The industry has yet to tap the true potential of accelerated underwriting because the automation component has been missing.

An analysis of cause-specific mortality can shed light on variations in mortality patterns across sub-populations of an individual life insurance portfolio. These insights inform future mortality projections such as mortality improvement assumptions. The complex nature of mortality risk, especially for insured lives that are subject to the rigorous process of life underwriting, poses a challenge in understanding the likelihood of one cause of death over another.

Is science fiction becoming science fact? Liquid biopsies are a new class of blood- (or other bodily fluid-based) tests that can reveal direct evidence of cancer and are far less invasive than traditional biopsies. RGA's Dr. Daniel Zimmerman explores linkages between advances in genetics and this new technology. He also investigates limitations, potential mortality and morbidity impacts, and insurance implications.