Learn more about life insurance products, managing your coverage andaccount, filing claims, and find answers to other common questions.
Filing a claim
You can begin filing a claim by reporting the death to our claims department, eitherby using our online notification form, or by contacting New York Life by phone or mail. Once we have received your notice of loss, your claim will be assigned to a claim inspector for processing.
The beneficiary should provide a fully completed claim form and certified death certificate. Click here to securely upload your documents.
You can securely upload documents here. The maximum total upload size is 25MB and we accept the following file document types: word, doc, docx, png, jpg, jpeg, bmp, gif, pdf, tiff.
In addition to providing a certified death certificate and completed claim form, alsoprovide a Report of Death of a US Citizen Abroad form, which may be obtainedfrom the US Embassy. You may also call the New York Life toll-free claims number,(800) 695-5165, to understand the requirements for settling a claim when theinsured’s death is in a foreign country.
Most funeral homes will provide the family of the deceased with several certifieddeath certificates. You can also contact the Vital Records Division in the state ofthe deceased for this document.
New York Life will issue a check to the beneficiary’s address provided on the claimform.
If the claim is incontestable, payments are usually mailed 7-10 business days afterNew York Life receives a completed claim form and death certificate. If the claim iscontestable, a claims review will be conducted and any benefit distribution payablewill be determined upon completion. New York Life reserves the right to determinewhether any insurance was inforce at the time of death, as well as the beneficiaryto whom proceeds may be payable.
Yes, if the claim is incontestable, and the beneficiary signs an assignment form(provided by the funeral home) authorizing us to direct payment of all or a portionof the proceeds to a funeral home, and that assignment is received prior to theclaim being settled.
Here’s some helpful consumer protection information regarding funeral homes thatyou might find helpful:
Federal Trade Commission - Planning a funeral? Know your rights(https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2020/06/planning-funeral-know-your-rights)
The following tax forms are available from the IRS:
W-7 Tax Form – Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
W-9 Tax Form – Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification
W-9 Instructions – Instructions for the Requester of Form W-9
W-9 Tax Form (Spanish) - Solicitud y Certificacion del Numero de Identificacion del ContribuyenteW-9 (SP), Instrucciones para el Solicitante del Formulario W-9(SP), Solicitud y Certificación del Número de Identificación del Contribuyente
Types of Claims
A claim is considered incontestable when the insured’s death occurs two years ormore after the insurance date or reinstatement date.
A claim is considered contestable when the insured’s death occurs within two yearsof the insurance date or reinstatement date. On contestable claims, the MedicalInformation and Authorization section of the claim form needs to be completed.
Policy Benefits
A customer service representative can help explain and guide you through the eligibility requirements and process. Please call (800) 695-5165 to get started.
Waiver of premium is a benefit that relieves the insured of their obligation to payfuture premiums once they have been confined to a qualified nursing home for 180consecutive days.
Do I need to continue paying my premiums?
Yes, the Contract states premiums must continue until the claim is approved.
How do I know if the facility is approved?
The facility must be licensed as a skilled nursing facility. Assisted Living andPersonal Care Homes are not eligible.
Can I apply if my policy is lapsed?
Yes, and we will determine eligibility based on the confinement dates and when thecoverage lapsed. Please note we will not approve this benefit if the policy lapsedprior to the admission date or during the 180 day waiting period.
Does the nursing home doctor have to complete section 2?
Section 2 must be completed by a treating physician.
Who receives the refund?
The refund is issued to the owner of the policy.
How do I apply for my Waiver of Premium Benefit?
Nursing Home Premium Waiver
Back to top
Questions about your coverage?
Current customers can log in or create a new account to view coverage
details and manage their payments, beneficiaries, and more.
