How Life Insurance Premiums Are Calculated
Life insurance is difficult enough to understand, but understanding how company computes your premiums is even harder. Calculating your life insurance rates is not as simple and straightforward as calculating your premiums for other kinds of risk, like fire insurance. The rates you pay for life insurance coverage are based on your state of health at the time you apply for the policy, and that risk assessment is made by a qualified medical professional. If you are not in good fit, or if you indulge in risky behaviors such as smoking or street drugs, the insurance company expects to have to pay out more benefits on your policy than if you were totally healthy and did nothing to put your health at risk. That is the reason insurance companies usually require a physical exam before issuing your life insurance policy.
Once the results of the exam are, the company will review not only those findings, but also your family's medical history, your personal driving history, and probably records of your health insurance claims and credit score as well.
In addition to the medical and driving reports, your insurance provider will also have you fill out a questionnaire about your health and lifestyle. Be honest when answering the questions and providing your medical history. If you are found to have lied on your questionnaire, then it could keep your policy claim from being paid in the future. An insurance provider may also cancel your life insurance policy if they find out that you lied during the quote process.
From all these reports, the insurance company assigns you a score reflecting your risk. That is why the premium you actually pay may not be the same as the quote the agent gives you when you apply for coverage. If the company finds that you are at a higher risk level than originally assumed, your premium will almost certainly be higher than your quote.
There are ways to lower your risk. Take care of your health. Maintain a healthy weight, eat a well-balanced diet and exercise regularly. If you smoke, then quit. Be a safe and defensive driver. Don?t get speeding tickets or into accidents that can raise your insurance premiums. Make smart decisions and don?t engage in dangerous, risky behavior.
The insurance company also considers factors outside your control, like gender and age, in computing your premiums. That is why it is so important for you to do everything possible to improve your health and lower your risk. It's a good idea to do your research, ask several rounds of questions, and get several quotes before choosing your life insurance policy.
Once the results of the exam are, the company will review not only those findings, but also your family's medical history, your personal driving history, and probably records of your health insurance claims and credit score as well.
In addition to the medical and driving reports, your insurance provider will also have you fill out a questionnaire about your health and lifestyle. Be honest when answering the questions and providing your medical history. If you are found to have lied on your questionnaire, then it could keep your policy claim from being paid in the future. An insurance provider may also cancel your life insurance policy if they find out that you lied during the quote process.
From all these reports, the insurance company assigns you a score reflecting your risk. That is why the premium you actually pay may not be the same as the quote the agent gives you when you apply for coverage. If the company finds that you are at a higher risk level than originally assumed, your premium will almost certainly be higher than your quote.
There are ways to lower your risk. Take care of your health. Maintain a healthy weight, eat a well-balanced diet and exercise regularly. If you smoke, then quit. Be a safe and defensive driver. Don?t get speeding tickets or into accidents that can raise your insurance premiums. Make smart decisions and don?t engage in dangerous, risky behavior.
The insurance company also considers factors outside your control, like gender and age, in computing your premiums. That is why it is so important for you to do everything possible to improve your health and lower your risk. It's a good idea to do your research, ask several rounds of questions, and get several quotes before choosing your life insurance policy.
About the Author:
Tom Martens is the content syndication coordinator at Lifeinsurance-Southafrica.co.za South Arica?s leading Life Insurance and Life Cover portal.
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