You like the offer, the premium fits, the table is filled in – only the signature is left. That is exactly the right moment for five more questions: ones that light up not the shiny side of the offer but its everyday workings. Put the five questions below in writing, and ask for the answers in writing.
1. What waiting periods apply to the individual covers?
Why it matters: the contract taking effect and the actual protection starting are not always the same day – waiting periods apply to some covers (typically the illness-based ones). Clarify this before signing and the rollout communication will not promise more than what is due; the details are in the waiting periods article.
2. Which exclusions may affect our job types and activities?
Why it matters: the exclusion list is generic text, but the risk is company-specific: work at height, machine operation, regular driving, company sports events. Ask by name about your own situations – the exclusions explained article helps interpret the general list.
3. How does claims filing work, and what documents are required?
Why it matters: the value of the cover is decided at claim time. Clarify: on what channels the entitled person can file (online, phone, paper), and what the document requirements are per event type. The filing route is always the insurer's own channel – the map of the process is in the filing a claim with the insurer article.
4. How does membership administration work: joiners, leavers, lists?
Why it matters: a group contract typically brings a dozen small administrative events a year. Ask: how often a list is due, on what platform, from when a new joiner's cover runs, and what happens with late reporting. This is where the real internal workload shows itself.
5. What is the renewal indexation and premium adjustment practice?
Why it matters: the first year's premium is just the start – the contract lives for years. Ask: how the indexation is calculated, what role the loss ratio plays in premium adjustments, and how much time there is for the renewal decision. That makes the offers' long-term picture comparable too – the decision criteria article helps here as well.
The question list – in copyable form
1. Please state the waiting periods for each cover.
2. What exclusions apply to the following job types and activities: [JOB TYPES, ACTIVITIES]?
3. Please describe the channels for filing a claim and the document requirements for the main event types.
4. How, and how often, does membership administration run (joiners, leavers, list format, platform)?
5. What is the renewal indexation and premium adjustment practice, and with what decision deadlines?
If the answers contradict the offer or the policy wording, clear it up before signing – good companions are the policy wording crash course and the FAQ. As a broker I run this round with the offering insurers as well – and build the answers into the decision table.
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