Accelerated underwriting already was gaining traction in the life insurance world before COVID-19 hit, but the restrictions placed on nonessential medical treatment as a result of the pandemic have moved accelerated underwriting more to the forefront.

Optimism is a choice and one that can give agents a leg up on the competition, said Scott Brennan, former president of the Million Dollar Round Table and a MassMutual agent from South Bend, Ind. Brennan gave some of his insights Thursday on being successful in the business and in life.

U.S. life insurance death benefit claims from COVID-19 could range anywhere from $8 billion to $160 billion, Moody’s Investors Service said in a new report.

The current financial crisis stemming from COVID-19 is different from other recent financial downturns because the present situation has given consumers the fear of death and disability in addition to the fear of losing their money. That was the word from Joe Jordan, industry speaker and author of A Life Of Significance.

U.S. health insurers will likely remain profitable despite the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and its financial impact, Moody’s Investors Service said in a new report. However, U.S. life insurers could face some financial challenges.