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Brighthouse SmartGuard PlusSM

 

Brighthouse SmartGuard Plus is an index-linked universal life insurance policy with a Guaranteed Distribution Rider (GDR), automatically included with the policy on the issue date for an additional charge, that can help protect your family and give you flexibility for the future.



See How Brighthouse SmartGuard Plus Works

Explore how Brighthouse SmartGuard Plus can help protect Shonda’s loved ones and address her future needs.

See how Brighthouse SmartGuard Plus Works


Help diversify your retirement strategy with an innovative life insurance product.
Growth Opportunities and a Level of Protection
Growth Opportunities and a Level of Protection

By participating in index-linked growth strategies, policy values can potentially grow with a level of protection from market loss to help meet future goals.

Guaranteed Distribution Payments
Guaranteed Distribution Payments

This life insurance product provides a source of tax-advantaged guaranteed Distribution Payments that will never fall below a guaranteed minimum amount.1

Guaranteed Death Benefit
Guaranteed Death Benefit

Brighthouse SmartGuard Plus helps provide security for loved ones through a guaranteed death benefit that’s generally income tax free.2

As an index-linked life insurance product, Brighthouse SmartGuard Plus tracks the performance of one or more market indices and does not invest directly in the markets. Once Distribution Payments begin, all policy values are transferred to the Fixed Account and there is no further participation in index-linked market performance.

The primary purpose of the policy is to provide life insurance protection. It is designed to be held over the long term, is not offered primarily as an investment, and should not be used as a short-term savings vehicle. Various negative consequences can occur if you fail to hold the policy long term.

After the 10th policy year, Distribution Payments are available through the GDR and are paid in the form of policy loans. Loan balances are charged interest up to 8% annually. Under the GDR, the policy’s cash value will increase when necessary to prevent policy loans from causing the policy to lapse.



Prospectus and Other Resources

Download these resources for more detailed information about this product:

Product Brochure
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Take the Next Step

Talk to your financial professional to find out if Brighthouse SmartGuard Plus is right for you and to learn more about purchasing this product.

Here are some questions to help you start the conversation:

  1. Would an index-linked policy with a GDR make sense for me?

  2. How can buying an index-linked policy with a GDR allow me to leave a legacy for my loved ones?

  3. Will I have to undergo any medical exams to qualify for Brighthouse SmartGuard Plus?

  4. How can I ensure I’m choosing the right insurance company, and how do I know that this company is going to be around in the future?

  5. Can Brighthouse SmartGuard Plus help me supplement my income in retirement but still provide security for my loved ones?

Tip: Set the tone for your conversation and save, print, or share the Product Brochure with your financial professional.

View Product Brochure

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This Brighthouse Financial product can only be purchased through a licensed financial professional.

Don’t have a financial professional? Learn more about working with a financial professional.

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Brighthouse Financial® is on a mission to help people achieve financial security.

Trusted by over 2 million customers and with over 2 million annuity contracts and life insurance policies in force,4 Brighthouse Financial® is proud to be a Fortune® 500 company5 and one of the largest providers of annuities and life insurance in the U.S.6

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1 Available after the 10th policy year, Distribution Payments under the GDR are in the form of policy loans and can significantly reduce the unloaned cash value and death benefit amount. When the cash value reaches zero, the GDR will continue to support the availability of Distribution Payments. See the prospectus for more details. A policy loan is generally not treated as a taxable distribution, but exceptions may apply. Consult with a tax professional.

2 Policy loans may significantly reduce the death benefit; however, the GDR guarantees a minimum death benefit amount, assuming the policy and GDR remain in force. While the death benefit is generally income tax free, exceptions may apply. Other taxes including estate, gift, or generation-skipping transfer taxes may also apply. Consult with a tax professional.

3 The policy’s cash value used in the determination of the GDR charge will differ depending on whether Distribution Payments have begun.

4 Data as of September 30, 2022.

5 From FORTUNE © 2023 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license. FORTUNE and Fortune 500 are registered trademarks of Fortune Media IP Limited and are used under license. FORTUNE and Fortune Media IP Limited are not affiliated with, and do not endorse the products or services of, Brighthouse Financial.

6 Ranked by 2022 admitted assets. Best’s Review®: Top 200 U.S. Life/Health Insurers. AM Best, 2023.

Brighthouse SmartGuard Plus has charges, termination provisions, and terms for keeping it in force. Please contact your financial professional for complete details.

Brighthouse Life Insurance Company (BLIC) holds any net premium amounts applied to an Indexed Account in a Separate Account. BLIC maintains assets in the Separate Account at least equal to the policy’s required reserves, which equals the policy reserves associated with the Indexed Accounts. Required reserves do not include reserves held in the Fixed Account, reserves for outstanding loans, or reserves associated with Distribution Payments or One-Time Payments. BLIC is obligated to pay all money owed under the policy, including policy proceeds and Distribution Payments, even if that amount exceeds the assets in the Separate Account. Any such amount that exceeds the assets in the Separate Account is paid from the BLIC General Account. Amounts paid from the General Account are subject to the financial strength and claims-paying ability of BLIC and are not guaranteed by any other party.

Distribution Payments under the Guaranteed Distribution Rider are made in the form of policy loans. A policy loan is generally not treated as a taxable distribution if the policy is not a modified endowment contract (MEC) as defined under Internal Revenue Code Section 7702A and the policy remains in force during the lifetime of the insured. As a result, the company generally does not intend to report the benefits payable under the GDR to the IRS as taxable income based upon our current understanding of applicable tax law. Taxation and tax reporting may apply if the policy lapses, is surrendered, or becomes a MEC. The tax law is complex and subject to change. The company’s tax reporting position may change in the future due to future IRS guidance as well as any clarifications or changes to applicable tax law. The company cannot guarantee particular tax results. Any discussion of taxes is for general informational purposes only, does not purport to be complete or cover every situation, and should not be construed as legal, tax, or accounting advice. Clients should confer with their qualified legal, tax, and accounting professionals to determine the tax consequences of the GDR and the policy.

All guarantees, including any optional benefits, are subject to the claims-paying ability and financial strength of the issuing insurance company. Each issuing insurance company is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations.

Brighthouse SmartGuard Plus℠ is a registered index-linked flexible premium adjustable life insurance policy with a Guaranteed Distribution Rider (GDR) issued by, and product guarantees are solely the responsibility of, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, Charlotte, NC 28277, on Policy Forms 5-71-22 and 5GDR-22 (“Brighthouse Financial”). This product is distributed by Brighthouse Securities, LLC (member FINRA). All are Brighthouse Financial affiliated companies. The prospectus and policy contain information about the policy’s features, risks, charges, expenses, exclusions, limitations, termination provisions, and terms for keeping the policy in force. The prospectus and complete details about the policy are available from a financial professional and should be read carefully. Product availability and features may vary by state or firm. This product is currently not available in New York.