Help Center

All the answers to your questions in one place.

Search above to select a topic from below.

Categories:
Popular
Lapsed policy
Claims
Medicare Supplement
My policy
About us
Insurance 101
COVID-19
Payments

Will I receive monthly bills for my life insurance policy?

Nope. The good news is that as a part of your application process, you signed up for automatic payments based on your desired billing frequency (usually monthly) – that’s one less thing to worry about!

What happens if my monthly life insurance policy payment is declined?

Keeping you and your loved ones protected is our number one priority. If your payment fails, we’ve got you covered. We’ll continue to try your payment method(s) on file for at least two more attempts within your initial 30-day grace period. If you need to update the payment method on file, you may do so online or through our automated phone system.

My life insurance payment date doesn’t work for me anymore, can I change it?

Yes! You can permanently change your recurring draft date if it’s within 20 days of your premium due date – this allows you to update your payment to a day that’s more convenient for you. Please keep in mind that we are legally required to send you a past due letter if your payment isn’t received within 7 days of your due date. If you know payment will be or has been made, please accept our apologies in advance, and feel free to feed your recycling bin!

How do I update the payment information on my life insurance policy?

You can easily update your payment method or your draft date (day we process your payment) via your online account on our customer portal (myaccount.lumico.com). If you’d prefer to make these updates over the phone, give us a call at 1-866-440-4047. This process should take less than two minutes via our automated system.

I have heard about "Term" life insurance - but what does this mean for me and my family?

Term life insurance provides coverage that lasts for a specific period of time - most commonly for 10, 20 or 30 years. So for example, if you select a 20 year term, your family will be protected for the 20 years of the policy. This type of insurance is often used to cover specific expenses such as a 30 year mortgage and kid's college expenses.

How much insurance do I need?

Insurance should be customized for your family's specific needs – both current and future needs. The key areas to consider when figuring out the dollar amount of life insurance:

  • Income - how much income would need to be replaced?
  • Mortgage - what is the amount of your mortgage balance?
  • Debts - how much needs to be paid in outstanding debts?
  • Education of kids - how much do you want to cover of your kids' education expenses?
  • Final expenses - how much is needed for final medical, hospital and funeral costs?
  • Emergency funds - do you have enough of an emergency cushion?
  • Personal needs - do you have others to care for, such as aging parents or kids with special needs?

I feel like I "should" get life insurance, but do I really need it?

Whether you are 30 or 70, there are people in your life who depend on you. If these people were to struggle financially if you pass away, then you need life insurance. The amount of insurance you purchase depends on your individual needs including the amount of debt you have, the number of dependents you have, your income and your expected funeral costs. 

I get life insurance through my employer, do I need more?

The benefit of having a life insurance policy that is not through your employer is that you are certain to keep this life insurance coverage even if your employment status changes. Also, the total amount of life insurance coverage that you get through your employer might not be enough. 

How long until I receive my life insurance claim payment?

Our goal is to pay every claim as quickly as possible. For claims that do not require a medical review, we issue payment within 7-10 business days from the time we receive all claim requirements, which includes completed forms and the certified death certificate.

However, if your claim is contestable, we must perform a more thorough review by obtaining historical medical records to validate the insured's health status at the time of application. It can take 45 days or more to process and pay the benefit depending how quickly we receive requested documents from the insured's treating healthcare providers. During this time, you will receive status updates by US mail. 

What does it mean if a life insurance claim is contestable?

A contestable claim is a life insurance policy that is less than two years old when the insured dies (based on the policy issue date or reinstatement date). When this type of a claim is filed, we make sure that the information on the application was true and correct when the policy was issued. This is an industry standard and a rule that all life insurance companies must follow. Assuming a policyholder supplied accurate information on the application, there should be nothing to worry about.

Why does the life insurance claim review and gathering medical records take so long?

The reason it can take so long is that we need certain information like the insured’s medical records. You can help us move things along by contacting medical providers directly and asking them to send us the information about the insured. In some cases, they may require you to fill out an additional authorization form specific to their office.

