Exhibit 23.1



                       CONSENT OF INDEPEDENT ACCOUNTANTS



We consent to the  incorporation by reference in the  registration  statement of
Conseco,  Inc. on Form S-3 (File No.  333-56611) of: (i) our reports dated March
23, 1998 on our audits of the  consolidated  financial  statements and financial
statement  schedules of Conseco,  Inc. and  subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997
and 1996, and for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,  included in
the Annual  Report on Form 10-K;  and (ii) our report  dated July 7, 1998 on our
audits of the supplemental  consolidated  financial statements of Conseco,  Inc.
and  subsidiaries  as of  December  31,  1997 and 1996,  and for the years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, included as Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report
on Form 8-K of Conseco, Inc. dated June 30, 1998, as amended. We also consent to
the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts."




                                                  /S/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                  /S/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

Indianapolis, Indiana
August 6, 1998