Underwriting- with Covid we have all needed to change, and so have the insurers. Most insurers have changed their requirements on when more advanced underwriting is needed. Currently, some companies are offering up to $2Million of coverage before they will ask for blood or urine samples n younger age groups. If you do need see a nurse as part of the underwriting process, most companies are offering in office visits only, which means you need to go to see the nurse rather than having an appointment at home.

insurance as most know usually means paperwork, and paperwork means signatures. Well it used to be that most of those signatures had to be done in person with ink. Most insurers have changed this requirement and now will only require a scanned copy or even electronic signatures to complete the application process. While there are some documents that are still required to be signed and originals submitted the number has drastically reduced.

Electronic delivery is now an option for some insurers. This means that there are no papers required to sign at all, signatures are electronic and you the client receive all electronic copies of the contract.

Electronic Cards- This is the biggest change in Group Benefit Plans, no more cards in your wallet. You get an electronic card that you can print should you wish, but they are no longer automatically sent out by the Insurer. This was an approach that the industry was moving towards which Covid expedited.

Most insurers are now accepting scans of paper applications or online enrollments for their groups. It is good to check to make sure the requirement the insurer has for your employees and their beneficiaries as this is something that is not consistent across carriers. The process of applying is now easier and quicker than ever.

Covid has changed a lot of things but one of the greatest adjustments is the virtual health care offering. Chamber Group Insurance and Maximum Benefit members have access to Teladoc, the largest virtual health provider in North America. If you have health and dental on your plan you can download the app and follow the process. There are other services from other insurers and most carriers are now offering the chance for you to see a doctor without leaving your home. These are not new but the popularity of them is increasing, and we have seen incredibly positive comments from our clients thus far. One thing to note is to be sure to check with your plan administrator if there is a fee that is required to access the service as not all are free of charge.