By Eric Schuhmacher | June 11, 2020 at 01:39 AM
A veteran underwriter says some of
the changes have been helpful.
(Credit: CDC)
How has the
insurance industry changed to adapt to the coronavirus? Carriers have placed
restrictions on coverage for some clients.
One carrier
recently postponed any proposed insureds age 70 and over. Those aged 60 to 69,
who are rated, are being delayed at this time. Some carriers are postponing
older clients, as well as those with impairments that make them more
susceptible to COVID-19, such as heart disease and chronic respiratory disease.
However, positive
changes have developed in the life insurance industry. Carriers have responded
by moving towards a “fluid-less” underwriting process. This was done to avoid
having a paramedical enter a person’s home and potentially open them to exposure
to COVID-19. Carriers will use other no-touch resources to underwrite and
approve cases.
Here are three
examples of insurance companies that have changed to allow for a more
streamlined underwriting process.
One carrier has a
program that uses no-touch medical and non-medical resources to underwrite
cases without the need for a traditional paramedical exam. In some situations,
an attending physician statement (APS) will be requested. Qualifying cases are
limited to ages up to and including 55. The permanent products are limited to
some of their products.
A second carrier
has an underwriting process that expands the use of electronic medical records
(Human API). Human API is a health data network that gives consumers a simple
way to share their health data. This carrier takes the responsibility for
ordering medical records on all cases through their system. This program is
open to ages 18-60, $3 million face amount max, as well as to term and
permanent policies.
Another carrier
offers an expanded fluid-less underwriting process available for ages 18-40
with up to $2.5 million face amount. Clients aged 41-60 are eligible up to face
amounts of $2 million. This process applies to term and permanent products. The
application process for term is through the drop ticket or iGO. There is also a
phone interview, motor vehicle report, MIB check, and Rx check done for
underwriting. The applicant must have had a complete physical, including labs,
with all normal results, within the last 24 months.
The COVID-19
pandemic has changed our individual lives and the way we do business that will
have long lasting effects. Life insurance companies are changing their
underwriting processes to adapt to it.
Eric Schuhmacher, ALMI,
ACS, is the senior underwriter at First American Insurance
Underwriters Inc. of Needham, Massachusetts.
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