Accelerated underwriting for life insurance
Why WriteAway?
The WriteAway program is a process for underwriting for your healthiest clients and offered on all products available through SimpleSubmit.® We use information provided from an online application and publicly available data for the opportunity to eliminate a paramedical exam and labs using the same pricing as traditional underwriting with no additional policy fees.
Less Invasive — opportunity for no labs or exams
Simple online application process
Reduced not in good order (NIGO) applications
Faster Underwriting—and faster decisions
Full commissions + quicker processing = get paid faster
How it works
The application process for WriteAway is different than it is for traditional underwriting. Step‑by‑step, here’s how it works:
Step: 1
Discussion
You will complete the application using North American’s electronic application feature, SimpleSubmit®, which will include a few prequalification questions to determine if your client is eligible for WriteAway.
While SimpleSubmit is the preferred method, WriteAway is available for paper application submissions as well. Please note with paper application submissions, you must determine your client's WriteAway eligibility. Signed applications in California must be submitted through SimpleSubmit to be eligible for the WriteAway process.
When submitting via SimpleSubmit, look for Next Steps for the WriteAway process if the client qualifies.
Step: 2
Online Application
The next step is to start the online application part 2. Clients will receive an email with a unique link that will provide access to their online application.
The client can complete the online application anywhere there is an internet connection, including the comfort and privacy of their own home. To gain entry to the online application, the client will need to verify their identity with their legal first and last name, date of birth, and social security number.
The application contains a series of lifestyle and health questions to help determine if the client qualifies for WriteAway accelerated underwriting or if traditional underwriting is needed.
If the tele-interview option is selected, the applicant will receive a phone call within two business days from a paramed vendor representative to complete the online part 2 questions via telephone.
Step: 3
Notification
No labs needed
You will be notified that the case is approved and we will proceed with the issue process.
Labs needed
You will be notified and the case will automatically proceed through the traditional underwriting process. If additional requirements are needed, the administrative office will schedule an appointment to have the client’s blood pressure, measurements, and labs taken.
Once a decision is made, notification will be made through your Paperless Pending Report.
Preparing the client
After submitting the application through SimpleSubmit, help your clients know what they can expect throughout the WriteAway process. Part of the online application includes questions about your client’s lifestyle and medical history.
Advise the client that they may be eligible for this program, which will not require labs or a paramedical exam, but they will be contacted by a paramedical company if it’s determined they are needed.
Your client will receive an email with a link to complete the online application. A PC or tablet is recommended.
Your client will need to have the following information available to complete the application:
Details of any past or current illnesses, injuries or conditions
Details of past and current use of tobacco
Details of parents’ and siblings’ medical history
Any prescriptions they are currently using or have used in the past two years
Name, address, and phone number of current licensed medical professional and all other physicians seen in the past five years
Once the application is completed, the client will complete an electronic signature process and submit the application for review.
Who is eligible?
North American will use information from the Online Part 2 or phone interview, MIB data, prescription reports, and a variety of publicly available data to make the underwriting decision. The publicly available data includes financial and credit information (not credit scores), court records, property records, and a motor vehicle report. This data will be used to determine if your client is eligible for the opportunity to eliminate a paramedical exam and labs.
The databases used are Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) compliant and all information received from them is disclosable to the proposed insured. The insured may work directly with those companies to resolve any question they may have about their records.
| Issue ages | Ages 18 – 60 (plan age) |
| Face amount | Up to and including $2,000,000 for ages 18-50 or $1,000,000 for ages 51-60, placed in force or applied for in the past two years. |
| Build | Within the recommended guidelines. WriteAway uses the same build chart as traditional underwriting. |
| Products available | On all products sold through SimpleSubmit |
| No major medical and non-medical impairments | See the impairment charts below for eligibility |
| Underwriting classes | Standard (Tobacco and Non-Tobacco users), Preferred (Tobacco and Non-Tobacco users), and Super Preferred. Flat extras may be allowed for avocations and aviation only. |
| Internal replacements | Internal replacement or exchanges are not eligible through this process. |
| Approved states | WriteAway is available in all states* *North American is not licensed in the state of New York. |
| Additional or companion policies | Additional and/or companion policies are allowed. |
How is it determined who is eligible?
Clients without major medical conditions, who meet certain height/weight requirements, and are classified as low risk, have the potential to qualify for WriteAway. Following submission of the SimpleSubmit e-App, all cases within eligible age and face amounts will receive an email with access to the Online Part 2 or a tele-interview request. The applicant will answer a series of questions about their lifestyle and medical history to determine their eligibility.
How will I know if my client is required to submit labs?
You will be notified through the Paperless Pending report available from northamericancompany.com if your client is required to submit labs. The order will be submitted by the North American underwriting team.
Impairment chart
The following impairments are not eligible for WriteAway. For questions pertaining to a specific impairment not listed, please contact your upline.
| AIDS or HIV positive | Heart disease including any heart surgery, heart attack, or angina |
| Alcohol or drug abuse and/or treatment | Hepatitis B or C |
| Aneurysm | Kidney Disease |
| Anxiety/Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) – any history of hospitalization; diagnosed within the past 6 months | Overweight or Underweight Build |
| Asthma — moderate to severe; current smoker; or any history of hospitalization | Rheumatoid arthritis |
| Atrial fibrillation | Seizure disorder
|
| Cancer — any cancer except for basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer | Sleep apnea — diagnosed within the past 6 months; not well controlled |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, or emphysema | Stroke or Mini-stroke (TIA) |
| Crohn’s Disease | Ulcerative colitis |
| Depression — moderate to severe; any history of hospitalization; or diagnosed within the past 12 months | Weight loss surgery in the past five years |
| Diabetes | |
| Emotional disorder — bipolar disorder; schizophrenia; any past suicide attempt |
Non-medical impairments
| Life insurance that was declined, postponed, or charged an extra premium in the past 5 years | DUI or reckless driving in the past 5 years |
| Visa holder (temporary or permanent)* | Felony conviction in the past 10 years |
*Select Visa Holders may be eligible based on individual consideration. Please contact Underwriting to determine your client's potential eligibility.
Build criteria
Applicants outside the minimum and maximum listed in the traditional underwriting guide are not eligible for WriteAway underwriting.
Sammons Financial® is the marketing name for Sammons® Financial Group, Inc.’s member companies, including North American Company for Life and Health Insurance.® Annuities and life insurance are issued by, and product guarantees are solely the responsibility of, North American Company for Life and Health Insurance.
FOR AGENT USE ONLY. NOT TO BE USED FOR CONSUMER SOLICITATION PURPOSES.
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FOR AGENT USE ONLY. NOT TO BE USED FOR CONSUMER SOLICITATION PURPOSES.
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