Indexed UL To Be Offered On Simplified Issue Basis

May 05, 2010 at 08:00 PM
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The Phoenix Companies Inc. (NYSE: PNX) has unveiled indexed universal life insurance product that uses a streamlined application process and simplified issue underwriting.

Called Phoenix Simplicity Index Life, the policy is issued by two Phoenix member companies–PHL Variable Life Insurance Company, Hartford, and, in New York and Maine, by Phoenix Life Insurance Company, East Greenbush, N.Y.

The contract is a flexible-premium UL policy offering permanent death benefit protection, cash value buildup, and interest crediting linked to the performance of the S&P 500 Index.

The simplified application and underwriting process allows the policy to be issued faster than a full medically-underwritten policy, says the company. Eligibility for coverage is based on answers to questions on a short form, the company says.

Other features:

- Interest and crediting rates are declared by Phoenix at the beginning of each index "segment" and are subject to change.

- The policy offers access to the cash value through tax-free withdrawals or fixed policy loans for up to 100% of cash surrender value.

- The surrender charge schedule declines over the first 10 years.

- Premiums can be allocated to one fixed and two indexed account options.

- Net funds initially go into the fixed account, where they can stay or, using a monthly transfer strategy, be transferred automatically to the indexed accounts on a monthly basis.

- Policy charges are deducted from the fund values.

- Owners can change account allocations at any time.

- The policy allows a one-time transfer from the fixed account at any time at no charge.

- A persistency bonus credits the unloaned policy value in indexed accounts with 0.5% annually, beginning in year 11 to qualifying policies. The bonus is applied as an increase to the growth rate of each indexed account segment on the segment maturity date.

"We heard from advisors that clients want products that offer cash accumulation potential without the risk of loss due to market downturns," says Phil Polkinghorn, senior executive vice president-business development. The new policy does both, he says.

The simplified-issue underwriting approach saves clients the inconvenience of medical tests and makes it easy to complete an application for permanent coverage in minutes, the company says.

Guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.

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