What Is Valuation Mortality Table?

A comprehensive guide to understanding Valuation Mortality Tables, their function in calculating statutory reserves and cash surrender values for life insurance policies, their historical significance, and their application in modern insurance practices.

A valuation mortality table is a statistical chart used by insurers to calculate the statutory reserves and cash surrender values of life insurance policies. These tables are essential for actuarial science, providing the foundation for determining the likelihood of future mortality among policyholders, which in turn influences premium rates and reserve requirements.

What is a Valuation Mortality Table?

Definition and Components

A valuation mortality table lists the probabilities of death for a cohort of individuals at various ages. It provides essential actuarial data, including:

• qx: The probability that an individual of age x will die before reaching age x+1.
• lx: The number of survivors remaining at age x out of an original cohort of 100,000 lives.
• dx: The number of deaths occurring at age x.

These elements help insurers manage financial risks associated with life insurance policies.

Types of Mortality Tables

Mortality tables can be categorized into various types based on the population studied, period, and purpose:

• Static Mortality Tables: Reflect mortality rates at a specific point in time.
• Dynamic or Generational Mortality Tables: Account for anticipated improvements in mortality over time.
• Ultimate Tables: Provide mortality rates that do not change with additional underwriting (used for mature policies).
• Select Tables: Include data on newly underwritten insured lives.

How Do Valuation Mortality Tables Work?

Calculating Statutory Reserves

Statutory reserves are the minimum amount of money an insurance company must hold to ensure they can fulfill future policy obligations. Insurers use valuation mortality tables to:

$$ \text{Reserve} = \sum_{t=1}^n \frac{\text{Benefit}(t) \times p(t)}{(1+i)^t} $$

Where \( \text{Benefit}(t) \) represents the expected policy payouts, \( p(t) \) is the probability of survival to time \( t \), and \( i \) is the discount rate.

Determining Cash Surrender Values

The cash surrender value is the amount a policyholder receives if they cancel the policy before maturity. It is calculated by considering:

• The reserves already accumulated.
• The present value of future benefits.
• Any applicable surrender charges.

Historical Context and Evolution

Origin and Development

The first mortality tables were developed in the 17th century by John Graunt and Edmond Halley. These early tables laid the groundwork for modern actuarial science by quantifying life expectancy and mortality risk.

Advances in Actuarial Science

Over the centuries, valuation mortality tables have evolved with enhancements in data accuracy and statistical methods. Modern advancements include the use of big data and machine learning to predict and refine mortality trends more accurately.

Applicability in Modern Insurance Practices

Regulatory Requirements

Insurance regulators mandate the use of specific mortality tables to ensure uniformity and solvency in the industry. These regulations help protect policyholders by requiring insurers to maintain adequate reserves.

Impact on Premiums and Benefits

Accurate mortality tables are crucial for setting fair premium rates and ensuring that benefits promised to policyholders are sustainable. This balance helps maintain trust and financial stability in the insurance market.

Comparisons and Related Terms

Valuation Mortality Table vs. Experience Table

• Valuation Mortality Table: Used for statutory reserves and regulatory compliance.
• Experience Table: Based on actual experience of a specific insured population, used to adjust assumptions in valuation mortality tables.

Key Related Terms

• Actuarial Assumptions: Estimates regarding future events affecting insurance policies.
• Longevity Risk: The risk of policyholders living longer than expected.
• Survival Rate: The probability that an individual will live to a certain age.

FAQs

Why are Valuation Mortality Tables Important?

Valuation mortality tables ensure that insurers maintain sufficient reserves to meet future policy obligations, thus safeguarding policyholder interests.

How Often are Mortality Tables Updated?

Mortality tables are typically updated every few years to reflect changes in mortality trends and longevity statistics.

Can Mortality Tables Predict Individual Lifespans?

While mortality tables provide probabilistic data for large populations, they cannot predict individual lifespans. Personal factors greatly influence individual mortality.

References

1. Neill, A. (1989). Life Contingencies. Heinemann.
2. Society of Actuaries. (2021). Mortality Tables: An Overview.
3. National Association of Insurance Commissioners. (2020). Valuation of Life Insurance Policies Model Regulation.

Summary

Valuation mortality tables are integral to the operational and financial stability of life insurance companies. By providing detailed statistical information on mortality rates, these tables help insurers set premium rates, maintain statutory reserves, and ensure they can meet their future obligations to policyholders. As such, they play a crucial role in the actuarial and financial health of the life insurance industry.