They call it smoothing

Article Abstract:

UK insurers' rates for endowment policies are being cut in 1996 although markets performed well in 1995. Terminal and annual bonuses have been reduced for policyholders of with-profits policies. Further cuts are likely in the years following 1996. This is because insurers seek to smooth results and the good performance of 1995 did not fully compensate for the poor performance of 1994. Investors can still obtain better returns than they could by using building society deposit accounts, though better returns are available from direct investments in shares.

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The biggest con of them all

Article Abstract:

United Kingdom endownment insurance and pensions tend to involve large commission payments to salesmen simply because that is the custom. It is possible to haggle with financial advisers and split the commission, but most people do not do this. They run the risk of getting back less than their contributions if they have to abandon policies early. Commissions increased in the late 1980s and early 1990s and are only likely to be reduced if regulatory action is taken.

Pension, health, and welfare funds, Pension Funds & Benefit Plans, Pension Funds, Life insurance industry, Pensions

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So, how worn are your genes?

Article Abstract:

Genetic testing is favored by insurers since they can assess the life expectancy of clients more accurately. Premiums could drop for healthy clients if test results were more widely known. Clients with poor test results may find their insurance becomes more expensive or even unobtainable. Insurers do not always know how to assess the results of genetic tests, as is illustrated by their stance on tests for HIV.

Economic aspects, Genetic screening, Genetic testing

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