Question

What kinds of insurance policies have a guaranteed insurability option?

Answer
By Jacques Wong | Last updated: March 11, 2017

First, lets start by talking about what "guaranteed insurability" is. Having a guaranteed insurability option on your insurance contract means that, upon expiry, the insurance company is obligated to renew the policy (if you so choose). This happens regardless of any changes that may have occurred during the initial policy period, material or otherwise.

The guaranteed insurability option is most often seen on life insurance policies and is added on as a rider. This option is useful because it allows the insured to increase coverage upon renewal without risking being deemed uninsurable or having to prove insurability again.

That said, even though the insurance company must renew your policy, they do have the right to make some changes. While they are typically not allowed to change things like exclusions, they can still make changes to premiums provided they are broad-based changes made across the board and not a reaction to a change in the health of the insured.

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Written by Jacques Wong

Profile Picture of Jacques Wong

Jacques grew up around the insurance industry and began actively participating in 2013. Since then, he has gotten a Level 2 license, won Insurance Council of BC awards in 2015 and 2020 for academic excellence in the insurance licensing courses. He educates insurance professionals through PNC Learning and as a Thought Leader at ReFrame Insurance.

In his day job as an insurance broker, he helps businesses with creative risk management solutions and strategic advice when it comes to insurance.

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