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Question

Difficulty: MediumRisk Classification

Elena submits an application for a whole life insurance policy. Her medical records reveal she has a chronic, progressive health condition that statistically shortens life expectancy and is expected to worsen as she ages. She has a safe desk job and does not participate in any dangerous activities. Based on standard underwriting practices, how will the insurer most likely classify Elena's risk and adjust her premium?

  1. Assign a substandard classification and apply a table rating.Answer
  2. B
    Assign a substandard classification and charge a flat extra premium.
  3. C
    Assign a standard classification but exclude coverage for her specific condition.
  4. D
    Assign a preferred classification but permanently reduce the initial face amount.

Answer

Assign a substandard classification and apply a table rating.
Because the applicant has a chronic and progressive medical condition, she represents a higher-than-average risk. Insurers handle this by classifying the applicant as substandard and typically applying a table rating. A table rating adds a percentage surcharge to the standard premium to mathematically account for the increasing health risk over time.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the applicant's risk factors.
The applicant has a progressive medical condition but no occupational or hobby hazards.
Identifying the specific type of risk (medical vs. occupational) dictates how the premium will be adjusted.
2
Determine the appropriate broad risk class.
The applicant represents a higher-than-average risk, meaning she falls into the substandard category.
Standard and preferred categories require average or above-average health.
3
Select the correct rating method for the specific type of hazard.
A table rating is chosen over a flat extra premium.
Table ratings (percentage increases) are used for risks that increase over time, such as chronic health conditions. Flat extra charges are used for constant risks, like dangerous occupations.

Key Concept

Risk Classification and Rating Methods
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Topics

Risk Classification

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