Breaking Down North American’s Secure Horizon IUL: Innovation, Flexibility, and Real Client Value

When a new IUL hits the market, the question advisors always ask is: Does this product really solve problems for clients, or is it just another illustration game?

North American’s new Secure Horizon IUL, built in partnership with Annexus, is one of the most anticipated launches in recent years. Many already know the Secure Horizon name from the annuity side—now it’s been reimagined for life insurance. I sat down with Jon Elder, Sales Director at Annexus, to unpack what makes it different, who it’s designed for, and how advisors can position it.

The Problem It’s Solving

Advisors often struggle to find a true fit for accumulation-focused clients. Most IULs look good on a spreadsheet but leave clients with limited choices or too much complexity. Secure Horizon aims to change that by delivering:

• Cash accumulation first – but with flexibility for other client goals.
• Multiple allocation options – including five distinct S&P 500 choices.
• Tools for guidance – through a partnership with Index Standard, giving advisors rules-based allocations updated quarterly.

As Jon put it: “Advisors don’t need every dial and knob explained—they need bullet points that translate into client solutions.”

What’s Under the Hood?

Think of Secure Horizon as North American’s Builder Plus 4 chassis…with a Shelby Mustang engine dropped in.

• Proprietary Indices: Includes the S&P Prism and RAFI Research Affiliates indices, both proven leaders in the smart beta/volatility control space.
• 1-, 2-, and 3-Year Options: Allowing a laddering approach for consistent performance. Longer durations mean stronger value if the client can “let it cook.”
• Uncapped Potential + Guarantees: Six volatility-control options with no caps, guaranteed participation rates of 100–150%, and no asset-based charges or spreads.
• Dual Trigger S&P 500: A first in IUL—clients can earn 8% if the S&P posts zero or positive returns, or +2% even if the market falls up to 10%.

It’s designed for steady base hits, not just one-off home runs.

The Secure Stage Endorsement – A New Fourth Column

Here’s where Secure Horizon gets truly unique. Beyond account value, surrender value, and death benefit, the policy has a fourth guaranteed column:

• 150% multiplier on credited interest, plus return of premium.
• Creates a longevity risk benefit base with three optional uses:
• Lifetime income starting as early as age 60.
• PlanGap protection if Social Security benefits are reduced.
• Beneficiary installment option, paying an enhanced death benefit over five years.

It’s not what sells the contract, but it’s a powerful enhancement once the policy performs.

Addressing Complexity

IUL has a reputation for being overly complex. Jon’s advice to advisors? Keep it simple:

• Focus on uncapped earning potential, strong guarantees, and flexibility.
• Use Index Standard for allocations—it gives you a rules-based, forecasted methodology for finding the most optimal blend to help meet or exceed the illustration rate.
• Remember: clients don’t care about front-end loads or dials. They care about whether the policy works to solve their problem.

Who Is It For?

This isn’t a niche product. Secure Horizon can be issued from 15 days old up to age 75. It’s most often going to be used for accumulation clients under 50, but the structure allows for pre-retirement and even post-retirement planning with liquidity riders.

If you’ve written Secure Horizon on the annuity side, this may be your easiest entry into the IUL market.

Final Takeaways for Advisors

• Uncapped earning potential with guaranteed participation rates (100–150%).
• Multiple S&P and volatility-control strategies with real guidance on allocations.
• Secure Stage Endorsement providing lifetime income, Social Security gap coverage, and enhanced death benefit options.
• A design philosophy that prioritizes client value over spreadsheet optics.

As Jon said: “It’s all about the design. We’re not creating indexes just to win on illustration—we’re building strategies that actually work.”

For advisors seeking a fresh accumulation solution with unique client protections, Secure Horizon IUL deserves a serious look.