Chapter 8 - Morbidity Risks Flashcards
(114 cards)
Mortality
The number of deaths that occur at a given time, in a given group, or from a given cause.
Morbidity
The prevalence of disease or disability within a population
Mortality risk
The risk of a particular individual dying, at any given time, when compared to other individuals of the same age and sex.
Morbidity Risk
The risk of a particular individual contracting a disease, or other disabling condition, at any given time, when compared to other individuals of the same age or sex. For example, individuals with a long history of back problems have a higher morbidity risk because they are more likely to be disabled due to back problems than other individuals of the same age, sex, and occupation, who have never had back problems.
Disability Insurance
42% probability that a person who is 25 yrs old today will become disabled for at least 90 days before reaching age 65.
At age 55 there is a greater than 1/5 probability of suffering a disability.
For disabilities lasting 90 days are usually handled by their financial affairs.
Average length of disability at 25 is 2.5 yrs, at 55 it reaches 5 yrs.
Insurance usually converse as short as 12 months or can extended beyond age 65.
Disability Insurance - Products - Base policy
When total disability occurs, a benefit is payable (i.e., the monthly benefit) after a definer period of time (i.e., the waiting period), for a defined length of time (i.e., the benefit period).
Disability Insurance - Three types of renewability provisions
- Conditionally renewable (non-traditional)
- Guaranteed renewable (traditional)
- Non-cancelable (traditional)
Disability Insurance - Conditionally Renewable
“Cancelable” - allow the insurance company the most flexibility in making changes to in force policies. This policy type does not provide for any premium or policy provision guarantees nor for the continuation of the policy (can be cancelled or premium increased).
Usually for those looking for cheap coverage or who do not qualify for tradition disability insurance.
Disability Insurance - Guaranteed Renewable
Cannot be cancelled, have any changes made to its provisions or additional restrictions applied, provide the premium is paid to date. Though a lower premium can be charged initially it could be increased by class if the company is experiencing a poor claims history on that particular block of business. Underwriting is less restrictive than non-cancelable. Can include benefit limitations like conditionally renewable such as limited benefit period, longer elimination period, or reduced benefit amount. Some impairments can be completely excluded.
Disability Insurance - Non-cancelable
Most strictly underwritten as it presents the greatest risk to the company. The company cannot:
1. Increase or add additional charges for the policy w/out agreement from policyholder
2. Change/add any provision or restrictions
3. Cancel the policy, regardless of changes (occupation or health).
Usually an age limit to 65.
Coverage can continue past age 65 as long as working full time.
Disability Insurance - Non-cancelable after age 65
Changes include:
1. premiums are no longer guaranteed and are based on attained age on an annually renewable basis.
2. The waiting period remains unchanged but the benefit period is changed to either 12-24 months.
3. The definition of disability it “total”
4. Any benefit riders are terminated.
Max age could be 70 to 75 depending on company.
Disability insurance policies define the conditions that must be met in order for a benefit to be payable. Three categories are
- Own occupation
- Regular occupation
- Any occupation
Own occupation
Provides disability coverage for the individual who cannot perform their specific job function. The inability, due to injury or sickness, to perform the important duties of his/her current occupation. Although disabled from his occupation, He can work in another job while still receiving claim benefits.
Many no longer offer this coverage, and if they do, this is restricted to certain occupations.
Sometimes this is only for a limited period of time.
Regular Occupation
Almost identical to own occupation except the insured is ineligible for disability benefits , if able to work in an occupation for which he/she has been educated, trained, or has experience with respect to the duties required under that specific job.
Regular occupation period would last for the first 2.,5.or 10 yrs of the benefit period - changing to any occupation after.
Any Occupation
Based on the insured’s ability to work in any reasonable occupation. Adjudicator will determine the individual’s ability to work.
Loss of income policies (Residual)
Some disability policies measure total disability in term of income loss. The amount paid is based on proportionate loss of income rate than the loss of ability to perform duties. If the insured is unable to return to gainful employment due to disability. the full benefit of the policy will be paid.
Disability Insurance - Policy Structure
Benefit Payment
Waiting Period
Benefit Period
Contractual exclusion riders
Policy Structure - Benefit Payment
Normally payable on a monthly basis for the duration of the disability and, upon recovery and continued premium payments, the policy remains in force.
Policy Structure - Waiting Period
Also known as the elimination period, designates the period of time one must be disabled prior to benefits becoming payable. Usually around 30 days but can range from 0 days to 2 years.
Policy Structure - Benefit Period
Refers to max period for which benefits will be paid during a disability. Usually around 2 years, 5 years, and up to age 65.
Policy Structure - Contractual Exclusion Riders
Various exclusion riders provide that benefits will not be payable if a disability occurred secondary to:
- an act or accident of war, declared or undeclared, or due to any type of military conflict.
- committing or attempting to commit a felony, or engaging in an illegal occupation.
- normal pregnancy or childbirth
- transplant surgery where a part of the insured body is transplanted to another person during the first 6 months the policy is in force.
- Cosmetic surgery, during the first 6 months the policy is in force.
Business DI Products
- Key Person Insurance
- Office Overhead Expense
- Disability Buy-Sell
DI - Key Person Insurance
Designed to protect a business and replace lost profits in the event of the loss of a key employee (someone who is considered a valuable asset to the company and a necessity for its successful operation.
Regular or Own Occupation definitions of total disability are typically utilized.
Waiting periods are 30, 60, or 90 days
Benefit period is typically 12, 18, or 24 months.
DI - Office Overhead Expense
Reimburse covered fixed business expenses during the disability of the insured owner. Benefit payable is based on the actual covered expenses incurred by the business during each month of disability.
Typical definition is Own or Regular Occupation
Waiting periods are 30, 60, or 90 days
Benefit period is typically 12, 15, 18, or 24 months.