Description: This is the digest from the informal discussion reviewing the 1951 Impairment study. It is the latest in a series of studies covering mortality of impaired risks. It covers the experience under Ordinary insurance issued from 1935 to 1949 traced to the anniversaries in 1950. Standard and substandard policies were studied separately.

Description: This session at the SOA 1962 Jacksonville and Chicago Regional Meetings discussed current underwriting issues including the numerical rating system, mortality experience, and underwriting for pilots and immigrants.

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: These were discussion papers on the paper, 'The Korean War Hazard' by James T. Phillips.

Description: From the 1960 Transactions Vol. 12 No. 32, this ‘Discussion of Subjects of Special Interest’ addresses the ordinary insurance underwriting topics of “guaranteed issue” and potential antiselection of business insurance vs. personal insurance at time of retirement.

Description: This 1978 SOA session presented some provisional findings of the new Build and Blood Pressure Study. Some of the findings: 1. The average weights of men in the new study exceed the corresponding weights in the previous 1959 study by 2 to 8 pounds in the thirties, and by up to 5 pounds in the fifties. 2. The mortality ratios of overweight men are not significantly different in the new study from those in the 1959 study. 3. Markedly overweight men experienced lower mortality in the current study than in the 1959 study. 4. Men weighing 20 percent below average recorded 10 to 15 percent higher mortality in the new study than in the 1959 study. 5. Mortality of overweight women is relatively lower than that of overweight men. 6. Mortality of men with elevated systolic and diastolic pressures was appreciably lower than in the 1959 study. 7. Mortality of women with moderately elevated systolic and diastolic pressures was not significantly different from that in the 1959 study. 8. The presence of minor impairments alongside of blood pressures in excess of 150/90 usually produced significant increases in mortality.

Description: Discussion of the following underwriting topics: A. What elements are being taken into consideration in current underwriting of risks in or subject to military service? B. What changes have occurred recently in the amount limits for the double indemnity benefit? Is accident insurance considered in applying such limits? C. What underwriting problems have arisen in connection with the income disability benefit which matures the policy at an age such as 65? In what respect is this benefit underwritten differently from the $5 per $1,000 lifetime income disability clause? D. What are the advantages and disadvantages of issuing ordinary insurance at ages over 65?