
As a viatical settlement broker, you'll be working with life insurance policies that have a cash value. This value can be sold to a third party, known as a viatical settlement company, which will pay a lump sum to the policyholder.
Viatical settlement brokers act as intermediaries between the policyholder and the viatical settlement company, helping to facilitate the transaction. They usually charge a fee for their services, which can range from 5% to 15% of the policy's cash value.
A good viatical settlement broker will have a strong network of contacts and experience in the industry, which can help them secure a better deal for the policyholder.
What a Viatical Settlement Broker Does
A viatical settlement broker plays a crucial role in helping individuals sell their life insurance policies. They order medical records from healthcare providers to assess the client's health status.
Their next step is to obtain policy information from the carrier, which is essential for the settlement process. This information helps determine the policy's value.

Viatical settlement brokers also order life expectancy reports to determine the client's expected lifespan. This report is used to calculate the policy's value.
With all the necessary documentation in hand, the broker helps the client navigate the process of selling their policy. However, their fees do eat into the settlement amount.
Broker Compensation and Criteria
Viatical Settlement Brokers earn a commission or fee based on a percentage of the settlement proceeds, which is agreed upon and disclosed to the policyholder before engaging their services.
This fee may vary among brokers, so it's essential for policyholders to understand the terms and fees involved.
The valuation of a life insurance policy in a viatical settlement is influenced by several factors beyond just the face value of the policy.
Who Does a Representative Represent?
A representative in the viatical settlement industry represents the person with the life insurance policy, not the buyer or the company offering the settlement. This is a key aspect of the process, as it ensures the insured's interests are protected.

In the case of a viatical settlement broker, they represent the insured and "broker out" their policy to a network of licensed providers to generate bids/offers on their behalf. This means the broker acts as a middleman, connecting the insured with potential buyers.
A viatical settlement broker's primary responsibility is to the insured, not to the buyer or the company offering the settlement. This means they must work in the best interest of the insured at all times.
How Brokers Get Compensated
Viatical settlement brokers earn a commission or fee based on a percentage of the settlement proceeds. This fee is agreed upon and disclosed to the policyholder before engaging the broker's services.
The compensation structure may vary among brokers, so it's essential for policyholders to understand the terms and fees involved.
What Criteria Do Providers Use to Determine Policy Value?
Providers assess life expectancy with an eye on medical documentation to estimate the timeline. This is a crucial factor in determining the value of a policy.

The type and terms of the policy, including any existing cash value, are evaluated. This can impact the overall value of the policy.
Economic conditions and the competitive landscape of viatical settlements also play a role. They affect the overall demand and available funding, which in turn impacts the policy value.
Ongoing premium obligations are another factor considered by providers. This can reduce the overall value of the policy.
Learning these components can help you anticipate the offer you might receive and navigate your settlement with confidence.
Providers and Options
Companies specializing in viatical settlements can offer the maximum possible payment for your policy. They often have a thorough and fast application process, which is a must when dealing with a sensitive financial matter.
To become a viatical settlement provider, a company or broker must be licensed as an insurance professional for at least one year in most states. Some states also require a viatical settlement training course for certification.
American Life Fund, for instance, can work directly with policyholders, getting them paid in as little as a few weeks. They can also offer a free estimate to determine the value of your life insurance policy.
What Can American Life Fund Offer?

American Life Fund can work directly with the policyholder to offer the maximum possible payment for your viatical settlement and get you paid in as little as a few weeks.
To become a viatical settlement provider, a company or a broker typically needs to be licensed as an insurance professional for at least one year.
In some states, they must also complete a viatical settlement training course before they can be certified.
You can contact American Life Fund at 877-261-0632 to learn more and request a free estimate to determine what your life insurance policy is worth.
Related reading: Life Settlement Funds
Choosing the Right Provider
To find a reliable viatical settlement provider, insist on a simple, thorough, and fast application process.
A company that specializes in viatical settlements is a good choice, as their primary focus is on this type of transaction.
Look for a provider that can work directly with the policyholder, as this can result in a maximum possible payment.
In most cases, a provider must be licensed as an insurance professional for at least one year to become a viatical settlement provider.
Some states also require a viatical settlement training course before certification.
Difference Between a Provider

A viatical settlement provider is a company that can work directly with a policy owner, offering a settlement on an insurance policy without charging extra fees or commissions.
In fact, companies like American Life Fund can offer the maximum possible payment for your viatical settlement and get you paid in as little as a few weeks.
To become a viatical settlement provider, a company or a broker must be licensed as an insurance professional for at least one year, and in some states, they must also complete a viatical settlement training course before they can be certified.
This means that a provider like American Life Fund has the expertise and credentials to handle your viatical settlement with care and efficiency.
Regulations and Requirements
Most states regulate viatical settlement brokers, requiring them to be licensed to participate in the sale of viatical policies.
The licensing process is quite stringent, requiring expertise, a sense of urgency, and compassion.

