Help with insurance
How to file claims, check claim status, and manage policies
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:
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
- Mail: Principal Life Insurance Company
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:
- Complete the online submission of your disability claim or if you prefer to send via fax, mail or email, complete the PDF form:
- If your claim is psychiatric and/or substance abuse related, we’ll need these forms:
- Send your form(s) to:
- Mail: Principal Life Insurance Company
Attn: Individual Disability Claims Department
711 High St.
Des Moines, IA 50392 - Email: IndividualDisabilityClaims@exchange.principal.com
- Fax: 866-317-4526
- Phone: 800-422-3788
- Mail: Principal Life Insurance Company
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.
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:
- Provider's itemized statement, including:
- ADA codes and billed amounts for services performed
- Providers name, tax identification number (TIN) and address
- Date(s) of service
- 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.
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).
Managed Care Vision (VSP® Vision Care) customers should visit a VSP provider to receive the most savings.
To find a VSP provider:
Go to vsp.com
Click Find a Doctor
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.
- Once you're logged in, click on My Accounts and select Accident Coverage.
- Next, click on How To Submit A Claim? and select Accident - Wellness.
- Then, click on How do I submit an accident wellness/screening claim?
- 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 file a hospital indemnity claim, complete and submit the claim online.
To file a health screening/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 complete 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, complete and submit the claim online.
Or, complete and submit the appropriate PFML claim form:
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).
* Specified disease in New York
The subject matter in this communication is provided with the understanding that Principal® is not rendering legal, accounting, or tax advice. You should consult with appropriate counsel or other advisors on all matters pertaining to legal, tax, or accounting obligations and requirements.
Insurance products issued by Principal National Life Insurance Company (except in NY) and Principal Life Insurance Company®, Des Moines, IA 50392.
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