Life Insurance And Death: A Guide To Checking Policies In Singapore

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is never easy, and managing their life insurance policy is likely the last thing on your mind. However, it's important to know that their life insurance policy may provide valuable financial support for you and your family. To help you navigate this challenging time, here's a comprehensive guide on how to check if the deceased had life insurance in Singapore.

Check personal documents

Checking personal documents is the first step in determining whether a deceased person had life insurance in Singapore. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this process:

Locate and Compile Documents

Begin by gathering the deceased's personal belongings, papers, and files, and any other items that may contain important documents. This includes physical documents as well as digital files stored on their computer or online accounts. If possible, also obtain access to their safe deposit box, as this is a common place to store important documents.

Review Documents

Once you have collected the relevant materials, it's time to start reviewing them thoroughly. Here are some specific items to look for:

• Bank statements: Examine their bank records for any premium payment receipts or indications of funds transferred from a life insurance company.
• Insurance documents: Look for any insurance-related papers, such as policy documents, premium payment receipts, or marketing materials.
• Financial records: Besides bank statements, check for other financial documents that may indicate insurance coverage, such as investment portfolios or tax records.
• Email correspondence: If you have access to their email, search for emails from insurance companies or marketing materials related to insurance products.
• Will or estate planning documents: If the deceased left a will or other estate planning documents, review them carefully for any mention of a life insurance policy.

Organise and Secure Documents

As you identify relevant documents, it's important to keep them organised and secure. Create a dedicated folder for all insurance-related paperwork. Make sure this folder is stored in a safe place, and consider making digital or physical copies to ensure you have backup options.

Reach Out for Help

If you are having trouble locating or accessing the deceased's personal documents, don't hesitate to seek assistance. You can reach out to their close family members or friends who may have relevant information. Additionally, if you have contact information for their insurance agent, attorney, accountant, or other financial professionals, they may be able to guide you in the right direction.

Remember, checking personal documents is just one part of the process of determining a deceased person's life insurance status in Singapore. There are also other steps you can take, such as contacting their employer, using online search tools, or reaching out to insurance companies directly. Each step brings you closer to finding the answers you need during this challenging time.

Contact the deceased's employer

If you believe your loved one was covered by their employer for life insurance, you should contact the Human Resources department of their former company. They may be able to provide information about any group life insurance policies the deceased had. They may also be able to provide information about any other insurance policies the deceased had through work.

It is important to note that you must be the insured individual's nominee or closest next-of-kin to access the benefits of their policy. The insurance company will ask for proof of your identity and relationship with the deceased, such as a driver's license, passport, birth certificate, or marriage certificate.

If you are unsure whether you are a beneficiary, it is worth contacting the insurance company anyway, as they will be able to confirm your status. If you are a beneficiary, they will tell you how to submit a claim. This usually involves showing that the policyholder has died and confirming your identity.

If you are unable to find the name of the insurance company, you can try contacting the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) or your state's Department of Insurance (DOI). These organisations may be able to help you locate the policy, but you must be an interested party with the legal right to access it.

Check their phone/Singpass

If you have access to the deceased's phone or Singpass, there are a few ways you can check for any life insurance policies they may have had.

First, check their phone for any insurance-related apps or emails. Many insurance companies have mobile apps that allow users to access their policies and manage their coverage. By accessing the deceased's phone, you may be able to log into these apps and look for relevant information. Additionally, check their email inbox and sent items for any correspondence with insurance companies, which could indicate the existence of a policy.

Next, if the deceased used Singpass, you can try logging in with their credentials. Singpass is a secure digital identity that allows users to access a range of government and private sector services, including insurance. By logging in to Singpass, you may be able to access information about the deceased's insurance policies, if they had chosen to link them to their account.

When checking the deceased's phone or Singpass, be sure to respect their privacy and only access the information necessary to locate their insurance policies. It is also important to note that you may need legal authorisation to access their digital information, so check the relevant laws and regulations before proceeding.

If you are unable to access the deceased's phone or Singpass, there are other methods you can try to locate their insurance policies. One option is to check their physical documents, such as bank statements, financial records, and insurance documents. These may provide evidence of premium payments or other indications of a life insurance policy. You can also try contacting their employer, insurance agent, or financial advisor, who may have information about any policies they held.