Can I check the status of my life insurance claim?

Yes, you can. Once we receive the documents from you, you can call our customer service team at 1-866-440-4047, Monday – Friday, 8 AM to 6:30 PM CST, or Saturday, 8 AM to 12 PM CST. We'll automatically notify you by mail of your claim status or if we need more information from you.

Can I submit completed life insurance claims forms electronically?

For your security, we currently only accept completed claims forms through the mail or fax. If you'd like to overnight your forms to us, you made do so at 777 Research Dr, Lincoln, NE 68521.

If there are multiple beneficiaries listed on the life insurance policy, how will they get paid?

Each beneficiary needs to submit an individual claim kit that includes all necessary paperwork. We’ll pay each beneficiary their proceeds separately as we receive the required claim documents from each of them. 

How do I obtain copies of a death certificate?

There are two different ways to do this. The first way is to contact the funeral home who provided the services. The second way is to order copies yourself. You can contact the state or local health department in the state or county that the individual resided in at the time of death.

Who are Claims Bureau and Release Point?

They are medical retrieval companies that we use to help us in obtaining the information needed to review your life insurance claim. 

What is the Next of Kin Affidavit and why do you need it?

Many times, medical facilities and providers need verification that the individual signing the HIPAA has the authority to do so on behalf of the deceased. Once you have completed the affidavit, we will send it to the medical provider(s) to allow them to release the records.

Who is the insured’s next of kin?

The next of kin is the legally married spouse followed by children. Some providers may require the informant on the death certificate sign the affidavit. 

I'd like to file a life insurance claim, who can I talk to?

We recognize this may be a difficult time for you and we're here to support. If you'd like help completing your life insurance claims forms, call us at 1-866-440-4047, Monday – Friday, 8 AM to 6:30 PM CST, or Saturday, 8 AM to 12 PM CST.

You can find more information on our Claims Support page.

What is Medicare Supplement Insurance (otherwise known as Medigap)?

Medicare Supplement insurance helps you pay some of the health care expenses that Original Medicare (Part A & B) does not cover such as co-payments or deductibles. Medicare Supplement Insurance is guaranteed renewable every year.

Is anyone eligible for Medicare Supplement Insurance?

You need to already have Medicare Part A and Part B.

Does Medicare Supplement Insurance cover me and my spouse?

No, each individual needs to purchase a Medicare Supplement policy in order to be covered.

Does Lumico Medicare Supplement insurance cover prescription drugs?

No, any Medicare Supplement policy that was sold after January 1, 2006 is not allowed to include prescription drug coverage.

How do I check the status of a Medicare Supplement claim payment?

You can go to your account and view a specific claim or prior Explanation of Benefits statements.

I've misplaced my Medicare Supplement card. Can I request a replacement?

If you need a new card please call our Customer Care team at 855-774-4491 and they will order a new card for you. You can get a temporary card by going to your account and going to "Forms/Documents" and then to "Policy Request/Change Forms."

Do I need to re-apply each year to secure my Lumico Medicare Supplement Insurance?

No - your policy is renewable as long as you continue to pay premiums when they are due.

What insurance products does Lumico offer?

We offer three of the most common types of Life Insurance as well as Medicare Supplement. 

Check out our products here.

How do I contact Lumico?

For questions about life insurance insurance call 1-866-440-4047.

For questions about Medicare Supplement insurance call 1-855-774-4491.

Does my Lumico life insurance policy cover Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Current active Lumico life policies will have coverage for COVID-19, as long as the policyholder discloses any underlying conditions on their application, or during the application review process in underwriting.

Will Medicare cover care for Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Testing for COVID-19 is covered under Medicare Part B when it is ordered by a doctor or another health care provider that accepts Medicare, and if the test was ordered after February 4, 2020.

Any needed outpatient services will be covered under Part B, and for any medically necessary hospitalization, it will be covered under Medicare Part A rules. The costs you are responsible for under Medicare Part A include a deductible of $1,408 for each stay, and daily coinsurance if your stay exceeds 60 days. The Lumico's Medicare Supplement product will cover Medicare Part A and B coinsurance and/or deductibles according to the plan you chose.

