Customer care

Beneficiary change form

Use this form to request a change of Beneficiary on your certificate.

Certificate change form

Members can request changes to their contact information and address, correct a Date of Birth, request a duplicate certificate, or add a child to an existing rider using this form. Read more Changes may also include other non-underwritten changes, like face decrease, Reduce Paid up, and changes to dividend options. Read Less

Certificate loan request form

Use this form to request a cash loan from your Certificate. Read more

Additionally, please complete this form in full to ensure it's processed without delay once received.

Please note:

If your address has changed in the last six (6) months, and you are requesting a check, then a clear copy of a Utility Bill or Government issued identification that shows the current address must be submitted.

If you were a minor and are now the current Owner of the certificate or if your signature has changed since the time of issue, then a clear copy of Government issued identification must be submitted.

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Certificate partial surrender request form

Use this form to request a partial surrender of your Universal Life or Annuity Certificate. Read more

Additionally, please complete this form in full to ensure it's processed without delay once received.

Please note:

If you were a minor and are now the current Owner of the certificate or if your signature has changed since the time of issue, then a clear copy of Government issued identification must be submitted.

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Certificate surrender request form

Use this form to surrender your Certificate. Read more

Additionally please complete this form in full to ensure its processed without delay once received.

Please note:

If you were a minor and are now the current Owner of the certificate or if your signature has changed since the time of issue, then a clear copy of Government issued identification must be submitted.

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Certificate withdrawal partial surrender request form

Use this form to request a cash withdrawal/partial surrender from your Whole Life Certificate. Read more

Additionally please complete this form in full to ensure its processed without delay once received.

Please note:

If you were a minor and are now the current Owner of the certificate or if your signature has changed since the time of issue, then a clear copy of Government issued identification must be submitted.

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Charity benefit designation form

Use this form to designate a charity organization to receive the Charity Benefit, if any, payable under the certificate or to change such prior designation. The Charity Benefit is only offered on certain certificates. Only use this form on certificates which have this benefit.

Loan repayment plan request form

Use this form to create or modify a loan repayment plan on your certificate.

Name change form

Use this form to request a single name change for individuals only. This form is not to be used for corporations.

Payment designation form

Use this form to request the set up or allocation of a single or recurring payment.

Payment instructions form

Use this form to request a modification to an existing Pre-Authorized Checking Plan (PAC), for a new single or recurring payment.

Request for pre-authorization checking plan

Use this form to set up Pre-Authorized Checking (PAC) or to change your existing banking information.

Transfer of ownership form

Use this form if you would like to transfer Ownership of your certificate.

How are claims paid?

Once a claim has been approved for payment, any benefit owed will be paid by check and mailed to the beneficiary's address provided on the claimant's statement.

How do I obtain a certified death certificate?

Most funeral homes will help the family of the deceased obtain a certified death certificate. You can also obtain this document from the Vital Records Read more Division in the state of the deceased. Certified death certificates have either a raised seal or a multicolored signature seal from the county, city or state that issued the certificate. In addition, the original death certificate should contain the signature of an appropriate officer of the county, city or state. Read Less

How do I submit a life insurance claim?

To start, call our toll-free claims number at 1 800 828 1540 to report the death. Our hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday to Friday.
Read more A Claims Administrator will ask for certain information that will help get your claim started. For example, they will need the name of the decedent, the contact information of the person where forms are being sent. We will also ask for the date of death of the decedent, along with the cause and manner of death, if available. The claim form packet will then be emailed or sent to the contact's address within two business days of notification of the death. Claim forms are also available on our website and can be downloaded and submitted directly to Foresters. For your convenience, the form can be found under the Forms tab on this page. Read Less

If the primary beneficiary is deceased, are there additional requirements to make a claim?

If the primary beneficiary is deceased, we will need a certified death certificate for any designated beneficiary that predeceased the insured.

What happens if the beneficiary is a minor?

The claimant statement should be completed by the legally appointed guardian of the Estate of the minor and a certificate of the guardian’s appointment from the court must be furnished.

