either for a set period or for the rest of your life. You fund it with a single premium or a series of payments, and in return the carrier guarantees income payments starting either immediately or at a future date. Annuities are designed to ensure you never outlive your money.
What is the difference between a fixed and indexed annuity?
A fixed annuity earns a guaranteed interest rate set by the carrier — predictable and safe, but limited growth potential. An indexed annuity ties your growth to a market index (like the S&P 500) with a floor that protects you from losses. Indexed annuities offer the potential for higher returns than fixed annuities while still protecting your principal. Our agents will help you choose based on your risk tolerance and income goals.
How is an annuity different from life insurance?
Life insurance is designed to protect your family if you die — it pays out a death benefit to your beneficiaries. An annuity is designed to protect you if you live — it provides a guaranteed income stream during retirement. Many people use both together: life insurance to protect their family and an annuity to ensure they don't outlive their savings. Eterna can help you structure both products as part of a complete retirement strategy.
When should I start thinking about an annuity?
The best time to start exploring annuities is typically in your 50s, when retirement is on the horizon and you're in your peak earning years. However, some people in their 40s choose to fund annuities early to take advantage of longer accumulation periods. If you're already retired and concerned about outliving your savings, annuities can still provide immediate income solutions. Our agents will assess your situation and recommend the right timing.
Are annuity payments taxable?
Annuities funded with pre-tax money (such as those inside an IRA or 401k rollover) are fully taxable as ordinary income when you receive payments. Annuities funded with after-tax money are only partially taxable — you pay taxes on the earnings portion but not the original principal. Annuity growth is tax-deferred, meaning you don't pay taxes until you start receiving income. Our agents can help you understand the tax implications specific to your situation.
Policyholder Upkeep
How do I update my beneficiary?
Beneficiary changes are made directly with your insurance carrier. You'll typically need to complete a beneficiary change form — either through your carrier's online portal or by submitting a paper form. It's important to review your beneficiaries after major life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child. Contact your Eterna agent or reach out to us and we'll help you connect with the right carrier contact to make the update.
What should I do if my contact information or address changes?
Update your contact information directly with your insurance carrier as soon as possible to ensure you continue receiving policy statements, billing notices, and important communications. Most carriers allow you to update this online through your policyholder portal or by calling their customer service line. You can also reach out to your Eterna agent and we'll help you navigate the process.
How do I access my policy documents?
Your policy documents are typically available through your carrier's online policyholder portal. If you haven't set up an account yet, your carrier's customer service team can help. Keep a copy of your policy in a safe, accessible location and make sure your beneficiaries know where to find it. If you need help locating documents, contact your Eterna agent and we'll assist.
Should I review my policy regularly, and when?
Yes — we recommend a policy review at least once a year, and any time a major life event occurs. Life changes that should prompt a review include:
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Buying a home or taking on significant debt
- A significant increase or decrease in income
- Death of a beneficiary or co-policyholder
- Approaching retirement
What happens to my policy if I move to another state?
In most cases, your life insurance policy remains in force when you move to another state — life insurance is a contract between you and the carrier, and state of residence generally doesn't affect the coverage itself. However, you should update your address with the carrier, and it's a good idea to have your policy reviewed to ensure it still meets your needs. Since Eterna is licensed in all 50 states, your agent can continue to serve you wherever you move.
Billing & Payments
How do I pay my premium?
Premium payments are made directly to the insurance carrier, not to Eterna. Each carrier has their own payment portal and accepted payment methods. Your agent will walk you through the payment setup during the application process and provide you with your carrier's billing information.
What payment frequencies are available?
Most carriers offer monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual payment options. Paying annually often results in a small discount. Your agent can help you choose the frequency that best fits your budget.
What happens if I miss a payment?
Most policies have a grace period (typically 30 days) during which you can make a late payment without losing coverage. If your policy lapses due to non-payment, you may be able to reinstate it depending on the carrier and how long it has been lapsed. Contact your carrier directly or reach out to your Eterna agent for assistance.
Will my premium ever increase?
For Term Life and Whole Life policies, premiums are typically locked in at the rate you qualify for at the time of application and will not increase. For some universal life products, premiums can be flexible. Your agent will clearly explain the premium structure of any policy before you apply.
Claims & Support
How do I file a claim?
