Massachusetts Health & Accident Insurance Practice Exam

Which term describes the individual entitled to benefits after the primary beneficiary?

1. Alternate Beneficiary

2. Contingent Beneficiary

3. Secondary Beneficiary

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

The term that describes the individual entitled to benefits after the primary beneficiary is generally known as a contingent beneficiary. A contingent beneficiary is designated to receive benefits if the primary beneficiary is unable to do so, often due to their death or inability to claim the benefits for any reason. While alternate beneficiary and secondary beneficiary could also imply a similar role in different contexts, it is primarily the contingent beneficiary designation that is commonly recognized in insurance terms. This term designates a backup beneficiary who stands in line to receive benefits, emphasizing the contingency aspect of their entitlement. The inclusion of options that may imply similar roles speaks to the variability in terminology used in insurance and estate planning. The correct identification of these roles is essential for understanding how benefits are distributed upon the triggering event, which is often a key concern in health and accident insurance policies. Therefore, recognizing that all terms point towards the same underlying concept of a beneficiary who comes into play when the primary beneficiary cannot is crucial for clarity in the insurance landscape.