Virginia Life Annuities and Health Insurance Certification Exam Guide + Practice Questions

Explanation:
Universal life insurance is a flexible type of permanent life insurance. The policyowner may be able to increase the death benefit, but this is typically subject to proof of insurability (such as a medical exam). Universal life allows adjustments to premiums and death benefits within policy limits. The interest credited is guaranteed at a minimum rate set by the insurer, not tied to the CPI. Coverage does not automatically terminate at retirement.
Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance Code, Section 38.2-3302 (Universal Life Insurance Provisions)

Explanation:
An insurer that operates in the United States but is headquartered outside of the U.S. is referred to as an "alien insurer." These insurers are typically subject to the same regulations as domestic insurers operating within the U.S. but are considered "alien" because they are based in a foreign country. A "foreign insurer," by contrast, is one that is incorporated in a different state but operates within the same country. Captive insurers are typically created by a single company to insure its own risks, and a reciprocal insurance exchange involves a group of individuals or companies insuring each other.
Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance Code, Section 38.2-101 (Types of Insurers)

Explanation:
Under Virginia licensing standards and federal tax principles taught for the life insurance exam, life insurance death proceeds are generally exempt from federal income tax when paid to a beneficiary due to the insured’s death. This long-standing rule is a fundamental advantage of life insurance and is frequently tested.
The transfer-for-value rule applies only in limited situations when a life insurance policy is sold or transferred for consideration, which is not the general rule for death benefits. The cost recovery rule and interest-first rule apply to annuities, not life insurance death proceeds. Therefore, options B, C, and D are incorrect.
This tax-free treatment allows beneficiaries to receive the full face amount without reduction for income taxes, making life insurance an effective financial protection and estate planning tool. While estate taxes may apply in certain high-value estates, income tax treatment remains favorable in most cases.

Explanation:
ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) in long-term care insurance typically include dressing, eating, bathing, transferring (moving from one place to another), and toileting. These are fundamental tasks that individuals need to perform every day to live independently. If a person is unable to perform a certain number of ADLs, they may qualify for benefits under a long-term care insurance policy.
Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance Code, Section 38.2-3503 (ADLs in Long-Term Care Insurance)

Explanation:
Insurance contracts are contracts of adhesion, meaning they are drafted by one party―the insurer― and offered to the other party―the insured―on a take-it-or-leave-it basis. Because the insured has little or no ability to negotiate terms, courts apply special rules when interpreting ambiguous language. If a policy provision is unclear, courts generally interpret the ambiguity in favor of the insured, who is considered the weaker party. This approach protects consumers and encourages insurers to draft clear and precise policy language. Courts do not favor the insurer’s intent, technical interpretations, or decisions made by arbitrators when ambiguity exists. The guiding principle is fairness and reasonable expectations of the insured.