Application Process - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Covers questions that people typically think of when first signing up for insurance.
Eligibility - Questions and Answers
Now that my kids are no longer dependents, can I still help them benefit from WAEPA's coverage?
Yes. Your non-dependent adult children are eligible to become Associate Members and then can apply for coverage from $25,000 up to $750,000.
Does WAEPA coverage include death caused by sickness?
WAEPA's basic coverage is payable in all types of death; except suicide or any misrepresentation on your application.
If an insured dies as a result of an accident (until age 65), an additional 20% of the basic coverage is paid to the beneficiary. When a person becomes a member and purchases coverage, they receive a plan booklet and certificate of insurance with details regarding the coverage.
My spouse is a federal, civilian employee. Am I eligible for insurance coverage through WAEPA, even if my spouse is not insured through WAEPA? If so, is there a dollar limit?
You can purchase coverage as an Associate Member, provided your spouse becomes a non-insured member of WAEPA
(Membership Form). She/He does not have to purchase insurance, she/he simply has
to complete a membership form and pay a one-time $2.00 membership fee.
WAEPA offers a maximum amount of $750,000 coverage, regardless if you are applying as a federal employee, retiree or as an Associate Member.
Please view our complete list of rates
for all ages and amounts of coverage available.
Does this insurance cover me if I travel overseas? Accidental Death? Murdered? If so is there literature that states my spouse; and/or designated beneficiary, gets it all or is it automatic?
No matter where in the world you may be, your coverage is there for you. Benefits are payable in all types of death; if an insured dies within the first two years of coverage, the full benefit is paid, provided death is not a result of suicide or the application does not contain incorrect medical/health information (misstatements).
Coverage Options - Questions and Answers
Can I add a Dependent to my WAEPA Certificate?
Yes. Simply use Additional Coverage Application to add a spouse or child. Just be sure to only complete the 'Statement of Physical Condition' section for the Dependent who's being added and not for anyone who is already covered.
Do know that, if your child is an adult, a child of a WAEPA Member can be covered as an Associate Member and, since the rates would then be based on the child's age, the cost would be significantly less expensive.
Additionally, a spouse can be covered for more as an Associate Member and, usually, for considerably less. Unless a spouse is 10 or more years older then the Member then, in this case, it would be more cost effective to have a spouse covered as a Dependent.
How much insurance coverage is available to me?
You may apply for up to $750,000 of group life insurance for yourself and up to $250,000 of dependent group life insurance for your spouse or $750,000, if your spouse applies as an Associate Member.
Eligible, Dependent children may be insured for up to $25,000 depending on the level of spousal coverage selected, at least $100,000. Spousal coverage is limited to 50 percent of the member's coverage. An adult child may, also, apply as an Associate Member and is eligible for up to $750,000.
Am I getting the most coverage for my money?
In almost all cases, WAEPA rates are significantly less than FEGLI rates.
Please view our WAEPA vs. FEGLI
Rate Comparison page.
Or, for a more exact comparison, enter your specific information into our
Rate Comparison Calculator.
May I change my insurance coverage?
Yes, WAEPA does not have an Open Season, unlike FEGLI. With WAEPA you can join or make changes at any time as long as you're under the age of 65 and are retired from or employed as a federal, civilian employee.
Would my spouse get better insurance by joining WAEPA?
In almost all cases, WAEPA rates are significantly less than FEGLI rates.
Please view our WAEPA vs. FEGLI
Rate Comparison page.
What type of insurance does WAEPA offer? And for what period?
WAEPA coverage is term insurance, the term being to the age of 85. Our rates change in 5 year increments and the maximum amount of coverage available begins to reduce starting at age 60.
There is no need to re-apply for coverage each year; it is automatically renewable on an annual basis.
To view our complete list of rates for all ages and amounts of coverage available, please
CLICK HERE.
What is the maximum amount of coverage WAEPA offers?
$750,000.
Your website indicates that premiums are cheaper than the FEGLI. What happens after age 60? Are your rates higher? How does this work in conjunction with coverage reductions based upon age?
Our rates change in 5 year increments and the maximum amount of coverage available begins to reduce starting at age 60. To view our complete list of rates for all ages and amounts of coverage available:
Please view our WAEPA vs. FEGLI Rate Comparison page.
The rate comparisons vary drastically based on the options you have with FEGLI. The best way to compare is to enter your comparison information here. This will give you the tailor fit answer for your exact needs.
Application Process - Questions and Answers
Do we have to wait until I am approved before my spouse can send in her/his application for coverage as an Associate Member?
Your spouse can apply at the same time as you. When she/he completes her/his application for
Associate Membership, she/he can insert "pending" as your
certificate number. If your spouse applies for coverage on her/his own, she/he cannot be covered under your
certificate of insurance; only your children could be covered as Dependents.
Does WAEPA have a waiting period before the coverage takes effect? I understand that some insurance companies pay the minimum until you've had the policy for 2 years?
There is no "waiting period" for benefits to be payable. If an insured dies within the first two years of coverage, the full benefit is paid, provided death is not a result of suicide or the application does not contain incorrect medical/health information (misstatements).
Is a medical examination required?
A medical examination may be required, even for Members, depending on your age, the amount of insurance, for
which you are applying, and your health question answers.
If a medical examination is required, it will be performed at no cost to you by a medical examiner appointed by
WAEPA through Portamedic - www.portamedic.com
How do I apply for insurance coverage?
By completing an application and answering the health questions. Upon completion, since your original signature is required, you must mail to our address:
WAEPA
New Business Department
433 Park Avenue
Falls Church, VA 22046
How long will it take to get my insurance?
Please allow up to 12 weeks, even for Members, to complete the application process and receive your certificate of insurance.
What if I am not satisfied with my WAEPA group life insurance?
New members, who are not completely satisfied, for any reason, with their WAEPA group life insurance, may request a refund of all premiums paid. Refunds are made with no questions asked, provided your request is submitted in writing within 30 days of the effective date of your insurance coverage.
Do I have enough life insurance? How much do I really need?
The majority of Americans are under insured, no doubt in part because we tend to guess at the amount of coverage we need rather than calculate it.
However it is essential to figure out your true coverage needs in order to ensure loved ones are protected financially for years to come.
This simple guide will help you figure out -
How Much Insurance Do You Really Need?
What is WAEPA's Privacy Policy?
This link will let you view the
WAEPA's Privacy Policy
Once initially accepted by the plan, can WAEPA at any time require a physical examination to either continue to the plan to keep current benefits?
Basically, no. As long as you maintain your premium payments and don't become terminated due to non payment, there would be no need for a new physical exam. The only other exception would be if you submit a completed application for more coverage then you already have with WAEPA.
How do I cancel my WAEPA policy?
We just need a signed and dated request, so that we have your authorization to terminate your coverage. Please include your Certificate number and specify that you wish to cancel your coverage outright. Upon completion you need to mail this to:
WAEPA
Membership Services
433 Park Avenue
Falls Church, VA 22046
How do I tell if this is not a scam?
WAEPA was established in 1943 by civilian federal employees to provide affordable coverage for civilian federal
employees and their families. Our carrier, Life Insurance Company of North America, a part of CIGNA, has a A,
excellent rating with A.M. Best.
Should you wish to investigate further, you may go to the
Federal Citizen Information Center - www.consumeraction.gov/insurance.shtml
Military - Questions and Answers
Are currently enlisted military personnel eligible for this insurance?
No. WAEPA is not allowed to cover active duty military. However, if you are a non active duty Reservist or National Guardsman then you can apply, assuming you are currently employed as a federal civilian. If activated, you would maintain your coverage but, while activated, you may not increase or apply for coverage.
If you are enrolled in a U.S. Military Academy or are ROTC, you may apply for WAEPA coverage as an Associate, assuming your parent is already a WAEPA member; eligible as a result of being in civilian, federal service. Upon graduation, if you enlist then your coverage would be lost. Upon completion of your enlistment, you may re apply for a new WAEPA Associate Membership.
Are retired military personnel eligible for this insurance?
Strictly speaking, no. However, if you are a retired military personnel who is now a civilian federal employee or retired from civilian, federal service then you may apply with WAEPA.
You may also apply as an Associate Member, if your spouse, parent or child is a WAEPA Member.
Does WAEPA's worldwide coverage include combat zones?
If you are a Federal civilian who happens to be stationed in or commutes to a combat zone, you would be covered. If you are an activated Reservist or National Guardsman, who gained WAEPA membership prior to activation, your basic coverage would also be intact.
There is an additional rider of Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage which is always in addition to, not a part of, the basic coverage you have applied. This extra portion would not be paid, if the claims adjusters determined it was an "Act of War". With or without this extra coverage; AD&D, if you were approved for $500,000 then $500,000 would be paid to your beneficiaries.