I've misplaced my life insurance card. Can I request a replacement?

If you need a new card please call our Customer Care team at 1-866-440-4047 and they will order a new card for you.

How do I make changes to my contact information such as my address or phone number for my life insurance policy?

You can call the Customer Care team at 1-866-440-4047 or you can update this information online by going to your account.

How do I make changes to my contact information such as my address or phone number for my health insurance policy?

You can call the Customer Care team at 1-855-774-4491 or you can update this information online by going to your account.

What is Whole Life insurance?

Whole life is an insurance that lasts for an entire lifetime. Lumico's Whole life insurance has a fixed premium guarantee for the life of the policy and also contains a savings component where cash value may accumulate. As you continue to pay premiums, you can borrow against the cash value, tax-free.

What is Protect Now Term (Term Life) insurance?

Protect Now Term, also known as Term Life or Level Term insurance, provides coverage for a specific period of time: 10, 15, 20 and 30 years. Rates for term insurance increase with age, so the sooner you get it, the lower your premium will likely be.

What is Final Expense insurance?

Final Expense insurance provides financial coverage for end of life expenses such as funeral costs, medical expenses and other debts that you do not want to be a burden to you family.

What is life insurance?

Life insurance is a way of providing a financial safety net for your loved ones when you die. The death benefit can be used to cover everyday costs, such as bills, mortgage and travel costs.

When is the best time to buy life insurance?

The best time could be right now since age and health determine the cost of your rate.

Check out what products we offer here.

Is a death benefit taxed?

Life insurance death benefits are tax-free. They are paid as a lump sum and are not subject to federal income tax because they are not considered income for beneficiaries.

What is a beneficiary and can I have more than one?

A beneficiary is the person that receives the benefits of a life insurance policy when the owner of the policy passes away. You have control to name whomever and as many as you wish, and you can choose how much to allocate to each of them.

You may also nominate a contingent beneficiary who will receive the death benefit if the primary beneficiary is no longer living.

What is an insurance rider?

A rider is an optional add-on to your life insurance policy for an additional cost. Riders can help to cover life events that your standard insurance policy does not, such as Accidental Death.

Lumico offers Accidental Death, Dependent Child and Waiver of Premium as optional riders on some of our life insurance products. Check out our products here.

What is probate and how does it work?

Probate is a legal process that takes place after someone dies. It involves identifying the person's final assets, paying their debts and distributing their estate.

Does a life insurance death benefit have to go through probate?

Life insurance policies with a named beneficiary do not need to go through the legal process of settling one's estate to reconcile debts and distribute assets to their heirs.

What is underwriting?

Underwriting is the process insurance companies use to determine whether they are able to offer life insurance coverage to an applicant. An applicant's age, gender and health contribute the company's decision and the premium they charge. You are required to answer health questions, undergo a medical exam, or allow an insurance company to review your medical and prescription records.

What is an underwriting company?

The underwriting company is responsible for evaluating insurance applications to determine whether they are able to offer insurance coverage to the applicant.

What are risk classes?

A risk class is a way for insurers to underwrite policies based which risk group an applicant may be belong to. Risk groups will generally share similar characteristics that help insurers better estimate the chances that the policyholder will file a claim. The risk class you are qualified for depends on your age, gender and health.

What is Household Discount (HHD)?

House house Discount (HHD) is only available with a Medicare Supplement product. It is a percentage discount off your monthly premium when 2 people (spouses or eligible adults) from the same address both have active Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies. The amount of the discount and requirements can vary by state. Please contact your insurance agent for more information.

What is Original Medicare?

Original Medicare is a fee-for-service health plan that has two parts: Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). After you pay a deductible, Medicare pays its share of the Medicare-approved amount, and you pay your share (coinsurance and deductibles).

Source: medicare.gov

What does Original Medicare cover?

