Underwriting guidelines in respect of physically handicapped persons

Underwriting guidelines in respect of physically handicapped persons

At present physically handicapped persons are classified into two Groups –

i. persons with Group A Deformity; and
ii. persons with Group B Deformity.

For Group A deformity the extra to be charged depends on the number of limbs lost and certain restrictions regarding plan, term, maturity age, etc. are imposed.

For Group B deformity the underlying disease is rated along with standard extra for loss of limbs and only endowment type of plans are allowed.

The present existing guidelines were reviewed and it has been decided to issue the following revised guidelines for underwriting of physically handicapped persons:

The physically handicapped persons are now classified into 6 groups as shown below:

PH Group
Description

PH Group I
Proponent with physical impairments as a result of accident
PH Group II
Proponents with physical impairments due to cerebral palsy
PH Group III
Proponents with physical impairment due to polio
PH Group IV
Proponents with physical impairment due to muscular dystrophy
PH Group V
Proponents with congenital (present since birth) physical impairments
PH Group VI
Proponents with physical impairments as a result of underlying diseases
In order to classify the various impairments into the above respective groups a special questionnaire (deformity questionnaire) has to be completed by the life assured and Medical Examiner. Further in all cases of deformity, the Medical Examiner in his medical report should give full details of deformity. (Copies of revised Deformity Questionnaire and C.N.S. Questionnaire are enclosed)

It should be noted that proposals on lives of persons who have physical impairments (physically handicapped), can be entertained only if the life to be assured is gainfully employed having adequate income of his / her own and capable of taking sufficient precautions to avoid accidents.

The competent authority giving MHR should give full details of physical deformity after detailed enquiry. He should also describe proposer’s daily routine, his occupation and sources of income.


Underwriting guidelines:

Proposals from physically handicapped persons (PH Group I to PH Group VI) are to be decided in accordance with the revised extra mortality ratings given in the DMR Guidelines. As mentioned therein some proposals may be required to be referred to ZUS / CUS for decision.

It may be noted that proposers with deformities mentioned at (a) to (d) below are to be treated as standard if they are otherwise standard lives:

a. with loss of one limb (including eye) due to accident
b. with loss of both the ears due to accident
c. absence of a limb since birth (congenital and non-progressive in nature)
d. Polio affected with no residual paralysis

There will be no restrictions on age at maturity, plan, term, etc.

Physically handicapped minor lives will be allowed only Table Nos. 41 & 50.


Irrespective of what has been stated above, any minor disability such as loss of fingers and toes etc. can be ignored provided Manager (NB & Actl) is satisfied, on the advice from the DMR that

i. Such a minor impairment will not in any way affect the free movements of
life to be assured;
ii. the grip is firm;
iii. thumb and / or forefinger is / are not missing; and
iv. the impairment is not due to any underlying diseases

Physically handicapped concession will be allowed as per existing practice.