Swiss Re Life Execs Say Mortality Improvements Not A Sure Thing

But Choka says infectious diseases and increasing obesity rates add some uncertainty to mortality forecasts. Although new drugs and education could help fight obesity, lifestyle choices could slow improvement, she adds.

Because of these mixed signals, it is important for insurers to take care when fine-tuning preferred risk underwriting categories, Choka says.

Weldon Wilson, Swiss Re Life’s chief executive, emphasizes that any underwriting improvements must be cost effective.

Wilson gives the choice between using an attending physician’s statement and using a motor vehicle report as one example of the differences in the cost of underwriting tools. Using an attending physician’s statement may cost $50, while using a motor vehicle report could cost as little as $7, Wilson says.