Claims are filed directly with your insurance carrier. You can find the carrier's claims contact information on your policy documents. If you need help locating this information or navigating the process, contact your Eterna agent or reach out to us at our contact page and we'll assist you right away.
How long does it take to receive a claim payout?
Most carriers aim to process and pay claims within 30 days of receiving all required documentation. Complex claims or cases requiring additional investigation may take longer. Your carrier will keep you informed throughout the process.
What documents are needed to file a claim?
Typically you'll need a completed claim form from the carrier, a certified copy of the death certificate, and your policy document. Some carriers may require additional documentation. Your Eterna agent can help you gather everything needed to submit a complete and timely claim.
How do I contact Eterna for support?
You can reach us through our Contact Us page, by booking an appointment, by calling (949) 787-5210 Monday–Friday 9am–5pm ET, or by reaching out to your assigned Eterna agent directly. We're committed to being available and responsive whenever you need us.
Complaints & Cancellations
How do I file a complaint about an agent or service?
We take all complaints seriously. If you have a concern about an Eterna agent or the service you received, please contact us directly through our Contact Us page or by calling (949) 787-5210. A member of our leadership team will review your complaint and respond within 2 business days.
What if my complaint is not resolved by Eterna?
If you feel your complaint has not been adequately addressed by Eterna, you have the right to escalate it to your state's Department of Insurance. Each state has a regulatory body that oversees insurance agents and agencies and can investigate complaints on your behalf. You can find your state's Department of Insurance by searching "[your state] Department of Insurance" or visiting the NAIC website at naic.org.
How do I cancel my life insurance policy?
Life insurance policies are contracts between you and the insurance carrier — cancellations are processed directly with the carrier, not through Eterna. To cancel, contact your carrier's customer service department using the number on your policy documents. Before cancelling, we encourage you to speak with your agent — there may be alternative options like reducing coverage or taking a policy loan that better serve your needs.
Is there a free look period after I purchase a policy?
Yes — most states require a free look period of 10 to 30 days after you receive your policy. During this time, you can review your policy and cancel it for a full refund of any premiums paid, for any reason. Check your policy documents or contact your Eterna agent to confirm the free look period for your specific policy.
Will I get a refund if I cancel my policy?
It depends on the type of policy and when you cancel. If you cancel during the free look period, you are entitled to a full refund. After the free look period, Term Life policies generally do not have a cash value to return. Permanent policies (Whole Life, IUL) may have a surrender value — though surrender charges may apply in the early years. Contact your carrier for specific refund or surrender value information.
How do I file a complaint about a claim denial?
If your claim has been denied and you believe the denial is incorrect, you have the right to appeal directly with the insurance carrier. Request a written explanation of the denial and the carrier's formal appeals process. If your appeal is unsuccessful, you can escalate to your state's Department of Insurance. Your Eterna agent can help you navigate this process — contact us and we'll do everything we can to support you.
Agent Questions
How do I join Eterna as an agent?
You can apply directly on our Join as an Agent page. Fill out the short application form and one of our team members will be in touch within 1 business day to discuss the opportunity and next steps.
Do I need to be licensed to join?
You do not need to be licensed before applying. We welcome both licensed agents and those who are pre-license. If you're not yet licensed, we can point you in the right direction to get started. Once licensed, you'll have full access to our programs, tools, and carrier appointments.
What programs does Eterna offer for agents?
We offer two programs tailored to different career stages: SPARK for agents who are just getting started (includes free leads, CRM, AI Dialer, chargeback protection, and daily support), and LIMITLESS for independent agents who want more control, discounted tools, and greater flexibility. Both programs include chargeback protection and white glove onboarding.
What carriers can I write business with?
Eterna agents have access to top carriers including Transamerica, Mutual of Omaha, American Amicable, North American, Nationwide, Fidelity Life, Ethos, F&G, Global Atlantic, Athene, National Life Group, Delaware Life, Security Benefit, Ceres Life, and Columbus Life — among others.
How does the Agent Portal work?
The Eterna Agent Portal is your central hub for everything — policy management, commission tracking, lead management, training resources, and access to carrier tools. Once onboarded, you'll receive your login credentials and a full walkthrough of the platform. You can access the portal at any time at bit.ly/website-button-portal.
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