Description: The differences between select and ultimate insurance mortality are usually explained in terms of: 1. deterioration of a person's physical condition which occurs due to aging, and 2. anti-selection which occurs as some policyholders allow their coverage to lapse [i.e., those policyholders who find their health has become poor keep their coverage, while those who remain healthy discontinue their insurance]. This paper explores the differences in mortality between companies related to the differences in lapse rates of the companies.

Description: Panelists at this session of the SOA 1998 Annual Meeting discuss the results of two SOA research projects. One study looks at mortality rates as a function of lapse rates. The other study develops a model for relating mortality and lapse rates.