Top Life Insurance: Secure Your Future
Life insurance remains one of the French people’s favorite investment options for planning for the future, building wealth, or passing on an estate under favorable tax conditions. In 2026, the market continues to evolve, offering more flexible policies, lower fees, and an ever-more-diverse range of investment options.
But with several hundred policies to choose from, how can you identify the best life insurance policy? Not all policies are created equal: returns on euro-denominated funds, quality of unit-linked funds, fees, managed or self-directed management, etc.
In this guide, we review the key criteria for choosing a high-performing life insurance policy in 2026, the most attractive policy options, and best practices for optimizing your savings over the long term.
Why Is Life Insurance Still an Essential Investment in 2026?
Life insurance continues to offer several major advantages for savers:
- attractive tax treatment after 8 years;
- a high degree of management flexibility;
- the option to get your money back through redemptions;
- an effective tool for estate planning;
- access to various financial instruments within a single contract.
Contrary to popular belief, life insurance is not limited to euro-denominated funds. Multi-asset policies also allow you to invest in unit-linked products: ETFs, bonds, real estate securities, diversified funds, and even private equity through certain policies.
This diversity makes it possible to gradually adjust one's asset allocation based on:
- his investment horizon;
- their risk tolerance;
- his financial goals.
What factors should you consider when choosing the best life insurance policy?
Contract Fees
The costs associated with a life insurance policy remain one of the most important factors to consider. Even small differences can have a significant impact on the final return over several years.
The main expenses to analyze are:
- deposit fees;
- management fees;
- arbitration costs;
- fees associated with investment vehicles.
Today, online life insurance policies offer :
- 0% entry fee;
- 0% arbitration fees;
- lower management fees.
Conversely, some investment products offered by traditional banks still charge fees ranging from 2% to 5% on each contribution, which can weigh on long-term performance.
The Quality of the Euro Fund
Euro-denominated funds remain the traditional, secure investment vehicle for life insurance. They have several characteristics:
- a capital guarantee in accordance with the terms of the contract;
- limited volatility;
- a return that has generally exceeded that of regulated savings accounts in recent years.
In 2025, several high-performing euro funds posted returns of more than 3%, while the average return was 2.65%. However, it is important to qualify certain oversimplifications often found online:
- Not all euro-denominated funds offer the same level of protection;
- Some conservative unit-of-account funds may present limited risk, depending on market conditions and the investment horizon;
- Some new-generation euro funds incorporate more dynamic assets in an effort to achieve higher returns.
The Variety of Investment Vehicles
A good life insurance policy should allow you to diversify your savings. Comprehensive policies give you access to, among other things:
- ETFs;
- bond funds;
- real estate investment vehicles (SCPI, SCI, OPCI);
- thematic funds;
- SRI investment vehicles;
- sometimes private equity.
Available Management Modes
In life insurance, there are two main types of management.
Open Management
Investors choose their own investment vehicles. This approach is particularly well-suited for:
- to self-directed investors;
- for experienced candidates;
- for investors who want to manage their asset allocation.
Steered Management
Discretionary management involves delegating investment decisions to professionals based on a defined risk profile, and is particularly suited for:
- for beginner investors;
- for people who want to save time;
- for those seeking more structured support.
Some solutions also offer personalized portfolios based on:
- your age;
- your goals;
- your investment horizon;
- your risk tolerance.
Euro-denominated funds or unit-linked funds: Which should you choose?
In practice, the two approaches are often complementary.
The Euro Fund
The euro-denominated fund is primarily designed to preserve capital.
It may be appropriate:
- to build up a contingency fund;
- for conservative investors;
- in the short or medium term.
Units of Account
Unit-of-account funds allow investors to seek higher long-term returns by investing in:
- the stock markets;
- bonds;
- real estate;
- ETFs;
- private equity.
On the other hand, unit-linked products carry a risk of capital loss. It is important to note that not all unit-linked products carry the same level of risk. Certain money market or short-term bond unit-linked products may be relatively conservative, depending on market conditions and the investment horizon.
Comparison of the Top-Performing Life Insurance Plans in 2026
In 2026, several life insurance policies stand out for the following reasons:
- the quality of their euro-denominated funds;
- their reduced costs;
- the variety of their investment options;
- their management options;
- their overall long-term performance.
The policies most frequently highlighted in specialized comparisons include those offered by Linxea, Assurancevie.com, Meilleurtaux Placement, and certain fintech companies specializing in managed investment services.
Comparison Chart of Top-Performing Life Insurance Policies in 2025
Analysis of Euro-Denominated Funds and Their Long-Term Performance
Euro-denominated funds remain a major pillar of life insurance for investors seeking greater stability. However, not all euro-denominated funds operate in the same way. Depending on the policy, the capital invested in a euro-denominated fund may be 100% guaranteed or may offer a partial guarantee in order to pursue higher returns.
Traditional Euro Funds
Traditional euro-denominated funds are primarily invested in:
- in bonds;
- in low-volatility assets;
- sometimes in real estate.
Their primary goal is:
- capital preservation;
- consistent performance;
- low volatility.
Among the recognized traditional euro funds are:
- Suravenir Rendement 2;
- Cardif General Euro Fund;
- certain mutual funds, such as La France Mutualiste.
Next-Generation Euro Funds
For several years now, insurers have been developing so-called “next-generation” euro funds.
Their goal:
- strive for even better performance;
- invest a portion of the assets in real estate, stocks, or infrastructure;
- maintain capital protection in accordance with the terms of the contract.
