Description: This presentation is from the Digest of Informal Discussion, Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1955 Volume 7, Number 17. The speakers discuss per policy expenses. Topics include identification of expenses directly dependent on number of policies, impact on determining premium rates and dividend scales, use of policy fees, interaction with other assumptions, and methods in the U.S., Canada, and other countries to grade premiums by policy size.

Description: This is a discussion about substandard mortality vs. standard mortality and the effects it will have on substandard premiums. Topics included: A. Statistical evidence on the trend of substandard mortality. Does it generally follow the trend of standard mortality? B. Effect this should have on substandard extra premiums. C. Does a lowering of substandard extras require any changes in underwriting rules, either as to the range of substandard classes or as to the ratings applied to some of the major impairments?

Description: Discussion of the following underwriting topics: A. In view of the low rates of mortality currently experienced on standard lives, is the standard classification too narrow? B. Do substandard extra premiums at the lower ratings make fair provision for the additional expenses incurred on substandard policies? C. What problems are encountered in issuing life insurance on persons residing outside the continental United States and Canada? D. What changes have been made recently in non-medical selection and why? E. How could greater use be made of mortality or morbidity studies conducted by hospitals, clinics, government agencies, universities and others outside of the life insurance business?

Description: This general discussion focused on: A. The increase on maximum limits on single premiums accepted based on investment conditions, B. Steps a smaller company might take to meet the current demand for pension plans, C. The extent to which companies have: 1. Transferred to their field or district offices functions which had previously been performed in the home office 2. Transferred to the home office or to central collection offices functions which had previously been performed in agency offices D. Steps taken to revise or supplement company retirement plan benefits to recognize higher salary scales and the possibility of still further inflation, E. The advantages and disadvantages of the Bank Loan Plan under which a policyholder purchases a limited payment life policy and borrows part of the premium from a bank, and F. Changes which have been made in War Exclusion Riders, Disability and Double Indemnity provisions.

Description: Informal discussion of the role of life insurance in the national savings. Topics included: A. Life insurance company market share of the savings dollar. B. Impact of mutual fund investments on life insurance company sales. Types of marketing procedures used in the sale of life insurance in combination with mutual fund investments. C. Strategic desirability of variable life insurance policies as a means of recognizing the demand for equity investments. Statutory changes required before such policies can be marketed.