Memorable milestones, stories of reliability, innovation, and strength.
Founded in 1850, the Company’s longevity makes ManhattanLife one of the oldest and most reliable health and life insurance companies in the country. The original founders’ commitment to protect policyholders prevails to this day. Operating successfully for years as an independent is a testimony to ManhattanLife’s enduring history, and an indicator of the reliability of our future.
1850
ManhattanLife formed with purpose of providing protection for widows and orphans after cholera
1850
First to Write: 1. Group Policy by American company, 2. Accident & Accidental Death, 3. Policy for a Woman – occupation listed as ”woman”
1864
Incontestability Clause written into policies in an industry first that became law 40 years later
1865
“Old Reliable” reputation earned for locating Southerners and paying claims that occurred during Civil War
1894
America’s First Skyscraper commissioned by ManhattanLife and built at 66 Broadway for the corporate office
1900
Fiftieth Anniversary
1918
Influenza Epidemic Heaviest mortality rate but no unusual restrictions for writing new policies
1918
Word War I Ends Refund all extra premiums for war risk coverage paid during wartime
1944
VJ Day $11,000,000 total of War & Victory Bonds sold by Home Office employees during all war years
1953
Voice of America broadcast credits ManhattanLife for finding a lost policyholder in Hong Kong and paying benefits due
1958
Steinway Building West 57th Street becomes new home office after makeover. Musical headquarters was the concept with Steinway on ground floor and upper floors reserved for artist and teachers
1963
Installation of First Computer (the GE 225) - All December billing for Pension Trust Sales Department and teachers
1969
New Logo to portray ManhattanLife as a progressive company
1972
First Woman on Board – Sister Colette Mahoney, Order of Sacred Heart of Mary
2000
New Ownership David Harris purchases ManhattanLife starting a new chapter of expansion and innovation
2000
150th-Year Anniversary
2014-2018
Annuities & Voluntary Benefits Added ManhattanLife’s expansion under new ownership adds annuities and voluntary benefits to the product offering with purchases 78 and 80
2019
Launch New Brand articulates value proposition of years