Underwriting Updates: COVID-19

Underwriting Process Update
For new business applications and policy deliveries, note the following underwriting process changes effective immediately:

• Applicants Traveling From Travel-Ban Countries—If an applicant has traveled from one of the travel-ban countries as found at the U.S. Department of State (Travel.State.Gov), a 14-day delay period will apply:
  • After the 14-day delay period, if the individual tests negative and is cleared, an application may be submitted or a policy delivered.
  • After the 14-day delay period, if the individual tests positive, an attending physician statement must be received stating the virus has been cleared and is required prior to submitting an application or delivering a policy.

Underwriting Vendor Updates
Our vendors have provided us with the current state of their operations and the status of their business continuity plans, if/when they need to be implemented. It is important to note that our vendors are complying with all state and local government guidelines. As the situation is very fluid, we will continue to remain in close contact with our vendors. We will provide regular updates and notify you if there are any changes in the status of our vendors’ operations.    
 
Paramed Exam Process Updates
When scheduling appointments to complete paramed exams, our vendors will ask whether—within the last 14 days—the applicant has exhibited signs of fever or respiratory distress, traveled to a travel ban country, or has had close contact with someone who has. If the applicant provides any information that indicates possible exposure, the appointment will be rescheduled 15 or more days out. During the call to access the applicant’s potential exposure, the examiner will also clearly confirm the same information for themselves, so that the client can be assured the examiner has not been exposed.
 
Lab Processing
Our labs have confirmed that they are fully operational, have business continuity plans in place, and do not expect any impacts to processing at this time. 
 
Medical Records Providers
Our medical records providers have also confirmed that they are operational, have business continuity plans, and have stated that some facilities have been operated with reduced staff or are closed and so there may be delays in receiving records. 
 
We appreciate your patience and understanding during these unusual times. Please feel free to contact your Pacific Life representative with any questions.