Contact their insurance agent

If you are aware of the deceased's insurance agent or financial advisor, they should be your first point of contact. They will likely have the most accurate and up-to-date information about any life insurance policies held by the deceased. The agent or advisor may also be able to assist you in contacting the insurer and initiating the claims process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this process:

• Identify the insurance agent or financial advisor: Check the deceased's contacts, as their insurance agent may be listed there. Alternatively, their close family and friends may know who their insurance agent or financial advisor was.
• Gather necessary information: Before reaching out to the insurance agent, it is advisable to have certain information on hand. This includes the deceased's legal first and last name, any former names (such as a maiden name), their social security number or identification number, and their last and former addresses, especially for long-time residences.
• Contact the insurance agent: Get in touch with the identified insurance agent or financial advisor. They may be able to provide you with information about the deceased's life insurance policy, including the name of the insurance company and the type of policy held. If they are unable to disclose specific details due to privacy laws, they can guide you on the next steps or direct you to the appropriate resources.
• Provide necessary documentation: To access policy information, you may need to submit proof of your identity and relationship to the deceased. This could include your government-issued identification card, driver's license, passport, birth certificate, or marriage certificate. Additionally, a death certificate or obituary notice will be required to initiate the claims process.
• Understand the claims process: Once the insurance agent confirms your beneficiary status, they will inform you about the procedure for submitting a claim. Typically, this involves providing proof of the policyholder's death and confirming your identity.
• Communicate with the insurance company: If the insurance agent is unable to provide all the necessary information, they can assist you in contacting the insurance company directly. They may even be able to advocate on your behalf, ensuring a smoother process.
• Follow up with the insurer: After making the initial contact, stay in communication with the insurance company. They will guide you through the claims process and inform you of any additional requirements or documentation needed.
• Seek support: Dealing with the loss of a loved one and navigating the financial landscape can be emotionally challenging. Don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or support services for assistance and comfort during this difficult time.

Remember, insurance agents and financial advisors are professionals who are experienced in handling such situations. They are there to help you through this process, so don't hesitate to reach out and ask for their guidance and support.

Check with the Life Insurance Association (LIA) of Singapore

Dealing with the passing of a loved one can be an overwhelming experience, and managing their life insurance policy may be the last thing on your mind. However, it is important to check if they had life insurance to ensure that any beneficiaries receive the coverage they are entitled to.

The Life Insurance Association (LIA) of Singapore maintains a database of life insurance policies in the country. You can contact the LIA to enquire about any policies held by the deceased. To do this, you will need to provide the deceased's full name, identification number, and date of birth.

The LIA does not have the power to enquire with insurance companies on your behalf. Therefore, if your enquiry is about whether a deceased person had any policies with insurance companies, you will need to contact the insurance companies directly.

• Check personal documents: Review any personal documents of the deceased, such as bank statements, financial records, and insurance documents. Look for evidence of life insurance policies, such as premium payment receipts or policy documents.
• Check with the deceased's employer: If the deceased had a job, contact their employer's human resources department to inquire about any group life insurance policies or other insurance policies they may have had through work.
• Check by logging in: If you have the deceased person's mobile phone or Singpass access, try logging into every major insurer to see if they had an account or any unclaimed policies.
• Check with the deceased's insurance agent or financial advisor: If the deceased had an insurance agent or financial advisor, they may have access to the deceased's policy information or be able to contact the insurer on your behalf.
• Check with the LIA: Contact the LIA to enquire about any policies held by the deceased, providing their full name, identification number, and date of birth.
• Check with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS): MAS maintains a public registry of unclaimed life insurance policies, which you can search to see if the deceased had any unclaimed policies.
• Check with the insurer: If you have the deceased's policy number, you can contact the insurer directly to inquire about the policy. You will need to provide proof of the deceased's death, such as a death certificate or obituary notice.

Remember, each step brings you closer to finding the information you need and ensuring that any beneficiaries receive their entitled coverage.

Frequently asked questions