Why it earned this rating
Our assessment
The Select Income Focus 7 earns a Strong Option rating by combining a meaningful income rider with two clear roll-up choices (14% simple for 5 years or 12% simple for 10 years) with a genuinely valuable built-in care enhancement — the Wellbeing Benefit doubles single income if two of six ADLs are impaired — at no additional cost.
The short version
I think the Select Income Focus 7 is one of the more thoughtfully designed income FIAs in American National's lineup. The Wellbeing Benefit addresses a real planning gap — income riders help with longevity, but what about if your health deteriorates before you exhaust your assets? Getting a meaningful ADL-triggered income enhancement built into the rider fee is valuable. Buyers who are drawn to the income rider should also look hard at whether the 5-year or 10-year roll-up option fits their timeline better.
Key facts
American National Insurance Company, founded 1905, A (Excellent) A.M. Best. The Select Income Focus 7 is a flexible premium FIA with an optional Lifetime Income Rider (two roll-up options), an included Wellbeing Benefit for ADL impairment, seven crediting strategies, and a 7-year surrender schedule. Issue ages 50–80. Not available in New York.
The full review
Is American National Select Income Focus 7 a Good Annuity?
Yes, for buyers prioritizing income planning. The combination of a competitive income rider with a built-in care enhancement is differentiated from most pure income FIAs. The 7-index crediting menu and flexible premium feature add accumulation capability alongside the income focus.
Why Someone Would Buy This Annuity
A 65-year-old recently retired who wants to guarantee lifetime income starting at age 72, while also protecting against the scenario where health declines before or during retirement. They want the income rider's growth for seven years, and the Wellbeing Benefit gives them peace of mind that if they ever need extended care, their income payments will be significantly larger.
Who This Annuity Is Best For
Retirees and near-retirees ages 60–78 who want a defined income planning tool with a care component. Buyers who want income in 5–10 years and value simplicity in their roll-up structure (choose either 14%/5yr or 12%/10yr). Not appropriate for buyers who want maximum accumulation without an income rider (the 1% fee reduces accumulation account growth), or for buyers who need immediate income.
What You're Really Buying Here
A 7-year income FIA with an optional Lifetime Income Rider that grows a separate income base at either 14% simple interest per year for 5 years or 12% simple interest per year for 10 years. The Wellbeing Benefit is included in the rider: if you become impaired in two or more of six Activities of Daily Living, your income payments double (single) or increase by 50% (joint). Seven indexed crediting strategies manage the accumulation account during the deferral period.
How the Core Feature Works
The Lifetime Income Rider creates an income base separate from the annuity value:
Option 1 (14% Roll-Up): The income base grows at 14% simple interest per year for up to 5 years. After deferral, the income base is converted to annual income payments using payout factors based on your age at income start. The 1.0% annual fee is charged against the annuity value.
Option 2 (12% Roll-Up): The income base grows at 12% simple interest per year for up to 10 years. After deferral, income payments begin at a payout factor based on age. Same 1.0% annual fee.
Income is guaranteed for life — if the annuity value goes to zero, payments continue from the general account.
Why the Secondary Feature Matters
The Wellbeing Benefit is the product's standout secondary feature. No additional charge beyond the 1.0% rider fee. If you become impaired in 2 of 6 ADLs (bathing, dressing, eating, continence, transferring, toileting), American National doubles your single income payments or increases joint payments by 50% for as long as you remain impaired. This is a meaningful long-term care enhancement built into an income rider — most carriers charge separately for this.
Liquidity and Surrender Schedule
7-year surrender (ages 50–80): 8,8,7,6,5,4,3,0. Free withdrawal: 10% of AV per year after year one. MVA on excess withdrawals. Spousal continuation: three options available. Emergency waivers: confinement, disability, terminal illness. Not available in NY.
Fees and Tradeoffs
Lifetime Income Rider: 1.0% annual fee charged against the annuity value. No other explicit fees. The rider fee reduces the accumulation account — buyers who prioritize growth over income should use the Select Focus 7 (no income rider) instead.
Product snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Flexible Premium Income Fixed Index Annuity |
| Surrender Period | 7 Years |
| Issue Ages | 50–80 |
| Minimum Premium | $5,000 |
| Lifetime Income Rider | Optional; 1.0% annual fee |
| Roll-Up Option 1 | 14% simple interest per year for up to 5 years |
| Roll-Up Option 2 | 12% simple interest per year for up to 10 years |
| Wellbeing Benefit | Included with rider; 2x income (single) or +50% (joint) if 2 of 6 ADLs impaired |
| Indices Available | S&P 500, QQQ, Russell 2000, QQQ 15, MSCI EAFE, S&P 500 Advantage 15% VT TCA, BlackRock Adaptive US Equity 15% |
| Free Withdrawal | 10% of AV per year after year 1 |
| Surrender Schedule | 8, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 |
| MVA | Yes (not in CA) |
| MGSV | 87.5% of premium less withdrawals |
| Waivers | Confinement, Disability, Terminal Illness |
| Spousal Continuation | Three options available |
| State Availability | Not available in New York |
Carrier snapshot
American National Insurance Company, founded 1905, Galveston, Texas. A.M. Best: A (Excellent). Part of Brookfield Reinsurance since 2022.
Final take
The Select Income Focus 7 is a well-designed income FIA that combines a competitive roll-up structure with a built-in care enhancement that most buyers won't find elsewhere at no additional cost. The choice between the 14%/5-year and 12%/10-year roll-up options is a meaningful planning decision — work with your agent to determine which fits your income timeline. For buyers who want income protection and some care coverage from a single product, this is worth serious consideration.