Coronavirus Deaths Are Covered By Life Insurance, Okla. Insurance Commissioner Says

For Oklahomans looking for life insurance policies, some aspects of the application may look different during the pandemic.

Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready said COVID-19 deaths are covered by life insurance policies.

“There are no exclusions that I’m aware of,” Mulready said.

Individuals shopping for new policies may notice new changes in the application process.

“The life insurance world is still impacted and a lot of that was just with trying to think of less human contact. So, whether that’s getting signatures having a wet signature versus e-signature e-notary,” Mulready said.

Mulready said each company is different, but in some cases, older individuals may have more trouble finding coverage.

“It differs by company, but some of them may choose to not write policies if you’re 70 or over or have more stringent requirements for those age groups,” Mulready said.

Due to the economy, premium costs could go up as well.

“Just because of the stock market and the economy, we are operating a very low interest rate environment,” Mulready said.

However, other types of insurance like health or auto could give customers money back due to the pandemic.

“It’s great to see the industry respond to the situations of the folks needs,” Mulready said.

The Oklahoma Department of Insurance has COVID-19 resources available online, and a link to a lost policy locator where families can check for life insurance policies of deceased loved ones.