Who decides whether an illness is terminal?

The bottom line Who decides whether an illness is terminal is clearer once you separate two roles: a physician supplies the medical certification, and the insurer decides whether the evidence meets the policy’s benefit definition. For certain federal tax rules, the IRS uses a 24-month prognosis standard. A terminal diagnosis does not create one universal … Read more

Should refinancing trigger a life insurance review?

The bottom line Should refinancing trigger a life insurance review? Yes, when the new loan changes what your household would need to cover, not merely because the rate moved. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau notes that the Closing Disclosure is generally due three business days before closing, giving you a natural moment to compare the … Read more

War exclusion clause and active duty deployment explained?

The bottom line War exclusion clause and active duty deployment explained: a private life insurance policy may exclude death tied to war or military action, while SGLI and VGLI do not carry that exclusion, according to the NAIC. Policy wording still controls private coverage. Before deployment, check your contract, confirm SGLI elections, and record your … Read more

Why did insurer file an interpleader lawsuit?

The bottom line Why did insurer file an interpleader lawsuit? An insurer generally files one when two or more people claim the same life insurance proceeds and the company cannot safely decide who should be paid. The insurer asks a court to resolve the competing claims, then follows the court’s order. An insurer’s filing does … Read more

Survivorship life insurance pros and cons — What to Consider?

The bottom line Survivorship life insurance pros and cons come down to when the policy pays: a second-to-die policy covers two people and pays beneficiaries after the second death. It can support a shared estate or legacy goal, but it cannot replace income for the survivor after the first death. A survivorship policy is designed … Read more

Life insurance to cover a car loan if something happens?

The bottom line Life insurance to cover a car loan if something happens can protect the people handling your finances, but credit life and term life work differently. Credit life generally pays the creditor’s covered balance; term life pays a beneficiary a chosen death benefit. Compare the policy terms, cost, and flexibility. A car loan … Read more

Should the higher earner carry more life insurance?

The bottom line Should the higher earner carry more life insurance? Usually, yes, because the household may lose a larger share of its income when that person dies. The right amount is the uncovered need after counting debts, savings, existing coverage, household services, and benefits that may be available. Income is only one part of … Read more

Credit life insurance pros and cons — What to Consider?

The bottom line Credit life insurance pros and cons depend on what your family needs after a loan is paid off. The policy can clear all or part of a covered debt, but it does not give your beneficiaries a flexible cash benefit. Compare its written cost with individual term coverage before signing. The Consumer … Read more

Submit a life insurance cancellation request — What to Consider?

The bottom line To submit a life insurance cancellation request, first confirm how your policy ends, what value you would receive, and whether replacement coverage is already in force. Ask the insurer for its required form and effective date, then keep written confirmation. A tax professional can explain any taxable gain. Key facts Term life … Read more

Will obesity related conditions trigger table ratings?

The bottom line The answer to “will obesity related conditions trigger table ratings” is sometimes, because an insurer weighs your build, medical history, treatment, and current measurements together. A table rating means a higher-than-standard risk class, not an automatic decline. The final decision and premium depend on the insurer’s rules and your application. Key facts … Read more