Help with insurance

Where your coverage comes from makes a difference when it comes to the forms you fill out. Choose the option below that best describes your situation.

Option 1 – You have group life insurance through work.

You can complete and submit the group life claim (PDF):

• Mail: Principal Life Insurance Company
  Attn: Group Life & Disability Claims Department
  711 High St.
  Des Moines, IA 50392-0002
• Email: SBDClaims@principal.com
• Fax: 800-255-6609

Additional forms:

• Accelerated benefit claim information (PDF)
• Accidental dismemberment/personal loss claim (PDF)

Option 2 - The individual life insurance policy was purchased through a financial professional.

To get started with your claim, access the documents you’ll need using our claims requirement tool or by downloading this claims packet (PDF).

Once you have the appropriate paperwork completed, you'll need to call us at 800-331-2213 to initiate the claim process. At this point, you'll be able to mail or fax us your form(s). Standard processing time once all claim requirements are received is 7-10 business days.

Where your coverage comes from makes a difference when it comes to the forms you fill out. Choose the option below that best describes your situation.

Option 1 – You have short- or long-term disability coverage through work.

For group disability insurance policies, claims can be submitted via:

• Online disability insurance claim form
• Disability claim form instructions, employer and employee statements (PDF). 
  • Mail: Principal Life Insurance Company
    Attn: Group Life & Disability Claims Department
    Des Moines, IA 50392-0002
  • Email: SBDClaims@principal.com
  • Fax: 800-255-6609

Additional forms:

• Pregnancy disability claim form, employer and employee statements (PDF)
• Attending physician's statement (PDF)

Option 2 – You purchased your own individual disability coverage.

Simply download and complete the form(s) you need:

• If your claim is psychiatric and/or substance abuse related, we’ll need these forms:
  • Disability claim form (PDF)
  • Psychiatric questionnaire (PDF)
• For all other claims, we’ll need these:
  • Disability claim form (PDF)
  • Attending physician's statement (PDF)

You'll need to submit your federal tax returns to validate your occupation and earnings. If you have a residual disability, you'll also need to submit financial documentation to help us determine your monthly benefit.

Financial documentation requirements vary depending on your employment status (whether you’re an employee, a self-employed professional, a partner, or a shareholder of a corporation). Common types of financial documents requested include W-2s, IRS Form 1040s, IRS Schedule Cs, IRS Forms 1120, 1120S, and 1065, monthly profit and loss statements, and employment pay stubs.

It depends on your specific claim. Once we receive all claim requirements, you can usually expect a decision within 5 to 7 business days. If additional information is needed to review your claim, we’ll let you know.

Yes, make online life insurance payments or online disability insurance payments.

For help with the 1099 form and other tax-related information, review our Help with Tax Information.

Most providers submit claims to us on your behalf. We encourage this as it ensures the best and most accurate submission of your claim.

If you’re submitting your own claim, no claim form is needed. You can just send us:

1. Provider's itemized statement, and
2. Copy of the front and back of your ID card.

Send the information to:

• Mail: Principal Life Insurance Company
  PO Box 10357
  Des Moines, IA 50306–0357
• Fax: 866-301-1502

If additional information is needed, we’ll contact you.

You can get dental claim information on your smartphone or mobile device with the Principal mobile app or with your personal login at principal.com.

Managed Care Vision (VSP^® Vision Care)

• In-network: If you visit a VSP provider, you don’t need to submit a vision claim. The VSP provider submits claims on your behalf.  
• Non-network: If you visit a non-network vision provider who doesn’t submit claims on your behalf, you can submit a claim online or download and mail the VSP member reimbursement form (PDF). View VSP claims and reimbursement FAQs. If you need assistance, call 800-877-7195.

Scheduled Vision

Although some providers submit claims on your behalf, generally you’ll need to submit your vision claim to Principal. 

You can easily submit a claim. No claim form is needed. Send us:

1. Provider’s itemized statement
2. Copy of the front/back of your ID card

Send information to:

• Mail: Principal Life Insurance Company
  P.O. Box 10357
  Des Moines, IA 50306–0357
• Fax: 866-301-1502

If additional information is needed, we’ll contact you.

Managed Care Vision (VSP^® Vision Care)

Visit vsp.com. You’ll need to create an account using your member ID found on your ID card (don't use your Social Security number).

Scheduled Vision

You can get vision claim information on your smartphone or mobile device with the Principal mobile app or by using your personal login at principal.com. 

If you have Scheduled Vision through Principal, you can go to any provider. However, you’ll receive a discount if you go to a VSP provider. Managed Care Vision (VSP^® Vision Care) customers should visit a VSP provider to receive the most savings.

To find a VSP provider:

1. Go to vsp.com
2. Click Find a Doctor
3. Search by location, doctor, or office name

To file a claim, access your state's specific critical illness claim form (PDF) (select the state where your employer is located). Then complete and submit as shown below.

To file a wellness claim, complete and submit a claim online after logging in to principal.com.

Or, access your state's specific health screening/wellness claim form (PDF). Then compete and submit as shown below.

• Mail: Principal Life Insurance Company
  Attn: Group Life & Disability Claims Department
  711 High St.
  Des Moines, IA 50392-0002
• Email: SBDClaims@principal.com
• Fax: 800-255-6609

To file a claim, complete and submit the accident claim form (PDF).

• Mail: Principal Life Insurance Company
  Attn: Group Life & Disability Claims Department
  711 High St.
  Des Moines, IA 50392-0002
• Email: SBDClaims@principal.com
• Fax: 800-255-6609

To file a wellness claim, complete and submit a claim online after logging into principal.com.

1. Once you're logged in, click on My Accounts and select Accident Coverage.
2. Next, click on How To Submit A Claim? and select Accident - Wellness. 
3. Then, click on How do I submit an accident wellness/screening claim?
4. Finally, click on Claim Submission Form and enter the requested information. 

Or access your state's specific health screening/wellness claim form (PDF). Then compete and submit as shown below.

• Mail: Principal Life Insurance Company
  Attn: Group Life & Disability Claims Department
  711 High St.
  Des Moines, IA 50392-0002
• Email: SBDClaims@principal.com
• Fax: 800-255-6609

To start a PFML claim in Massachusetts, complete and submit the claim online.

Or, complete and submit the appropriate PFML claim form for Massachusetts. Apply for leave:

• To bond with a newly born, adopted, or fostered child (PDF)
• To care for a covered service member or qualifying exigency (PDF)
• Due to a serious health condition (PDF)

Submit form by:

• Mail: Principal Life Insurance Company
  Attn: Group Life & Disability Claims Department
  711 High St.
  Des Moines, IA 50392-0002
• Email: SBDClaims@principal.com
• Fax: 800-255-6609

New Jersey individual life insurance policy holders

If you are experiencing a hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, please call us at 800-247-9988 or email us at Lifeinsurance@principal.com. Governor Murphy issued additional payment flexibility options. It was first announced in NJ Executive Order No. 123 on April 9, 2020. Full details are outlined in this notice (PDF). 

Massachusetts individual life and disability insurance policy holder

If you are experiencing a hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, please call us at 800-247-9988. You can also email us at DIservice@principal.com for disability policies, or at Lifeinsurance@principal.com for life insurance policies. Governor Baker issued advice to insurance carriers regarding flexibility offered. It was first announced in Bulletin 2020-05 on March 23, 2020. 

Maryland individual disability insurance policy holders

If you are a resident of Maryland and haven't received your bill due to USPS delays, please call us at 800-247-9988 or e-mail us at DIService@principal.com for disability policy payment options.