Description: Insightful experience studies are the key to understanding policyholder behavior. This article describes the place of studies in setting behavior assumptions and highlights recent trends in behavior results.

Description: This report, from the Society of Actuaries [SOA] ‘Experience Studies – Individual Annuities,’ was prepared by the SOA Task Force on Mortality Guarantees in Variable Products. This study of mortality on deferred variable annuities over the period 1991-1995 was designed to test the adequacy of the 1994 MGDB Valuation Mortality Table to cover presumed extra mortality on variable annuities [Vas] with Substantial Minimum Guaranteed Death Benefits [MGDBs] as compared with VAs with Minimal MGDBs. A parallel study of fixed annuity experience was carried out as a control. In addition to report includes a six page document of instructions to participating companies.