To qualify for an individual policy after a group policy terminates, how many years must an individual have been insured under the group policy?

To qualify for an individual policy after a group policy terminates, the individual generally needs to have been continuously insured under the group plan for at least five years. This requirement serves to ensure that individuals have a substantial period of coverage under the group policy before they can transition to an individual plan.

During this time, the policyholder has built up a history with the insurance provider, which can make it easier for both the individual and the insurer to assess risk and set premiums appropriately. The five-year period provides a balance between offering flexibility to individuals who may need to secure their own insurance after a group plan ends, while also ensuring that the insurer has adequate information to evaluate the individual's health status and needs.

The options provided reflect different time frames, but five years is the standard duration recognized in many policies for this transition to take place. This is particularly important in a life and annuity context, where continuity of coverage and stability in underwriting assessments are vital to both insurers and policyholders.