What is the purpose of using mortality tables in life insurance?

The purpose of using mortality tables in life insurance is closely tied to assessing risk and determining premiums. Mortality tables provide statistical data about the likelihood of death at various ages, which is essential for life insurers in evaluating the risks associated with insuring individuals. By understanding the probability of death for different age groups, insurers can predict the average lifespan of their policyholders and therefore estimate how much they may need to pay out in claims over time.

Using this information, insurers can calculate premiums based on the level of risk they are taking on by insuring a particular individual. For example, if a mortality table indicates that an individual at a certain age is likely to have a higher risk of death, the insurer would set a higher premium for that policyholder to account for the increased likelihood of a payout. This ensures that the insurance company remains profitable while also providing coverage to policyholders.

In summary, mortality tables are integral to the process of assessing risk and forming the basis for premium calculations, ensuring that life insurance companies can maintain financial stability while offering products to customers.