Example:
- Spirica's "Objectif Climat" euro fund;
- Spirica's Nouvelle Génération euro fund;
- Cardif's Private Strategies euro fund.
What will the returns on euro-denominated funds be in 2026?
In 2026, returns on euro-denominated funds are expected to remain at attractive levels thanks to the more favorable interest rate environment seen in recent years. The rate of return, however, depends on several factors:
- the insurer's management strategy;
- the portion invested in real estate or bonds;
- any bonuses related to unit-linked products;
- or the financial reserves of the euro fund.
In 2025, while the average return on euro-denominated funds in the market was around 2.65%, certain policies nevertheless significantly exceeded that average:
- Corum Life: 4.10%;
- Meilleurtaux Essentiel Life: 3.50%;
- Spirica Climate Objective: 3.26%;
- Spirica New Generation: 3.08%;
- Suravenir Opportunités 2: 3%;
- Netissima (Generali): 3%.
In 2026, several insurers will also continue to offer performance bonuses contingent on investments in unit-linked policies. Please note that past performance is not indicative of future results.
Why do some euro-denominated funds outperform others?
There are several factors that explain the differences in performance:
- the insurer's investment strategy;
- the portion invested in real estate;
- exposure to the stock markets;
- accumulated financial reserves;
- Constraints related to units of account.
Are euro-denominated funds still a good investment in the long term?
Yes, but their role is changing. Today, many savers use euro-denominated funds:
- as a secure pocket;
- in addition to more dynamic investment units;
- to adjust gradually in response to market conditions.
A balanced allocation between euro-denominated funds and unit-linked funds allows investors to seek higher returns while limiting the overall volatility of the policy. It is also important to remember that a high return in one year does not guarantee future performance.
How can you effectively compare multiple life insurance policies?
Check the actual costs
Some contracts have few visible fees but charge higher costs for certain services. It is therefore important to analyze:
- annual fees;
- unit-of-account fees;
- managed account fees;
- any additional fees that may apply to certain investment vehicles, such as real estate investment trusts (SCPIs) or direct stock purchases.
Review the terms of the euro fund
Not all high-performing euro-denominated funds are available under the same terms. Before investing, it is therefore important to carefully review the terms and conditions of the contract.
Some attractive euro-denominated funds, in particular, require:
- a minimum number of units of account in order to achieve the best return;
- an investment limit on the euro-denominated fund;
- specific payment terms;
- or temporary yield bonuses subject to certain allocation rules.
For example, some contracts limit access to the euro fund to 50% or 70% of the contract in order to encourage diversification into more dynamic investment vehicles. Others offer a higher rate of return only if a portion of the premiums is simultaneously invested in unit-linked products.
It is therefore essential to check:
- restrictions on access to the euro fund;
- the conditions for achieving the best returns;
- as well as the level of capital protection provided for in the contract.
Analyze the available resources
A portfolio with a wide variety of assets can offer greater flexibility over time. ETFs are particularly popular for:
- their reduced costs;
- their diversification;
- their transparency.
Evaluate the quality of the user interface and customer service
The quality of the user experience is becoming an increasingly important factor in choosing a life insurance policy, particularly for policies managed entirely online.
A user-friendly interface makes it easy to:
- payments;
- trade-offs;
- performance monitoring;
- accessing documents;
- or the use of electronic signatures for transactions.
The speed with which requests are processed and the availability of customer service can also make a difference on a day-to-day basis, particularly when it comes to arbitrage or redemptions.
Why diversify across multiple life insurance policies?
Having multiple life insurance policies offers several advantages:
- diversify the insurers;
- gain access to various euro-denominated funds;
- expand the range of media;
- tailor each contract to a specific objective.
For example:
- a conservative policy focused on euro-denominated funds;
- a dynamic contract involving ETFs and real estate;
- a retirement-focused contract.
How do I purchase life insurance?
The underwriting process is now largely digitized. All online contracts allow for a completely paperless application process. Some contracts also allow you to set up recurring payments so you can invest gradually over time.
Here are the main steps for taking out a life insurance policy:
- set your goals;
- choose a management approach;
- select your allowance;
- complete the application form;
- Make an initial payment.
What role does life insurance play in a wealth management strategy?
Life insurance serves several purposes:
- plan for retirement;
- to finance a project;
- pass on a legacy;
- diversify one's savings;
- look for a way to earn extra income.
It can also be used in conjunction with other wealth management solutions such as:
- the PER;
- real estate investment;
- SCPIs;
- diversified financial investments.
At Raizers, our wealth management approach is based on a comprehensive view of investing, incorporating various savings and diversification vehicles tailored to each investor’s goals, investment horizon, and risk profile. This includes, in particular, life insurance policies distributed through recognized insurance partners. Each offering thus has specific characteristics in terms of management, investment vehicles, potential returns, and risk level.
Contact us for assistance in choosing a solution tailored to your wealth management strategy.
Source
- https://www.capital.fr/votre-argent/assurance-vie-les-fonds-euros-affichent-un-rendement-de-265-en-moyenne-en-2025-1525335
- https://avenuedesinvestisseurs.fr/meilleurs-fonds-euros-rendement-composition/
- https://www.asac-fapes.fr/media/2608/download/fonds-euro-nouvelle-generation-31-12-2025-200.pdf?v=1
- https://www.argusdelassurance.com/epargne/assurance-vie/rendements-assurance-vie-bnp-paribas-cardif-maintient-le-cap-avec-un-taux-moyen-qui-frole-les-3.238010