CICA Life Insurance Review
Updated August 18, 2026
Is CICA Life insurance worth it?
CICA Life of America — part of the Citizens, Inc. family of insurers — is a specialist. It offers both a guaranteed-issue and a standard-issue final expense whole life policy, and its calling card is very small face amounts: you can buy coverage starting as low as $1,000. For someone who wants a tiny burial-only policy, that flexibility is genuinely useful.
Being honest, though, CICA is usually a secondary option rather than a first pick. Its financial-strength rating is more modest than the top-rated carriers, its guaranteed-issue face amounts are smaller, and it is not sold in every state. As an independent broker, I reach for CICA in specific situations — a very small policy, or a niche another carrier cannot fill — and I lead with a higher-rated carrier for most people.
| Detail | CICA Life of America |
|---|---|
| Product type | Guaranteed-issue & standard-issue whole life (final expense) |
| Parent company | Citizens, Inc. |
| Issue ages | Up to 85 on guaranteed issue |
| Coverage | From $1,000; guaranteed issue commonly up to $10,000 |
| Waiting period | 2 years (graded) on guaranteed issue |
| State availability | Licensed in 40+ states (not all) |
| Financial strength | B++ (Good) from independent rating agencies |
How the product works
CICA offers two paths. The standard-issue plan asks health questions and, for those who qualify, can approve coverage quickly — sometimes within hours — with day-one benefits. The guaranteed-issue plan asks no health questions and accepts everyone in the age range, but carries a two-year waiting period. Both are whole life: level premiums that never rise, coverage that does not expire, and a small amount of cash value.
The standout is the low entry point. Where most carriers start at $2,000 or $5,000, CICA will issue as little as $1,000 of coverage — handy for someone who only needs to cover a cremation or a small final bill.
Underwriting and who qualifies
It depends which plan you choose. The guaranteed-issue plan accepts anyone within the age limits regardless of health, with no questions asked. The standard-issue plan asks health questions and can decline serious conditions, but rewards healthier applicants with faster approval and day-one coverage. If your health is good, the standard plan is the better value; if it is not, the guaranteed-issue plan is the fallback.
The two-year waiting period
On the guaranteed-issue plan, CICA uses the standard structure: a non-accidental death in the first two years pays back 110% of the premiums you paid, with the full benefit beginning in year three. Accidental death is covered from day one. The standard-issue plan, by contrast, can offer full day-one coverage for those who qualify on health — another reason to try the standard plan first if your health allows.
Coverage amounts and issue ages
CICA issues guaranteed-issue coverage up to about age 85, with face amounts starting at $1,000 and commonly reaching around $10,000 on the guaranteed-issue plan. Larger amounts — up to roughly $30,000 — are available on some plans depending on your age and the product. Exact limits vary, so confirm the range on your quote. The low $1,000 minimum is the number to remember: few carriers will write a policy that small.
Pricing — what determines your premium
As with any final expense policy, your CICA premium depends on your age, gender, tobacco use, coverage amount, and which plan you choose. The standard-issue plan generally prices better than guaranteed issue for healthy applicants, because it accounts for health. Premiums are level for life. On a very small policy, the dollar differences between carriers are small in absolute terms, but a quote comparison is still the only way to be sure CICA is your best price.
Financial strength
Here is where honesty matters. CICA Life Insurance Company holds a B++ (Good) Financial Strength Rating from independent rating agencies. That is a solid, secure rating — but it sits a notch below the A and A+ ratings carried by carriers like Aetna, Corebridge, and Gerber. For a policy you may hold for many years, a higher rating is generally preferable, all else equal. It is not a reason to avoid CICA outright, but it is a fair reason to prefer an top-rated carrier when one will issue the coverage you need.
What we like — and what to watch
What we like:
- Very low minimums, from $1,000 — ideal for a small cremation or burial-only policy.
- Both guaranteed-issue and standard-issue options, so there is a path for most health situations.
- Fast standard-issue approval with day-one coverage for those who qualify on health.
- A useful niche filler when a mainstream carrier does not fit.
What to watch:
- B++ rating, a notch below the top-rated majors — a real consideration for long-term coverage.
- Smaller guaranteed-issue face amounts (commonly up to $10,000).
- Not available in every state.
- Rarely the best pick when an top-rated carrier will issue what you need.
How CICA compares
CICA’s role is different from the majors. It competes on small policy sizes and niche flexibility, not on rating or coverage ceiling.
| Feature | CICA Life | Gerber (GI) | Aetna (Accendo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum coverage | $1,000 | $5,000 | $2,000 |
| Guaranteed-issue max | ~$10,000 | $25,000 | N/A (simplified) |
| Day-one option | Yes (standard plan) | No | Yes (if you qualify) |
| Max issue age | ~85 | 80 | 89 |
| independent rating agencies | B++ | A+ | A |
Details reflect typical offerings and vary by state and age. Figures are for general comparison, not a quote.
The pattern: CICA wins on very small policies and niche cases, while Gerber and Aetna win on rating, coverage size, and (for Aetna) day-one simplified-issue coverage. Match the carrier to the job.
Who CICA is best for — and who should look elsewhere
Consider CICA if you need a very small policy (as little as $1,000), want a standard-issue plan with fast approval, or are filling a niche another carrier cannot — and you are comfortable with a B++ rated insurer.
Look elsewhere if an top-rated carrier will issue the coverage you need, if you want a larger guaranteed-issue face amount, or if top-tier financial strength is a priority. For most buyers, a higher-rated carrier like Aetna or Gerber is the better default.
Frequently asked questions
Is CICA Life a good company?
It is a secure, established insurer and a member of Citizens, Inc., but its independent rating agencies rating of B++ (Good) sits below the top-rated majors. It is a fine choice for its niche — small policies and specific situations — while an top-rated carrier is usually the better default for larger or long-term coverage.
What is the smallest policy CICA offers?
As little as $1,000 of coverage, which is lower than most carriers will write. That makes CICA useful for a cremation-only or very small burial policy.
Does CICA offer guaranteed issue?
Yes. CICA has a guaranteed-issue plan that asks no health questions and accepts everyone in the age range, with a two-year waiting period. It also offers a standard-issue plan with health questions and potential day-one coverage.
Does the guaranteed-issue plan pay right away?
No. A non-accidental death in the first two years refunds 110% of premiums, with the full benefit starting in year three. Accidental death is covered from day one. The standard-issue plan can offer day-one coverage for those who qualify on health.
Is CICA available in my state?
Possibly. CICA is licensed in more than 40 states but not all of them. Confirm availability for your state when you request a quote.
How old can I be to apply?
Up to about age 85 on the guaranteed-issue plan. Exact age limits can vary by plan and state.
The bottom line
CICA Life of America is a niche final expense carrier that earns its place with very low minimums (from $1,000) and both guaranteed-issue and standard-issue options. For a small burial-only policy or a specific niche, it can be exactly the right tool.
For most buyers, though, an top-rated carrier is the better default: CICA’s B++ rating sits below the majors, its guaranteed-issue face amounts are smaller, and it is not in every state. I use CICA where it fits and lead with a higher-rated carrier where it does not — and I compare them for you so the choice is clear.