What happens if the beneficiary is a trust?

When the beneficiary is a trust, the Trustee should complete the claimant's statement, the medical authorization (if applicable), and provide a copy of the trust agreement. In addition, the Trustee should supply a statement advising the Trust named as the beneficiary is still in full force and effect.

What happens if the beneficiary is an estate?

When the beneficiary is an estate, the court-appointed executor should complete the claimant's statement, the medical authorization if applicable, and provide a copy of the court papers appointing the individual as the executor of the estate.

What happens if the death occurred outside of the USA or Canada?

You must provide an official death certificate issued in the country where the death occurred, along with a notarized translation of the death certificate. Read more We also require a Foreign Death Questionnaire be completed and submitted along with a copy of the decedent’s passport. If the decedent was a U.S. citizen, we will also need a completed Report of the Death of an American Citizen Abroad (may be obtained from the local US Embassy or Consulate). Read Less

What information do I need to submit a claim?

To submit a claim, the beneficiary needs to complete a claimant’s statement and provide a certified death certificate. If the claim is contestable, a Read more medical authorization will also be required. This information will be outlined in your claim packet. If the death is due to an accident or homicide, the beneficiary should also provide any information available that relates to the cause and manner of death, including but not limited to, a copy of the police report, any news articles, and/or a coroner’s report and toxicology report. Once this information is received and reviewed by a Claims Adjudicator, it may be necessary to require additional medical information. If the death occurred in a foreign country, additional requirements may include a Foreign Death Questionnaire, copy of that country’s original death certificate and a copy of the insured’s passport. Read Less

What is a claimant’s statement?

A non contestable claimant’s statement contains two sections; one section is for information about the deceased and the other section is for information about the person making the claim. Read more A contestable claimant’s statement has a medical information section and includes a HIPAA authorization. All beneficiaries (or executor/trustee/guardian if applicable) must complete a claimant’s statement. . Some claims may be eligible for Express handling and do not require a claimant statement. To determine if this is available, please contact our Service Center at 1-800-828-1540. Read Less

What is a contestable claim?

A claim is considered contestable when the insured’s death occurs within two years of the issue or effective date of contract or reinstatement date. A Read more material misrepresentation, or untrue declaration, or failure to disclose all material facts, may result in loss of coverage or cancellation of the insurance contract. Read Less

What is a contingent beneficiary?

A contingent beneficiary is the person or party who has been designated to receive the life insurance policy proceeds if the primary beneficiary should die before the person whose life is insured.

What is a partial surrender?

A partial surrender involves permanently withdrawing a portion of the policy’s available case value while keeping the coverage in force. Unlike a loan, Read more the withdrawn values do not have to be repaid. To determine your rate and elibility, please contact our Service Center at 1 800 828 1540. For your convenience, the Partial Surrender form can be found under the Forms tab on this page. Read Less

What is an incontestable claim?

A claim is considered incontestable when the insured’s death occurs two years or more after the issue or effective date of contract or reinstatement date.

What is the Free-look period?

This is the period of time that you have to cancel/withdraw your contract in order to receive a full refund of premiums paid.

Who is a beneficiary?

A beneficiary, or primary beneficiary, is the person(s) or entity who has been designated to receive the life insurance proceeds upon the death of the insured person. Read more The beneficiary is named in the insurance application when a policy is taken out and can be changed at the request of the policy owner. Read Less

Can I select a specific date for my pre-authorized payment to be drafted?

You can choose any day between the 1st and 28th for a pre-authorized payment.

How can I cancel a certificate that was just issued to me?

To cancel a certificate, you need to return the contract package to Foresters Financial or provide a signed request to cancel within 10 days of receipt of contract.

How can I cancel my certificate?

To cancel your certificate, the Surrender Form must be completed and returned to the attention of Policy Administration. For your convenience, the Surrender form can be found under the Forms tab on this page.

How can I get a copy of my Intelliscript Prescription Report?

