Required Policy Provisions

Just as is true with life insurance policies, health insurance policies have standard provisions that are common to all policies. Over the years, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and state insurance departments have identified a number of uniform policy provisions.

There are 12 required uniform policy provisions and 11 optional uniform provisions. While insurers are allowed to vary the wording of these provisions from the standard wording recommended by the NAIC, the revised wording must make the provision at least as favorable to the insured and the beneficiary as the standard provision; and the revised wording must be approved by the director of insurance.

Uniform Required Policy Provisions

Grace Period

Each policy must provide a grace period for late payments during which the policy must continue to be in force. The minimum period is 7 days for weekly premium policies, 10 days for monthly premium policies, and 31 days for all other premium payment modes.

Change of Beneficiary

The policy owner has the right to change the beneficiary on accidental death policies at his/her discretion, unless an irrevocable beneficiary was named.

Entire Contract

All riders, attachments, waivers, notes, reports, etc. are a part of the entire contract. As is true with life policies, the application also becomes part of the contract.

Notice of Claim

This specifies how and within what time frame, following the onset of a covered illness or injury, the policy owner must notify the insurer by sending written notice of claim within 20 days.

Claim Forms

Upon receipt of a notice of claim, the insurer is required to furnish the claimant the forms required for filing proof of loss. The insurer must send claim forms within 15 days.

Proof of Loss

The insurer may require the policy owner to prove his/her loss through doctor and/or hospital statements. The policy owner has 90 days in which to submit proof of loss, after which the insurer may not be held liable.

Time of Payment of Claims

This provision states that claims must be paid immediately. However, if the insurer chooses to investigate the claim, they may postpone payment for 60 days. Disability income payments must be made at least monthly.

Payment of Claims

This specifies the process by which death claims will be paid to a beneficiary. All other indemnification will be paid to the insured.

Legal Action

This provision limits the time period during which the insured may sue to collect under the policy. The suit cannot be brought earlier than 60 days after proof of loss was submitted and no later than 2 years after that date.

Time Limit on Certain Defenses

A required uniform provision that prohibits an insurance company from contesting the validity of the policy, or from denying a claim for disability commencing after 2 years from the date of issuance on the grounds that the applicant had made misstatements in the application. This is the accident and health equivalent of life insurance’s “Incontestable Clause.” Unlike life insurance, a health insurance policy is always contestable for fraud.

Physical Examination and Autopsy

The insurer has the right to request a physical exam or autopsy prior to paying a claim. Physical examinations generally are only requested in cases of disability income claims, and of course, an autopsy is only applicable to AD&D. The insurer is required to pay for the exam or autopsy.

Reinstatement

This provision outlines the procedures for reinstatement of a policy after it has lapsed. Following reinstatement, coverage for accidents is effective immediately, while coverage for illness begins after a 10-day waiting period. Insurers have the right to require a new application (and proof of insurability), but if the policy owner is not requested to do so within 45 days of paying the reinstatement premium, the policy is automatically reinstated. Reinstatement must be applied for within 3 years.

Lesson Summary

Health insurance policies, like life insurance policies, contain standard provisions set by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and state insurance departments. These provisions aim to protect both the insured and the insurer:

• Grace Period: Provides a period for late premium payments before the policy lapses (e.g., 7 days for weekly premiums).
• Change of Beneficiary: Allows the policy owner to change beneficiaries unless irrevocable.
• Entire Contract: Includes all attachments and the application as part of the contract.
• Notice of Claim: Specifies when and how the insurer should be informed of a covered illness or injury.
• Claim Forms: Must be provided to the claimant within 15 days of a claim notice.
• Proof of Loss: Policy owner has 90 days to provide evidence of loss; insurer may demand doctor or hospital statements.
• Time of Payment of Claims: Claims should be paid immediately or within 60 days if under investigation.
• Payment of Claims: Details process for paying death or other indemnification claims.
• Legal Action: Sets time limits for bringing lawsuits under the policy.
• Time Limit on Certain Defenses: Prohibits contesting the policy after 2 years from issuance.
• Physical Examination and Autopsy: Insurer may request this before paying a claim.
• Reinstatement: Outlines procedures for reinstating a lapsed policy.

Chapter Vocabulary