The History of ManhattanLife

 

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