You can obtain a copy of your prescription history report and/or dispute any information in your report at no cost by contacting Milliman in writing at: 15800 Bluemond Road, Suite 100, Brookfield, WI 53005, by telephone at 1 877 221 4816, or by email at IntelliscriptSupport@milliman.com.

How do I change my banking information?

To change your banking information, email, fax or mail a completed and signed pre-authorized checking (PAC form) to Foresters Financial. Our contact information can be found at the bottom of this page.

If I have already authorized Foresters Financial to take first premiums on my application, why do I need to authorize it again on the delivery receipt my producer gives me when they bring the contract package?

We need delivery receipts whenever a change is made to the original policy. We request your authorization to take the premium payments again, just to ensure you agree with the change.

If I would like to start direct billing, what frequency is available?

You can select direct billing on a quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis.

Is there a fee for taking a partial surrender?

Yes, there is a fee of $25.00

When will I receive my billing notice?

Billing notices are mailed one month prior to your due date.

When will my first draft take place?

You have the option of choosing a preferred draft date. Depending on the product it must occur between 30 and 45 days of the application being signed.

Why was there a delay taking funds from my account?

If your draft date falls on a weekend, then the funds will be taken out on the next business day.

Why was my payment returned and what happens next?

The reason for the return is explained in your Return letter we send after your bank notifies us. Please review that letter carefully as it includes the next steps you need to follow.

Keep your policy up to date by making a replacement payment as soon as possible. You can do this using online banking or by mailing us a check. Please be aware: Timing matters, and replacement payments may not prevent a lapse if they are received too late.

Why did my draft come out early/late compared to the due date?

Foresters processes your draft based on the date you selected. If no date was chosen, your draft automatically uses your policy issue day. Should your draft date fall on a weekend or a holiday, the withdrawal will occur the next business day.

If your bank is unable to process the payment due to insufficient funds, they will attempt the withdrawal again. This usually occurs within three days of the failed attempt.

Can I pay my premium with a credit or debit card?

No, we do not accept debit or credit card payments. We can accept automated clearing house (ACH) payments, pre-authorized checking (PAC) payments and checks. You can also make a one‑time payment online through your bank portal.

How do I set up or update my automatic bank draft?

You can set up or update your automatic bank draft by visiting MyForesters.com. From there, go to MyPolicy and select Forms.

Can you hold/stop my upcoming payment?

Foresters sends the draft request to your bank up to 10 days before your scheduled draft date. This processing window means we’re unable to stop the draft once it has been submitted.

If you need to prevent the payment from being withdrawn from your account, contact your bank directly and request a stop payment.

Can I change my draft date for this month?

We’re not able to change your draft date if the request is made within 10 days of your scheduled draft date. However, we can update your information so the change will take effect by your next payment cycle.

If you want to change your draft date, make sure to do so more than 10 days before your next scheduled payment. You can find your scheduled draft date on MyPolicy.

My account was closed/compromised. How do I switch the account on file?

You can set up or update your banking information by visiting MyForesters. From there, go to MyPolicy and select Forms.

I made an online payment. Why don’t I see it yet?

It can take up to five business days for your bank to process the transaction and transfer the funds to us.

How do I make a one-time catchup payment for missed month(s)?

We strongly recommend making a replacement payment as soon as possible. You can do this by making an online banking payment or by mailing us a check.

Will my policy lapse if I miss this payment?

Your certificate will not lapse after one missed payment, but it is important to keep your payments up to date.

How do I request a loan?

You can review your maximum loanable amount and request a loan through the MyPolicy portal.

Click View details to see your policy information, then select Values to see your available loan amount. Click Apply for a loan and enter your request details.

How long does a loan take to process and when will I receive the funds?

It takes approximately five business days to process the transaction for MyPolicy loans.

Digital disbursements are typically received within two business days of processing. If you request a check, it will take approximately 10 business days to receive it.

What is my available loan amount or cash value?

When you log in to MyPolicy, you can click View details and then select Values to see your available loan amount, cash value and other important policy information.

Can I get my disbursement faster?

The best way to receive your funds as quickly as possible is to select the Digital Disbursement option, if you are eligible. All disbursements are subject to standard processing and banking clearance timelines and cannot be expedited.

Why is my loan or disbursement delayed?

You may experience delays in processing if your transaction does not meet all requirements, such as missing information or incomplete signatures.

The best way to avoid delays is to ensure you’ve filled out every part of your request form and provided all requested supporting documents promptly.

Can you send the loan or disbursement to a different bank account?

Yes, you can send a loan or any digital disbursement to a different bank account. You must select which account you wish the funds to be deposited into.

Why was my loan denied, or why is the amount lower than I expected?

Loans may be denied or issued for a lower amount than expected if you request more funds than are currently available. You can view your total loanable amount by clicking the Values tab in MyPolicy.

Do I have to pay taxes on this disbursement or loan?

Loans are considered a taxable transaction. For any further tax-related advice, we recommend you speak with a tax professional.

Can I repay the loan, and if so, how?

You can pay off your loan:

as a lump sum
using monthly automatic withdrawals
using one-time payments until fully paid

Please note that there is a 5% interest rate on loans.

How does this loan affect my policy in the long term?

Loan balances are deducted from any death benefit(s) paid out. If you cancel your policy, the remaining loan balance will be deducted from your cash value.

Can I select a specific date for my pre-authorized payment to be drafted?

You can choose any day between the 1st and 28th for a pre-authorized payment.

Can I set up a Power of Attorney Guardianship?

You can submit the Power of Attorney/Guardianship paperwork along with a letter of direction to the attention of Policy Administration. These documents can be mailed or faxed. For your convenience, our contact information can be found at the bottom of this page.

Can I take a withdrawal from my insurance certificate?

Depending on the type of certificate you hold, you may be able to withdraw cash value from it in the form of a loan or partial surrender. To determine if you are eligible, please contact our Service Center at 1 800 828 1540.

How are claims paid?

Once a claim has been approved for payment, any benefit owed will be paid by check and mailed to the beneficiary's address provided on the claimant's statement.

How are fraternal benefit societies organized?

Fraternal benefit societies are organized into a system of lodges or branches. Through their branches, members have input into decisions that impact their Read more branch and the whole organization. They can also participate in the election of the Board of Directors through the fraternal representative form of government. Read Less

How are fraternal benefit societies regulated?

As a Canadian-based fraternal benefits society, Foresters is regulated for solvency by the Canadian federal regulator, Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI). Foresters is also regulated for solvency in the US through its state of entry, New York.

How are the members of Foresters Financial organized?

Foresters members have a three-tiered form of representative government.

Read more Branches: You become part of a Branch when you become a member. Members can participate in the elections of Branch Councilors who in turn elect the Branch President and Vice President.
Regional Assembly: Branches belong to a Regional Assembly which is organized geographically. All Branch Councilors are members of the Regional Assembly to which their Branch belongs. The Regional Assembly elects the Regional Council and Regional President.
International Assembly: The International Assembly meets every four years to elect the Board of Directors, which is responsible for overseeing the business and fraternal affairs of Foresters. The Assembly also elects the International Fraternal President and the International Fraternal Vice President.
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How can I cancel a certificate that was just issued to me?

To cancel a certificate, you need to return the contract package to Foresters Financial or provide a signed request to cancel within 10 days of receipt of contract.

How can I cancel my certificate?

How can I get a copy of my Intelliscript Prescription Report?

How can I get a copy of my MedPoint (Optum) Prescription Report?

How can I get a copy of my MedPoint (Optum) Prescription Report? You can obtain a copy of your prescription history report or dispute any information Read more contained in the report at no cost by contacting MedPoint in writing at: 2525 Lake Park Blvd, West Valley City, UT 84120; by telephone at 1 888 206 0335, or by email at MedPointCompliance@Optum.com Read Less

How can I get a summary of my MIB report?

You can obtain a copy of your MIB report at no charge by contacting MIB toll-free at 1 866 692 6901 or request a copy online at https://www.mib.com/disclosuretransfer/disclosureservice/formrequest.

