Nationwide: Temporary Life Insurance Underwriting Adjustments for COVID-19

We’re all feeling the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in one way or another. Nationwide wants to assue you they remain fully committed to our members, employees, business partners and communities.   There are going to be circumstances such as vendor closures and staffing issues that prevent them from receiving standard medical requirements. To ensure that protection is still available to as many individuals as possible during this time, they are temporarily adjusting their underwriting guidelines.

What you need to know
Given the challenges of collecting information for underwriting, submitting applications via our Nationwide Intelligent Underwriting process is the best choice. Our Intelligent Underwriting process is being expanded to allow increased acceleration rates for qualifying clients, including those qualifying for the Standard rate class. Additionally, we will consider alternative sources of medical information when an exam is necessary for both traditional business and for our Intelligent Underwriting process. Here’s what’s changing:

1. Health records and results — If acceleration is not possible and alternative sources of data are insufficient, Nationwide will consider client-provided personal health records and exam results that have been completed within the past 24 months.
2. Medical requirement substitutions — Until further notice, the following acceleration guidelines are acceptable underwriting solutions:
   • Face amounts
     Age 18 to 50: $100,000 to $2 million
     Age 51 to 60: Up to and including $1 million
     – Now allowing Standard or better risk classifications
     – If exams are needed, Nationwide will consider a completed physical, including labs, with all results normal within the prior 24 months
     – They can confirm the exam and lab results through digital health data
   • Face amounts
     Age 18 to 50: Over $2 million
     Age 51 to 60: Over $1 million
     – Case meets regular accelerated underwriting guidelines for eligibility
     – Applicant has had a complete physical, including labs, with all results normal within the prior 24 months
     – They can confirm the exam and lab results through digital health data
     – Standard or better risk classifications only
3. Digital health data and attending physician statements (APS) — Nationwide is rapidly implementing solutions that will provide alternate sources of underwriting data in lieu of labs, exams and medical records.
   Cases that don’t meet these conditions will be considered on an individual case basis. The underwriters are proactively reviewing new cases to identify options that may be available to continue underwriting without exam requirements and notify you of available options.
4. Important note about new customers — Our Life Underwriting team is closely monitoring new customers who apply for life insurance, especially those who may have traveled where the risk of COVID-19 is highest. We may delay those applications for 30 days or request additional testing of those applicants.
5. Important note for existing customers — We want to ensure that customers don’t suffer additional hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are aware of customers who require assistance with the payment of their insurance premium due to COVID-19, please contact us.

Since 1926, Nationwide has navigated these kinds of unexpected events many times. They are strong, stable and prepared to support you and your customers. Thank you for all you’re doing.

Please give BUA a call at 1-800-792-6795 with any questions regarding these updates..