With the continuing global economic crisis, there has been a lot in the press recently concerning the importance of life insurance at such a time and whether it is even certain that we’ll receive our money when we are due it. This is particularly relevant in the UK at the moment with the Janice Wild Vs Windsor Life case, but the aim of this article is to highlight that this is an isolated incident and that we shouldn’t lose trust in the UK life insurance industry as a whole. Typically though, there are certain times when policies will not pay out and I shall describe some of them here:
Death by Hazardous Activity
Hazardous activities or extreme sports are often hard to define, but it is usual for insurance companies to stipulate that should a policyholder die during some kind of dangerous recreation or pastime they will not pay out. Consequently, it is important that if you are considering a life insurance policy and enjoy any sport that necessitates any degree of risk: such as skateboarding, rock climbing and sky-diving – then you should be completely honest with your insurance company and ascertain whether you need extra or specialist cover at the outset.
Death by Suicide
Insurance companies will often refuse to pay out when the policyholder has committed suicide. It is typical of each life insurance policy to include a suicide clause which nullifies the policy if suicide occurs, usually, within two years in the US – whilst some state-wide policies have statutory suicide clause covering 1 year. Additionally, certain policies may reserve the right to reject a claim should the holder commit suicide at any time.
Death during War
It is typical of insurance companies to not pay out should the policy holder die during an act of war. This is simply because an event that is as unpredictable and extraordinary as war is difficult to calculate in risk terms. Consequently, the definition of “war” amongst companies is usually quite broad and might vary between each, but will likely include: civil and international war, declared and undeclared war, and any conflict between military organizations. It must be acknowledged that acts of terror confuses matters further and are regarded as acts of war by some, but not others.
Death in a Restricted Country
Life insurance companies may also refuse to pay out if the policyholder dies in what is considered a “Restricted Country”. These usually refer to places where disease or conflict leads to the deaths of many of the population. Similarly to death during war, it is too difficult for companies to judge the risk of an individual in such an unstable country. In circumstances where policyholders must travel to such destinations, a policy rider is usually purchased for the duration, and at an increased premium, in order to ensure the individual is covered.
Circumstances when life insurance companies don’t pay out
On a health-binge? Why you should review your life insurance policy
The global economic crisis is causing all of us to review our outgoings and to reconsider whether we really need to spend on items we used to take for granted such as life insurance. However, whilst many of us are eager to reject the idea of life insurance as a necessity at all, we all know that the best way to really save and benefit from the security it offers is to be a healthier person. So how healthy are you? And could you be benefiting from kicking some of those indulgent vices into touch?
Smoking
Whether you are a smoker or not can make a huge difference to the amount you spend on life insurance premiums. UK No Smoking Day occurs on the 11th May and highlights the many benefits of quitting, and aside from the obvious health implications, the financial ones via savings on your life insurance are also very great. According to The Guardian, stopping smoking for a year when you reach the age of 40 can result in premiums 50 percent lower than they would be for a continuing smoker. Taking actual costs into account, an individual could save over £100 a month.
Alcohol
Similarly, alcohol consumption can affect life insurance prices also. This information increases in significance when we consider how much is adequate to drink in health terms. The Telegraph reported last December that insurers were being forced to push up prices after increases in cases of liver cirrhosis, heart problems and cancers which may be linked to alcohol consumption – whilst statistically 20 percent of UK men and 30 percent of women are said to drink ‘hazardous’ amounts. 50 units, i.e. an amount that is considered harmful can result in £300 extra on premiums over a year. Yet, an article at bytestart.co.uk highlights the importance of re-taking a liver-function test should you cut down, as this will likely be taken into account during a life insurance review.
Obesity
Being obese to the point that it affects your health, and with levels of clinical obesity increasing faster in the UK than anywhere else, insurance companies are beginning to take note. Statistics form whatprice.co.uk look at the average 40 year old (at 12 stone) compared to an obese person of the same age and who will weigh 18 stone. Cover that is worth £100,000 would cost 50 percent more for the latter individual, but they may even be at risk at not being granted cover at all.
Whilst the recession is causing many of us to cut back on spend, and to re-assess the financial aspects of our lives, by acknowledging the savings made by those with a healthier lifestyle it seems that 2009 might be the best year to focus on our health habits as well as our money habits. And if you are healthier now than you have been since buying life insurance, review your policy and compare prices – and keep them informed even if you have just joined the gym. It might be worth more than you had realized.