How do I change my Agent?

To change your Agent on record, we suggest that you contact our Service Center at 1 800 828 1540. One of our Service Center Representatives will be able to assist you with these changes.

How do I change my Beneficiary?

To change your Beneficiary, please access the Change of Beneficiary form under the Forms tab on this page. This form can be mailed or faxed back to us. For your convenience, our contact information can be found at the bottom of this page.

How do I connect with an Agent?

To determine who your Agent is, you can refer to your original contract for their contact information. If this information is not available, please contact Read more our Service Center at 1 800 828 1540. If you do not have a certificate with Foresters, the "Connect with an agent" button at the top of this page will assist you in finding one. Read Less

How do I make changes to my existing certificate?

Some changes require Agent/Advisor interaction. To determine if the changes you are looking to make require a Foresters Agent/Advisor, please contact our Service Center at 1 800 828 1540.

How do I obtain a certified death certificate?

How do I replace my contract if I have not received it?

Please contact a Forester’s Service Center Representative toll-free at 1 800 828 1540 to investigate the status of your contract or to request a duplicated copy.

How do I reset my password?

Visit the Login page and click Forgot my password. Read more A temporary password will be sent to your email address of record. Return to the Login page and enter the temporary password. You will then be prompted to change your password to a new password of your choice. Read Less

How do fraternal benefit societies operate?

In addition to sharing a common bond, fraternal benefit societies:

Operate on a not-for-profit basis which means profits can be used towards fulfilling their common bond.
Have a representative form of government with a Board of Directors that is elected by members.
Provide life insurance and annuity benefits to their members as part of their purpose.

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How long does it take for Foresters Financial to receive mail?

Although it varies depending on the sender's location, regular post office mailing is 7 to 10 business days.

I am currently on a waitlist for an event, when will you notify me that I have been added to the attendee list?

Waitlist movement is an automated process that is triggered when a registered member amends the total number of tickets requested or cancels their registration releasing tickets to the next member on the waitlist. If tickets become available for you to participate you will be notified via email (waitlist movement may occur right up until the day of the activity)

I am the Owner of the certificate and I am not able to register my child to MyForesters. Why?

In order to access MyForesters you must be a member with an in force certificate and be 18 years of age or older. Benefits do not extend to parents and legal guardians of a junior member of Foresters .

If the primary beneficiary is deceased, are there additional requirements to make a claim?

If the primary beneficiary is deceased, we will need a certified death certificate for any designated beneficiary that predeceased the insured.

My application was just submitted, how long does it take to approve?

For our simplified issue product, approval can occur at the time of submission or may take up to 5 Business days. However, if our Underwriting team requires additional information approval will be delayed. Our Fully Underwritten Products take approximately 22 days for approval.

What are the steps involved in buying life insurance?

There are three main steps involved in buying life insurance.

You will need to complete an application which asks for basic information such as your name and address and often asks for personal information such as height, weight, health, lifestyle and financial details.
Depending on the product you choose, you may also be required to have an in-person medical exam in which a licensed healthcare professional will take samples and ask further questions about lifestyle and medical history. Insurance providers may also order your medical records for review.
Finally, the insurance provider will review your application to determine your risk and your premiums and if your application is approved, they will issue you a policy.

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What are your hours of operation?

Our hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday to Friday.

What do I need to register to MyForesters?

Your policy/certificate number, email address, date of birth and your name as it appears on your certificate/policy.

What does 'Irrevocable Beneficiary’ mean?

An Irrevocable Beneficiary means the beneficiary designated needs to be aware of all changes made on the certificate and without their signature no changes will be made. It is a very serious decision to give a beneficiary this status.

What does ‘Revocable Beneficiary’ mean?

A revocable beneficiary means that the member is free to change the beneficiary designation at any time.

What happens if the beneficiary is a trust?

What happens if the beneficiary is an estate?