Part A (Hospital Insurance)
Helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and home health care.

Part B (Medical Insurance)
Helps cover:

  • Services from doctors and other health care providers
  • Outpatient care
  • Home health care
  • Durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and other equipment)
  • Many preventive services (like screenings, shots or vaccines, and yearly “Wellness” visits)

Check out our article "Medigap: 4 important facts you need to know now" for some more helpful information.

Source: medicare.gov

Who is eligible for Original Medicare?

Original Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) are available to the individuals below:
  • Age 65 or older  
  • Disabled
  • End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

Check out our article "Medigap: 4 important facts you need to know now" for some more helpful information

Source: cms.gov

What is Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP?)

AEP is a set time each year for anyone who has Original Medicare to make coverage changes for the upcoming year. AEP runs from October 15 to December 7, and new coverage choices go into effect on January 1 of the following year.

This is also usually a good time for you to consider purchasing Medicare Supplement for more complete coverage to pay some of the health care expenses that Original Medicare does not cover such as co-payments or deductibles.

Check out Lumico's Medicare Supplement plans here.

What is Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Open Enrollment Period?

The best time to buy a Medicare Supplement policy is during your 6-month Open Enrollment Period. You generally will get better prices and more choices among policies. During this time, you can buy any Medicare Supplement policy sold in your state, even if you have health problems.

This period automatically starts the 1st month you have Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) and you're 65 or older. It can't be changed or repeated. After this enrollment period, you may not be able to buy a Medicare Supplement policy. If you're able to buy one, it may cost more due to past or present health problems.

Check out our Medicare Supplement plans here.
Source: medicare.gov

What are Guaranteed Issue Rights (Medigap Protections)?

Guaranteed Issue Rights (Also Called "Medigap Protections") are rights you have in certain situations when insurance companies are required by law to sell or offer you a Medicare Supplement policy. In these situations, an insurance company can't deny you a Medicare Supplement policy, or place conditions on a Medicare Supplement policy, like exclusions for pre-existing conditions, and can't charge you more for a Medicare Supplement policy because of a past or present health problem.

In most cases, you have a Guaranteed Issue Right when you lose other health coverage or it changes in some way. 

In some states, you have Guaranteed Issue Right either on your birthday or policy anniversary. During this time, there is a 30-60 day window to purchase or switch Medicare Supplement plans through a different company without undergoing any underwriting.

For more detailed information, please visit medicare.gov or speak to your insurance agent.

Do Medicare Supplement plans have network restrictions?

Lumico's Medicare Supplement plans have no network restrictions. You can see and select your own physician without referrals as long as they accept Medicare patients.

What is Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance?

Guaranteed issue life insurance, or guaranteed acceptance life insurance, is a type of insurance policy that does not require any underwriting i.e. to answer health questions, undergo a medical exam, or allow an insurance company to review your medical and prescription records.

What is the process for a Foreign Death claim?

Our team will send you a claim packet within 3-5 business days which will include a claim form and a foreign death questionnaire. We will need a death certificate, HIPAA documentation, information about the death of the American citizen abroad and a passport, airline ticket or green card from you. 

What is the process for my claim if it is contestable?

If your claim is contestable, our team will send you a claim packet within 3 to 5 business days which will include:

  • Claim form
  • HIPAA – Authorization for Release of Medical Information
  • Supplemental Contestable claim form
  • Next of Kin Affidavit

You will need to return these completed documents along with a certified death certificate. Once these items are received, we will be able to begin our review process which will include collecting information concerning the insured's medical history prior to the application date. Information may need to be obtained from multiple medical providers. Some may even require you to provide additional information to release their medical records. These additional requirements may include:

  • Completing the facility's own authorization form
  • Next of Kin Affidavit
  • Copy of your photo ID
  • Estate documentation 

Each medical providers timeframe on submitting medical records to Lumico varies. We will continue to follow up with the facilities regularly until the information is received. However, you may be able to help expedite obtaining the medical records by contacting the medical office directly and request they forward the medical records to Lumico. Once we have received all requested medical records, we will finish the review process. 

