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Applying for life insurance can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. The process can be made simple and stress-free with the help of a telephone application. This method is a time-saver, avoiding the hassle of paper or online applications. With a quick 10-minute pre-application call, you're on your way to securing your future. Within 24 hours, a team member will contact you to schedule a convenient time for the formal telephone application, which typically takes 15-20 minutes. During the call, you'll be asked a series of questions to complete the application, and most of your work will be simply signing the electronic application afterward. So sit back, answer the questions, and let the telephone application department take care of the rest.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Time taken | 10-minute pre-application, followed by a 15-20 minute application |
Application method | Telephone |
Documents needed | Social Security number, Driver's license number, Household net worth, Employment information, Current life insurance coverage information, Names and addresses of doctors, Reasons for and dates of medical treatment, Names and dosages of prescription medicines, Use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs, Exercise habits, travel and risky sports/hobbies |
Interview time | 30-40 minutes |
Interview topics | Proof of identity and financial information, Health and medical information, Additional information on lifestyle, hobbies, etc. |
Application review | Within 24-48 hours of completing the phone interview, the application will be sent for review |
Application signature | eSignature |
What You'll Learn
Prepare documents: social security number, driver's license, medical history, etc
Preparing the necessary documents is a crucial step in the life insurance application process. It is important to have these documents readily available to ensure a smooth and efficient application. Here is a detailed list of the documents you should prepare:
Social Security Number
Your Social Security number is a vital piece of information that will be required during the application process. It helps verify your identity and is necessary for tax-related purposes. Keep your Social Security card or official documentation containing your Social Security number easily accessible.
Driver's License
A driver's license serves as both identity and address proof. It is a commonly accepted form of identification and can be used to confirm your name, date of birth, and residential address. Make sure your driver's license is valid and up-to-date, as expired licenses may not be accepted.
Medical History
Your medical history is an essential aspect of the life insurance application. You will need to provide details about your health, including any pre-existing medical conditions, medications you are currently taking, and any surgeries or medical treatments you have undergone. It is important to be transparent and disclose all relevant information accurately. Additionally, be prepared to provide the names, addresses, and contact information of your current doctors and any medical professionals you have visited in recent years. If you have medical records or reports from recent blood tests or medical examinations, have them readily available as well.
Income Proof
Income proof is typically required for high-value life insurance plans. This helps the insurance company assess your financial capacity and determine the appropriate coverage amount. Common documents accepted as income proof include:
- Salary slips from the past three months, certified by your employer.
- Income Tax Returns (ITRs) from the last three assessment years.
- Bank statements from the past six months, showing salary credits.
- Audited profit and loss accounts and balance sheets from the last three years.
- Employment contract letter on company letterhead, not more than three months old.
Address Proof
In addition to your driver's license, you may need to provide additional address proof. This can include documents such as a job card issued by NREGA and signed by a state government officer, a letter from the National Population Register containing your address details, or a voter's ID card.
Age Proof
While your driver's license may also serve as age proof, having additional documentation is beneficial. Acceptable age proofs can include birth certificates, school records, employment records, marriage certificates, or domicile certificates.
Remember to review the specific requirements of the insurance company you are applying to, as there may be slight variations in the documents they require. Having these documents prepared in advance will streamline the application process and help you secure the life insurance coverage you need.
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Phone interview: identity, finances, health, and lifestyle
A phone interview is almost always required by life insurance companies as part of the application process. The phone call is designed to protect both you and the insurer. Verifying your application helps prevent fraud and makes sure you’re applying for the policy that’s best for you.
The call usually takes between 15 and 40 minutes. You’ll be asked to provide proof of identity and financial information, as well as answer questions about your health history and lifestyle factors.
Identity
You will be asked to provide:
- Driver’s license number
- Social Security number
- Citizenship or immigration-status documentation, if you are not a citizen of the country
Finances
The insurer will need these financial details to verify your identity and get a sense of how much coverage you need:
- Financial information, including your income and a rough estimate of your net worth
- Policy numbers and face values of other life insurance policies, if you have them
Health
The insurer will use this health information to assess your insurance risk and set your rates:
- Dates of surgeries, diagnoses, procedures, and treatments you’ve had, especially in the last 10 years
- Medication names and dosages for your current prescriptions
- Your current weight and a record of any fluctuations of more than 10 pounds in the past year
- Name, addresses, and phone numbers for your current doctors and specialists, if applicable
- Your family’s health history, including major diagnoses and causes of death, if applicable
Lifestyle
These details will determine how risky you are to insure:
- Information about any hobbies or sports you play, especially extreme sports like hang gliding, scuba diving, or racing
- Smoking habits, including marijuana. If you recently quit using nicotine products, make sure you know the date you quit
- Information about recent or upcoming international travel
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eSignature: sign application electronically
Electronic signatures, or eSignatures, have become an integral part of the insurance industry, offering a more efficient, convenient, and user-friendly alternative to traditional paper-based signatures. eSignatures are especially useful for life insurance applications, which can be complex and time-consuming, often requiring multiple forms and medical exams.