What is Foresters membership? (benefits)

At Foresters Financial we’re proud to help everyday families achieve long-term financial health and security. But we’re so much more than an international Read more financial services provider. Through our heritage as a fraternal benefit society, we provide over one million members with access to valuable member benefits and an opportunity to give back through volunteering opportunities that directly affect local communities. Read Less

What is a Beneficiary?

A Beneficiary is the person(s) or entity who has been designated to receive the life insurance proceeds upon the death of the insured person. The Beneficiary is named in the insurance application when a policy is taken out and can be changed at the request of the policy owner.

What is a contestable claim?

What is a contingent beneficiary?

A contingent beneficiary is the person or party who has been designated to receive the life insurance policy proceeds if the primary beneficiary should die before the person whose life is insured.

What is a fraternal benefit society?

A fraternal benefit society is a not-for-profit organization that unites individuals with a common bond and provides mutual aid programs for the benefit of its members and the broader community.

What is a loan?

You can borrow from your cash value in the form of a loan with the intent to repay it. It is important to know that if a loan remains on your certificate Read more at the time of a claim, it will be deducted from the total death benefit. It is suggested that a minimum loan repayment of $25.00 is made. If the loan is not repaid, it will accrue interest and could exceed the equity of the certificate causing the certificate to terminate. Read Less

What is a partial surrender?

What is an Assignment?

A life insurance assignment allows the Owner to transfer the ownership rights of the certificate to a third party. Transferring the rights to the certificate Read more will allow the third party to make decisions regarding the coverage, beneficiaries and investment options. A collateral assignment of life insurance is a conditional assignment appointing a lender as the primary beneficiary of a death benefit to use as collateral for a loan. Read Less

What is an incontestable claim?

A claim is considered incontestable when the insured’s death occurs two years or more after the issue or effective date of contract or reinstatement date.

What is the interest rate you charge on loans?

Depending on the type of certificate you hold, the loan rate may vary. To determine your rate and eligibility, please contact our Service Center at 1 800 828 1540.

When and how will my contract arrive?

If the Contract is being sent through regular mail, you can expect to receive the contract within 10 business days. If your contract qualifies for e-delivery and you have provided consent to receiving the contract through a secure email, you can expect to receive it within 2 business days.

When will my first draft take place?

You have the option of choosing a preferred draft date. Depending on the product it must occur between 30 and 45 days of the application being signed.

Where can I find information about my benefits?

To find out about your benefits as well as upcoming events in your area, sign up or log in to MyForesters.com or call 1-800-828-1540.

Where do I find the prices for your life insurance products? How much are they?

The cost of life insurance payments depends on many factors including the amount of coverage you want, your age, financial situation, and other lifestyle factors.

Who are Foresters Members?

Foresters members are anyone insured under a life insurance policy issued by The Independent Order of Foresters. To find out more about becoming a member talk to your life insurance agent.

Who can gain access to my certificate?

If you are the owner, insured and payer of your certificate, both you and your writing Agent have access to information on your certificate If the owner and payer are different than the insured, both the owner, insured, payer and writing Agent have access to information on your certificate.

Why do I need to appoint a percentage to my Beneficiaries?

Providing a percentage to your Beneficiary designation provides us with clear direction on how the funds from your life insurance policy should be paid upon a claim.
If you have multiple Beneficiaries, the percentage should total 100%. Example:

Primary Beneficiaries
Samantha Tom, sister - 50%
Jennifer Tom, niece - 50%

Contingent Beneficiaries
Jonathan Frank, brother - 25%
Jaxon Frank, nephew - 50%
James Frank, brother - 25%

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Useful links

Customer care

Complaints

Getting in touch with us

You can reach us at
1 800 828 1540
service@foresters.com
Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday to Friday.
Our toll-free fax number is 1 877 329 4631
Regular mail: PO Box 179, Buffalo, NY, 14201
Overnight mail: 2221 Kenmore Ave, Suite 108, Buffalo, NY, 14207-1306

Although it varies depending on the sender’s location,
regular post office mailing is 7 to 10 business days.

425898 US (05/26)