BOSTON, Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- With the addition of a new Standard Plus Non Smoker risk class, John Hancock Life Insurance has enhanced its Protection SUL-G and Performance UL policies, two of the most successful products in their broad and competitive universal life portfolio.

Healthier clients who previously may have been classified as Standard Non Smoker risks may now qualify for the new Standard Plus risk class -- at much lower premiums.

"We anticipate that a very significant number of Standard Non Smoker applicants may qualify for and take advantage of the new Standard Plus risk class -- with its associated premium savings," said Steve Finch, President, John Hancock Life Insurance.

Beyond the new risk class, each product offers clients very competitive premiums as well as a full complement of riders(1) that allow for precise tailoring of the product to the clients' needs. Protection SUL-G and Performance UL have been among John Hancock Life Insurance's top selling products by premium over the past several years.

Protection SUL-G

The new Protection SUL-G offers excellent versatility in guaranteed(2) survivorship universal life insurance at issue ages 50 and over. Clients may choose the duration of their death benefit guarantee period -- for lifetime or shorter. They also may choose to single-pay, pay-all-years, or any period in between. This combination of flexible guarantees and premium-payment options makes Protection SUL-G an attractive solution for clients whose primary concern is guaranteed death benefit coverage.

Performance UL

Performance UL is designed for clients who need a low-cost permanent life insurance policy that offers competitive premiums to clients ages 50 and above. Clients also may choose from a variety of features and riders that address estate planning and business insurance needs.

"John Hancock continues to be a leader in the universal life product space because our products are aligned with the needs of producers and clients," Mr. Finch said. "These two new products further demonstrate our commitment to maintaining the most competitive and innovative product portfolio in the industry."

About John Hancock and Manulife Financial

John Hancock is a unit of Manulife Financial Corporation (the Company), a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 19 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and in most of Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, the Company 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$399.0 billion (US$400.5 billion) as at September 30, 2007.

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '0945' on the SEHK. Additional information about Manulife may be found 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, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, long term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. John Hancock carries the highest -- "AAA" -- financial strength rating from Standard & Poor's Ratings Services. Additional information about John Hancock Financial may be found at www.manulife.com.

    1. Some riders may have additional fees and expenses associated with them.
    2. Guaranteed product features are dependent upon minimum premium
       requirements and the claims-paying ability of the issuer.

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

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.

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Source: John Hancock Life Insurance

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