Equitable Eases COVID Underwriting Restrictions

The trend to “normal underwriting” continues with yet another carrier, Equitable, updating their COVID related underwriting policies and procedures. They have discontinued all temporary guidelines, including welcoming foreign national business.

Last year, Equitable announced temporary underwriting guidelines to address the risk associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. We are pleased to announce that effective July 26, 2021, we will discontinue all temporary COVID-19 guidelines for domestic business and reintroduce options for international clients. The following changes will go into effect at that time:

International Underwriting Program (IUP) and Americans Living Abroad (Equitable Advisors and eligible third-party customers)

• Return to traditional guidelines for acceptable countries who are U.S. State Departments level 3 or better

• Applicants who reside in acceptable U.S. State Department level 4 countries may be considered if the following criteria are met:

  • Country is Level 4 due to COVID-19 only

  • Max age 65

  • Medically Standard or better

  • APS records available and reflect routine medical care