Updated: January 13, 2022

The financial security and confidence of AAFMAA Members like you has been our top priority since 1879. We understand the concern around your AAFMAA policies caused by the uncertainty of COVID-19 and the subsequent rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines. To help ensure your continued confidence, below are the answers to frequently asked questions our Members have asked about the impacts of COVID-19 on their policies.

For more information or if you have a question not addressed below, please contact AAFMAA Policy Services at
1-800-336-4538 or [email protected].

Will my AAFMAA life insurance policy cover death due to COVID-19 or as a result of receiving a COVID-19 vaccination?

Yes, your AAFMAA policy will cover a death related to COVID-19 if you are an existing AAFMAA Member with a policy issued more than two years ago or prior to a COVID-19 diagnosis, even within the first two years the policy is owned. The only exclusion on AAFMAA policies is death by suicide within the first two years.

However it is important to note that death claims made against an underwritten policy issued within the last two years are contestable, regardless of the cause of death. Contestable death claims are reviewed and subject to denial if we find undisclosed material information that would have changed the outcome of the policy issuance decision.

When applying for an AAFMAA life insurance policy, do I have to disclose a positive COVID-19 diagnosis?

Yes, if you are applying for a policy that requires medical underwriting, you must disclose a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. Not doing so would be considered material misrepresentation and could result in your policy being voided.

As mentioned above, death claims made against an underwritten policy issued within the last two years are contestable, regardless of the cause of death. Additionally, you don’t have to die for a material misrepresentation to void your contract. The policy can be voided at any point within the first two years if AAFMAA finds that you provided incorrect information about your health history and that the correct information would have prevented us from issuing the policy.

What would happen to my policy in the event of a death due to an undisclosed positive COVID-19 diagnosis during the two-year contestability period?

If you were diagnosed with having contracted COVID-19 prior to applying for life insurance and you failed to disclose that diagnosis on your application, your death claim could be denied. This is because, if you had disclosed your COVID-19 diagnosis, we would have followed current industry guidelines and possibly postponed acceptance of your application. In this case, your policy would be voided and your survivors would only receive a refund of the premiums you had paid.

When applying for an AAFMAA policy, do I have to disclose a COVID-19 vaccination?

No, the COVID-19 vaccine is classified as a typical wellness check, for which we do not require disclosures and do not deny death claims. We strongly suggest that our Members follow CDC recommendations and receive the COVID-19 vaccination as soon as they are eligible.

If I am diagnosed with COVID-19, will my application for life insurance be accepted?

Industry guidelines indicate that a COVID-19 diagnosis may postpone acceptance of your application for a period of three weeks to 1 year following recovery, depending on the severity of symptoms and treatment. This timeline is subject to change as new information becomes available and industry guidelines are adjusted accordingly. Those who experience a full recovery may be considered for issue before 12 months, while serious cases (such as those which required a ventilator) may be postponed for longer.

If I receive a COVID-19 vaccination, will my application be rejected or postponed?

No. Receiving a COVID-19 vaccination will not affect the acceptance of your application.

I have a current policy with AAFMAA. Will my premiums increase if I am diagnosed with COVID-19 or receive the COVID-19 vaccination?

No, AAFMAA cannot change your premiums or your health classification on a policy you currently hold. Your premiums and health classification will remain the same, even if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or you are at a higher risk of exposure due to your job, living situation, or recent travel, or if you get one of the COVID-19 vaccinations approved for emergency use by the USFDA.