As part of an ongoing series in On the Risk, RGA's Taylor Pickett, an actuary, and Catie Muccigrosso, an underwriter, examine the relationship between their professions and underscore the crucial role underwriters play in the development and implementation of predictive tools and accurate pricing.
Many applications have APS trails that read like a suspense novel. There is a medical condition, oftentimes a serious one, that has an intervention, and the trail ends. Perhaps it is a chronic condition, with unknown degree of control or stability that leaves no clue as to the present status.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common medical problem. It can be caused by a number of other medical conditions such as chronic kidney disease, thyroid disorders and other hormonal upsets, and a rare adrenal gland tumor called pheochromocytoma.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was first introduced into the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of the American Psychological Association in 1980. Since then, the diagnostic guidelines have been reviewed multiple times, and the understanding of risk factors, neurobiological consequences and psychological symptoms has improved dramatically.
One of the most difficult calls facing an underwriter is the discussion with a producer who insists that his client has been unfairly rated due to an improper fasting time prior to blood drawing
During the pandemic, we’ve had fewer in‑person interactions and done more things remotely. A positive is that we are becoming better at using technologies that fit this new normal. The question is whether or not technology can be adapted to allow for socially distanced, fast and effective medical risk assessment and if successful, can it help invigorate underwriting?
“Precision” has become a popular buzzword in financial services – yet when it comes to life and health insurance, underwriting processes have been challenged to keep pace with medical advances. Is it time for a new approach to calculating risk?
As many Americans return to post-pandemic normalcy, life insurers are as well, with many companies curtailing or eliminating underwriting restrictions that have been in place since March 2020.
New ‘polygenic’ screening techniques open a Pandora’s Box of ethical issues.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |