Genetics – a Testing Time for Insurers?
This paper looks at the broader future implications of genetic testing for society, medical professionals and the insurance industry
This paper looks at the broader future implications of genetic testing for society, medical professionals and the insurance industry
Richard Keating investigates how big data and new technologies are changing the face of the insurance industry, and examines the resulting threats and opportunities.
We've all seen the advertisements for life insurance policies with "no medical exam necessary" on TV and the internet. Just answer a few basic questions online, provide access to your credit report and other personal information, and – bingo – you've bought yourself a $500,000 life insurance policy.
From the initial recognition of HIV virus in 1981, HIV infection has turned from an almost universally fatal infection, to one that could be managed with medication to extend life, to a disease which can be controlled with newer and revolutionary medication therapies. While many companies continue to see the HIV virus as uninsurable, that corner has also been turned, and life insurance in selected cases of treated HIV infection is now possible. Even though the conditions that must be met are numerous and the criteria stringent, applicants with HIV now have the possibility of acceptable insurance offers.
When thinking about self-harm, we most associate it with youth. More than half of 11-14 year olds and eight out of ten 18-21 year olds have self-harmed - or know someone who has - according to the results of a UK poll undertaken during 2015.
Slides from presentations delivered at the 2017 Southeastern Home Office Underwriters Association have been posted at the SEHOUA site. Presentations include:
A selfie reveals more than whether it's a good hair day. Facial lines and contours, droops and dark spots could indicate how well you're aging, and, when paired with other data, could someday help determine whether you qualify for life insurance.
Recently, RGA’s Dr. Dan Zimmerman spoke to the Association of Home Office Underwriters (AHOU) about the history of HIV/AIDS and insurance, and how risk modeling can reasonably conclude that some individuals with HIV can now be candidates for life insurance coverage. We sat down with Dr. Zimmerman to discuss his presentation and the paradigm shift in the availability of life insurance for people with HIV.
It may become even more challenging to underwrite applicants with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and that is positive news for patients. Medical advances are outpacing mortality data so swiftly that, within the decade, it could be possible for the majority of applicants to be prescribed medications for which there are currently no long-term experience studies.