The process of applying eSignatures to life insurance applications is straightforward. After completing the necessary pre-application steps, such as a phone interview, the applicant will receive the application electronically, usually via email or a secure online portal. The applicant then applies their eSignature to the application, acknowledging its accuracy and readiness for submission. This can be done through various online document signing platforms, which offer a seamless and secure process.
The benefits of eSignatures are significant. Firstly, they save time by eliminating the need for printing, signing, and mailing physical documents. Secondly, eSignatures improve accuracy and reduce errors, such as missing signatures or illegible handwriting, which can cause delays. Additionally, eSignatures provide greater security and consistency, meeting the same standards of authenticity as traditional signatures. The electronic signature process also allows for easy document updates and digital storage, improving accessibility, sharing, and tracking.
It is important to note that the use of eSignatures must comply with legal requirements, such as the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN) and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA). Insurance companies must ensure that the eSignature process includes verifying the signer's identity, maintaining the integrity of the signed document, and keeping a comprehensive audit trail. By adhering to these regulations, insurance companies can take advantage of the benefits of eSignatures while ensuring a secure and compliant transaction for their customers.
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Medical exam: blood, urine, height, weight, blood pressure, etc
The medical exam portion of your life insurance application is a routine assessment of your health and family health history. It is an important part of the underwriting process, helping the insurer to determine your premiums, policy terms, and approval. The medical exam will likely be performed by a healthcare professional and will be similar to a regular yearly checkup.
The medical exam will involve a physical examination, where the examiner will take your height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure. They will also take blood and urine samples to determine your cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and check for nicotine or drug use.
If you are over 50 and applying for a higher level of coverage, you may need to take an electrocardiogram (EKG) to check your heart health. If you are over 70, you may also be required to take a cognitive test.
The medical exam will generally last between 15 and 45 minutes, and you will not have to pay for it. The insurer will coordinate with you to schedule the exam at a location of your choice.
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Finalize policy: accept, sign, pay, and store
Finalizing a life insurance policy over the phone is a simple process, but it is important to ensure that all the steps are followed correctly. Here is a detailed guide on how to finalize a telephone app life insurance policy:
Accept, Sign, and Pay:
Firstly, you will need to review and accept the terms and conditions of the policy. Make sure you understand the coverage, exclusions, and any additional benefits offered. Once you are satisfied with the policy details, you will need to sign the necessary documents. In most cases, you can provide electronic signatures for the required forms.
After signing, it is time to make the initial payment. The approved payment methods vary by insurance company, but commonly accepted forms include electronic funds transfer (EFT), personal check, or cashier's check. Some companies may also accept credit card payments for the first premium, but this is less common. It is important to note that cash is never accepted as a form of payment for life insurance policies.
Store:
Once you have accepted the policy, provided signatures, and made the initial payment, it is essential to keep your policy documents safe. Most insurance companies now offer digital policy documents, which can be accessed through their mobile apps or online portals. Make sure you have a secure copy of your policy, either digitally or physically, for future reference.
Additionally, it is a good idea to review your policy regularly and make any necessary updates. Life changes such as marriage, divorce, retirement, or the birth of a child may require adjustments to your coverage or beneficiary designations. Keeping your policy up-to-date ensures that your loved ones are adequately protected and that your wishes are carried out in the event of your passing.
Additional Considerations:
When finalizing your life insurance policy, it is worth considering the following:
- Payment frequency: You may have the option to pay your premiums monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. Some companies offer discounts for annual payments, so be sure to ask about this.
- Automatic payments: Setting up automatic payments can help ensure that you never miss a payment, which could lead to a lapse in coverage.
- Beneficiary designations: Take the time to carefully review and update your beneficiary designations. You can assign multiple beneficiaries and specify the percentage of benefits each will receive.
- Grace period: Understand the grace period offered by your insurance company for late payments. This will help you avoid accidental lapses in coverage if you encounter financial difficulties.
By following these steps and considerations, you can effectively finalize your telephone app life insurance policy, ensuring peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones.
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Frequently asked questions
The pre-application process takes 10 minutes, and within 24 hours an application team member will contact you to complete the application, which usually takes 15-20 minutes. The entire process is much faster than paper or online applications, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors.
You will need to provide proof of identity and financial information, health and medical information, and additional information on your lifestyle and hobbies. You should have the following information on hand: driver's license number, social security number, household net worth, employment information, current life insurance coverage information, names and contact details of current doctors, reasons for and dates of medical treatment, names and dosages of prescription medications, and use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.
Within 24-48 hours of completing the phone interview, you will receive the application electronically to review and sign with an e-signature. If the proposed insured is different from the policy owner, both individuals will need to provide email addresses and e-signatures. Some companies offer verbal approval during the interview instead of sending the application for a signature.
The next step is to complete a life insurance medical exam, if required. The insurance company will schedule the medical exam during the phone interview or call later to schedule it separately. After the medical exam, a life insurance professional will review your application to determine your final health class and premium.