In many cases, viatical settlement brokers must complete continuing education courses to maintain their license.
The cost of obtaining a viatical settlement broker's license can be prohibitive, with an application fee of $3000 in some states.
This strict regulation has led to a limited number of licensed viatical settlement brokers, with less than 20 issued licenses in California alone.
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Policyholder Legal Protections
Policyholder Legal Protections are in place to ensure transparency and fairness in viatical settlements.
Licensing for brokers and providers is strict, which helps prevent fraud and promotes a trustworthy environment.
Mandatory disclosure of all transaction details keeps policyholders informed and aware of the process.
This means that every aspect of the transaction, from start to finish, must be clearly explained and documented.
Must Professionals Complete Continuing Education?
Most viatical settlement brokers must complete continuing education courses to maintain their license, with rules varying from state to state.
These courses help professionals stay up-to-date with changes in the industry and provide better services to clients.
In many cases, viatical settlement companies require their professionals to take continuing education courses.
At American Life Fund, they believe in staying on top of industry changes and always learning new ways to help clients.
Licensing?

In the US, viatical settlement brokers are regulated by almost every state. Some states, like New York and California, don't regulate life settlements, but they do regulate individuals acting as a viatical broker.
The licensing process for viatical settlement brokers is quite stringent. The sale of a viatical policy is a sensitive matter requiring expertise, sense of urgency, and compassion.
The application fee to obtain a viatical settlement broker's license can be costly, at $3000. This high cost is one reason there are fewer than 20 issued licenses for a viatical settlement broker in California.
The requirements for a viatical settlement broker's license are strict, and the cost is prohibitive, resulting in fewer than 10 viatical settlement providers in California.
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Industry and Alternatives
As a viatical settlement broker, you have the option to work with various types of clients, including individuals with life insurance policies and companies that specialize in viatical settlements.
Viatical settlement companies are the primary buyers of life insurance policies in the viatical settlement market, and they offer competitive prices to policyholders who are terminally ill or elderly.
Viatical settlement brokers can earn a commission by connecting policyholders with these companies, providing a valuable service to both parties.
Industry History

The viatical settlement broker industry has a fascinating history that dates back to the 1980s. It emerged as a response to the AIDS epidemic, which brought about a significant need for patients to access large sums of cash to cover medical and living expenses.
Viatical brokers provided a solution by facilitating the sale of existing life insurance policies to buyers. This allowed terminally ill patients to access cash quickly, while still maintaining their benefits.
The industry gained momentum as the treatment of AIDS improved, and viatical brokers began to look for other sources of life insurance policies to sell. Today, many viatical settlement brokers also operate as life settlement brokers.
In some states, the distinction between viatical settlement brokers and life settlement brokers is not recognized, reflecting the industry's evolution over time.
Alternatives
If you're terminally ill and need money for medical and living expenses, there are alternatives to viatical settlement brokers.
Viatical brokers aren't the only option for those with serious health conditions or who are terminally ill.
Accelerated death benefits are another consideration. Some life insurance policies allow for a portion of the death benefit to be advanced prior to an insured’s death.
This option may or may not be advantageous over selling a policy through a viatical life settlement broker.
Discover more: Wrongful Death Settlement
Frequently Asked Questions
Who buys viatical settlements?
A viatical settlement is bought by a viatical settlement provider, typically a company or individual that assumes ownership of the policy and pays future premiums. This provider then collects the death benefit from the insurance company.
How much do viatical settlements pay?
Viatical settlements typically pay between 50% to 80% of a life insurance policy's death benefit. For example, a $500,000 policy could yield a payout of $250,000 to $400,000.
Sources
- https://www.americanlifefund.com/life-settlement/viatical/company/broker/
- https://insurance.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odi/agents-and-agencies/agent-licensing/resources/viatical-settlement-broker
- https://doi.nv.gov/Licensing/License_Types/Viatical/
- https://www.amritafinancial.com/what-is-a-viatical-settlement-broker
- https://www.in.gov/idoi/companyentity-financial-compliance/other-entities-renewal-requirements/viaticals-settlements-renewal/
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