John Hancock Launches Two New Current Assumption Universal Life Products

BOSTON, May 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- John Hancock Life Insurance today launched new current assumption single life and joint life products -- Performance UL and Performance SUL.

These products offer low-cost permanent death benefit protection with the added security of new extended guarantees. They will be the lowest cost permanent life insurance products in John Hancock's portfolio.

"The new Performance UL and Performance SUL will not only provide permanent, affordable solutions to meet clients' insurance needs but also offer the opportunity to participate in potentially stronger future investment returns. And to give clients additional security we are providing the downside protection of extended guarantees," said Steve Finch, President, John Hancock Life Insurance. "As the price for UL products with lifetime guarantees increase in the marketplace, it's more important than ever to look at alternatives."

Mr. Finch said Performance UL and Performance SUL's lower premiums and new extended guarantees combined with strong cash surrender values, provide a compelling alternative to guaranteed UL and guaranteed SUL products.

"With long-term interest rates near historic lows, there has never been a better time to buy a UL policy that offers flexibility and liquidity through cash values plus the potential for some upside if investment returns increase over time," he said. "The new Performance UL and Performance SUL demonstrate John Hancock's commitment to providing the right solution, at the right time."

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial Corporation

John Hancock Financial is a unit of Manulife Financial Corporation, a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 22 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and in most of Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, Manulife Financial Corporation offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$446 billion (US$440 billion) as at March 31, 2010.

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com.

The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers a broad range of financial products and services, including life insurance, fixed and variable annuities, fixed products, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at www.johnhancock.com.

Insurance policies and/or associated riders and features may not be available in all states.

Guaranteed product features are dependent upon minimum premium requirements and the claims-paying ability of the issuer.

Performance UL and Performance SUL policies automatically include a no-lapse guarantee called the Death Benefit Protection feature. This feature guarantees that the policy will not default, even if the cash surrender value falls to zero or below, provided that the Death Benefit Protection Value remains greater than zero and policy debt never exceeds the Policy Value. For Performance UL issue Ages 60 or below, the no-lapse guarantee under the Death Benefit Protection is the greater of 30 years or to age 80; for Issue Ages 61–90 the guarantee is the greater of 10 years or to age 90. For Performance SUL, all Issue Ages, the no-lapse guarantee under the Death Benefit Protection is the greater of 10 years or to age 90 (of the younger insured). Factors such as, but not limited to, the amount and timing of premium payments, loans, withdrawals, or any other change allowed under the contract could potentially terminate the no-lapse guarantee. Once terminated, the Death Benefit Protection feature cannot be reinstated.

Insurance products are issued by John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.), Boston, MA 02116 (not licensed in New York) and John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York, Valhalla, NY 10595.

SOURCE John Hancock Life Insurance