Our verdict. For a practicing Catholic man and his family, the Knights of Columbus is a strong, well-rated insurer with deep parish roots. Non-Catholics and women who are not married to a Knight cannot buy, and like every captive insurer it offers only its own policies.
Knights of Columbus at a glance
- Who can join
- Practical Catholic men 18 and older
- Who can be insured
- Members, their wives and their dependent children. A widow can still buy for up to one year after her husband's death.
- Life insurance
- Whole life, including limited pay and single premium, term life for 10, 15, 20 or 30 years and annual renewable, and universal life
- How you buy
- Through Knights of Columbus agents, who are also brother Knights, usually assigned to local councils
- Financial strength
- AM Best A+ (Superior), affirmed November 14, 2025
- Size
- Over $124 billion of life insurance in force
- Do we sell it?
- No. Christian Protection does not sell Knights of Columbus insurance, and no appointment is implied.
Who can buy Knights of Columbus insurance
The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal order, and its insurance exists for its members. A man must be a practical Catholic, 18 or older, and join the order. Once he is a member, his wife and dependent children can be insured too.
That rule leaves out several people who often ask us about the Knights.
- Catholic women who are not married to a Knight
- Protestant and non-denominational Christians
- Adult children who are no longer dependents, unless they join themselves
How the agents work
Knights of Columbus insurance is sold by its own field agents, who are members of the order. Agents are usually assigned to local councils, and many parishes list their council's agent on the parish website. That parish connection is the order's great strength. The trade-off is that an agent can only offer Knights of Columbus policies.
What it sells
- Whole life, with options to pay for life, for a limited number of years or with a single premium, plus graded death benefit coverage for people with health problems
- Term life for 10, 15, 20 or 30 years, or renewing each year
- Universal life, permanent coverage with flexible premiums
The order also sells annuities, long-term care and disability income insurance to members.
Knights of Columbus compared with the alternatives
| Knights of Columbus | Thrivent | Foresters Financial | Independent agency | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who can buy | Catholic men, wives, dependent children | Christians and spouses | Anyone with a policy | Anyone |
| Women can buy on their own | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Insurers compared | One | One | One | Several |
| AM Best rating | A+ | A++ | A | Depends on insurer chosen |
Should you buy from the Knights?
If you are eligible and value buying from a Catholic organization through a fellow parishioner, the Knights of Columbus is a strong option. If you are not eligible, or you have health problems and want to see how several insurers would price you, an independent agency can help. Catholic families also compare the Knights with Catholic Financial Life and Catholic Order of Foresters, which we will review soon.
Questions people ask
Can a woman buy Knights of Columbus life insurance?
Only as the wife of a member, or for up to a year as his widow. Women cannot join the order themselves.
Can non-Catholics buy Knights of Columbus insurance?
No. Membership requires being a practical Catholic man, and the insurance is for members and their families.
Is Knights of Columbus insurance a good deal?
It is a financially strong insurer with an A+ rating from AM Best. Whether it is the best price for you depends on your age and health, which is why comparing more than one offer is wise.
Sources
- Knights of Columbus, Insurance FAQ. kofc.org
- Knights of Columbus, Our products. kofc.org
- AM Best, Knights of Columbus rating affirmed, November 14, 2025. news.ambest.com
- Knights of Columbus Council 2018, Fraternal benefits. kc2018.mnknights.org