About the MIB Life Index

As of the January 2026 report (published in February 2026) we revised our methodology to fine tune the age and face amount bands used in the MIB Life Index to better meet the needs of the industry. All historic data presented in our 2026 reports has been restated to reflect this current methodology.

This methodology also incorporates more precise filtering to isolate application activity. Going forward, the Life Index starts with all inquiries into the MIB Checking Service, excluding all facultatively underwritten life reinsurance activity. Data is filtered for new business for life insurance product types of Term Life, Universal Life and Whole Life as reported to MIB by our members. Applications with unknown product type are included when the line of business is indicated as life insurance. Guaranteed issue and other non-underwritten individual and group life insurance are not reflected because MIB Checking Service is not used for those market segments. Country is determined based on the applicant address to provide separate insights for US and Canadian trends. Percent changes are calculated using the average number of MIB inquiries per day for a given period.

Historical reports archived on our website reflect the methodology in place at the time of publication. As such, the annual 2025 report, and all other reports published prior, reflect the previous methodology, including age and face amount bands. 

Additionally, for reports prior to January 2026, percent changes were based on the data that included reinsurance activity and all inquiry types, with country determined by carrier location.