What is the process if my claim is non-contestable?

Our team will send you a claim packet within 3-5 business days which will include a claim form. You will need to return this completed form along with a certified death certificate. Once all claim requirements are received, we will make a decision within 10 business days, if not sooner.   

What do I do if the primary beneficiary is deceased?

If the primary beneficiary is deceased, we will require a copy of the death certificate.

  • If the primary beneficiary died prior to the insured, any benefits payable will be paid to the remaining primary beneficiary(ies). If there are no other primary beneficiaries, then any benefits payable will be paid to the contingent beneficiary.
  • If the primary beneficiary died after the insured, the benefits are payable to the Estate of the Beneficiary. 

What do I do if the beneficiary is a minor?

If the beneficiary is a minor, we will require evidence of court appointed guardianship of the Minor's Estate. 

What do I do if the beneficiary is an estate or a trust?

If the beneficiary is the Estate of the insured, we will require evidence of the court approved legal representative over the Estate. Please provide the Tax ID number of the Estate of the insured. 

If the beneficiary is a trust, we will require a copy of the trust agreement and any amendments, including the signature page. Please note the Trustee Certification section of the claim form will also need to be completed by all trustees. Please use the trust's name when completing the claimant information section of the claim form and provide the Tax ID number of the trust. 

What do I do if the beneficiary's name has changed?

If the beneficiary has had a change in name, we will need a copy of the applicable marriage license, divorce decree or similar legal documents. 

Where do I mail my claim paperwork?

Our overnight mail address is:

777 Research Drive

Lincoln, NE 68521

What happens if my insurance lapses?

When your insurance policy lapses, your coverage is no longer valid. This happens when we don't receive a payment for your policy.

How long do I have to pay a missed premium before my policy lapses?

Most policies have a grace period (typically 30-days) after the due date to pay the premium before the policy lapses.

Can I get my lapsed policy back?

In some cases, you may be able to reinstate your lapsed policy by paying all outstanding balances on your policy.

What do I have to do to reinstate my policy after it lapses?

The specific requirements for reinstatement vary depending on where you live. Most states provide you with a Special Reinstatement Period which is approximately 30-60 days after your Grace Period ends to reinstate your policy automatically without having to reapply for the policy.

Are there financial implications of a lapsed policy?

Aside from the potential loss of coverage, a lapsed policy can have other financial consequences, such as difficulty getting new coverage. Having a lapse on your record may make it harder to secure new insurance or may lead to higher premiums in the future. 


 

How can I avoid a lapsed policy?

The best way to avoid a lapsed policy is to do the following three things: 

  1. Set up automatic payments: Consider setting up automatic payments to ensure your premiums are paid on time. You can update your payment method via our online customer portal at www.myaccount.lumico.com/.

  2. Review your policy renewal notices: Pay close attention to renewal notices and deadlines.

  3. Contact our customer service team if you're facing financial hardship: If you're struggling to pay your premiums, reach out to us to discuss options like payment plans or adjusting your coverage.

How do I cancel my policy?

We accept cancellation requests by phone or email. If you cancel within 45 days of your policy's issue date, we will refund any payments made into the policy – no questions asked. Please note that cancellation requests may only be made by the policy owner, which is typically the same as the insured unless you've specifically requested an owner change. If the request is sent via email, the sender's email address must match the owner's as it's listed on the policy for security purposes.

Can I get a refund on payments I've made into my policy?

Refunds of payments are typically only available if policy cancellation is requested within the policy's free-look period. Your policy documents indicate your free-look period is 30 days – this is the amount of time you have after your policy starts to cancel and receive a full refund. As an additional buffer, we give customers up to 45 days after the policy's issue date for a full refund.

I think you charged my account twice. How can I resolve this?

If you suspect there has been a payment processing error, give us a call or send us an email so we can help get to the bottom of it. In the rare event we've charged your account erroneously, we'll promptly issue a refund back to the payment method used or apply the credit to your next invoice.