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LIMRA worked with the Society of Actuaries and Oliver Wyman to conduct a series of short surveys on the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential effects on the insurance industry.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in social-distancing practices and volatile market conditions that have caused disruptions in many life insurance companies’ processes.

About 90% of the companies rated distribution/social distancing and pricing/new business profitability (89%) as a concern and 77% listed in-force profitability.

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“Companies have had to be nimble in making adjustments where needed to their product rates and pricing,” said Marianne Purushotham, research actuary, LIMRA, who co-authored the survey.

Depending on the product, various factors contribute to companies’ current pricing challenges:

To manage these new economic challenges companies have taken various steps:

There have also been changes in underwriting for life insurance products. Two-thirds of respondents have changed their underwriting process to address the lack of access to traditional paramedical testing. Of those who have changed, about two-thirds are using attending physician statements in place of fluid requirements, two-thirds are increasing automated/accelerated underwriting limits, and about one half are using telephone or FaceTime screenings.

The study results indicate life insurers are adapting to the new economic conditions and physical limitations brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes will enable companies to continue to provide Americans the protection products they need to secure their financial future.

Media Contacts

Catherine Theroux

Director, Public Relations

Work Phone: (860) 285-7787

Mobile Phone: (703) 447-3257

ctheroux@limra.com

Brooke Lacey

Senior Public Relations Specialist

Work Phone: (860) 298-3920

Mobile Phone: (413) 530-6184

blacey@limra.com

Bailey Reed

Public Relations/Social Media Specialist

Work Phone: (770) 984-3788

breed@loma.org

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