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Help with insurance

Help with insurance

Find the forms and details you need to submit claims for everything from life insurance to critical illness, hospital indemnity, paid family and medical leave, and more.

Accident insurance
File a claim
How do I submit an accident claim?

Both you and your employer may submit electronic versions of the accident claim form (opens in AdobeSign). In addition, you’ll need to provide the form to your attending physician.

Or, you may download and fill out blank copies of the forms. Once complete, submit them via email to SBDClaims@principal.com or fax to 800-255-6609.

Critical illness* insurance
File a claim
How do I submit a critical illness* claim?

We require both the individual and employer to complete the critical illness claim form (opens in AdobeSign). At the top left corner, select your role, then fill out the required information in your section. You may either fill out the information and submit it electronically, or download and print out the forms to fill them out. In addition, your doctor must complete the part of the form labeled “attending physician’s statement.”

New York customers must complete and submit the specified disease claim form (opens in AdobeSign).

If you wish to download and submit the forms, you may do so via email to SBDClaims@principal.com or fax to 800-255-6609.

*Specified disease in New York

Dental insurance
How do I create an online account?

To create your Principal® account online, view how to set up your individual account login (PDF).

What dental insurance resources are available online?

It depends on your coverage, but you may be able to:

  • Access and print a copy of your digital ID card. (Dependent names are available on digital ID cards but not on paper versions.)
  • Access and view a summary of your benefits.
  • View dental claims, including your Explanation of Benefits.
  • Find a participating dental provider.
  • Find discounts and services.
  • Calculate coverage needs and more. 
How can I find a dental provider?

Open the Principal mobile app, or go to principal.com. Then:

  • Navigate to the “Insure” and “My insurance,” then scroll to “Find a dentist.”
  • Enter your zip code.
  • Choose your dental network, if requested. (Find this on your ID card.) You can adjust the search distance or specialty, or search for a specific dentist by name. You can also simply click on “See results.”

Note: The list you receive are dentists participating the network as of the date you search. On the day of your visit, please confirm the dentist at the specific location you vist is still participating in the network.

How do I make changes to my dental coverage?

Contact your employer to:

  • Add or remove dependents
  • Add or remove coverage
  • Update your mailing address, phone number or email address
  • Discuss continuation of coverage after leaving employment
How do I submit a dental claim?

Most providers submit claims to on your behalf, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. However, if you would like to submit your own claim, you do not need to use a form. You’ll need:

  • 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

You can submit claims via mail or fax. Make sure to copy all information before sending.

  • Mail: Principal Life Insurance CompanyPO Box 10357Des Moines, IA 50306–0357
  • Fax: 866-301-1502
Where can I get information about my dental claims?

Information on your dental claims is available in your account. Simply log in on your desktop at Principal.com, or download the mobile Principal® app and log in. On your dashboard, look for the dental claim card.

Why are my covered dependents names not listed on my dental insurance ID card?

Your ID card includes your member ID and employer number, as well as your coverage and effective date.  ID cards no longer include each covered family member’s first name, but can be viewed at Principal.com on our mobile app. To find them, log in then:

  • Under the dental tile, click the down arrow to the right of “I want to.”
  • Click on “Download my ID card.”
  • Open the document, then click on the printer icon to print a copy or click on the download icon to save a copy.

The ID card also includes your provider network (when applicable), the claims mailing address, and the benefit phone number.

Group disability insurance
File a claim
What should I do if a short-term disability or long-term disability happens to me?

Keep communication lines open with your employer while you’re out. Discuss temporary or flexible work arrangements during your recovery; a gradual or part-time return to work may allow you to return to your job more quickly while easing back into your duties.

How do I file a short-term or long-term disability claim?

You may submit a short-term or long-term disability claim for sickness, injury, pregnancy, or a mental health condition either electronically or with printed forms.

For an electronic submission, log in at Principal.com and navigate to the online disability claim form. There, you can complete your section of the claim form. Once you’re done, you’ll receive an email confirmation with links to forward to your employer and doctor, who will both need to complete their sections of the claim form. Claims cannot begin review until all sections are complete.

To file a paper claim with printed forms, click the appropriate link below to print a blank claim form.

Once complete, you may submit printed forms via email to SBDClaims@principal.com or via fax at 800-255-6609.

When should I file a short-term disability or long-term disability claim?

Filing a claim early has its advantages. It helps Principal to:

  • Proactively obtain additional information that may be needed to make the initial claim decision
  • Make timely decisions

For short-term disability claims, the answer is as soon as possible, but no more than 30 days prior to the date of disability. You should file your claim when you know that you’ll be off work longer than your elimination period.

For long-term disability claims, the claim should be filed no later than halfway through the LTD elimination period.

What is the elimination period for a disability claim?

The elimination period is the waiting period from the time you become disabled until you begin receiving benefits. During this time period, you are responsible for your expenses.

If I have both short-term and long-term disability coverage from Principal Life, will I need to file a second claim form?

No. The integrated claim process includes a single notification of claim, one (1) claim form, transition from STD to LTD once forms are completed and returned, early intervention, and case management. If your employer has life coverage with us, you will receive communication about what’s needed to review for the waiver of life insurance premium benefit.

Benefits and eligibility
Can an employer pay the difference between my salary and the disability benefit?

It depends on whether the “salary continuance offset” is included in the “other income source” definition of the policy or not.

  • If the policy includes salary continuance offset: The disability benefit is directly reduced by any salary continuance, sick pay, or PTO paid. This doesn’t allow the employer to supplement income with these types of pay.
  • If the policy does not include salary continuance offset: The employer can supplement your income with salary continuance, sick pay or PTO. However, the weekly/monthly payment limit will prevent you from receiving more than 100% of your pre-disability earnings.
If I am over the Social Security Normal Retirement Age (SSNRA) at the time I become disabled, am I still eligible for benefits?

There is no age limit for short-term disability insurance. For long-term disability insurance, you would still be eligible for 12-36 months of benefits. Your age will determine how long you’ll receive benefits. Find more information in the benefit booklet Summary and Benefit Payment Period section. In addition, long-term disability insurance benefits may also be reduced by SSNRA benefits.

What happens to ongoing benefits if I’m terminated or coverage is terminated with Principal while receiving benefits?

Eligibility for benefits is based on the date of disability. If your coverage was active on the date of disability, subsequent employment status or group coverage ending doesn’t affect ongoing benefits, or eligibility for long-term disability if termed while on short-term disability. Confirm this with your employee benefit booklet.

Can I work during the elimination period or return to part-time?

f the definition of disability in the short-term disability or long-term disability policy allows for part-time benefits, then benefits can be paid if you return to work on a part-time basis. To calculate the benefit, Principal needs the part-time earnings for short-term disability (weekly) and long-term disability (monthly). A financial team earnings analyst will request this information from your employer and will issue any disability benefits payable once received.

If you stop working for your disability or any other reason, does Principal need to be notified?

When you stop working for any reason, it’s important to review the Individual Termination and Continuation sections of the benefit booklet. This will let you know how long premiums can be continued for your benefits.

What information does Principal need when I return to work?

Notify Principal as soon as possible once you return to work to avoid overpayment. Reach out to the claim analyst handling your claim or call 800-245-1522. Provide the date you return to work, whether you returned to work full or part-time, and any accommodations being made.

Are taxes withheld from disability benefits?

Principal does not withhold state or federal taxes. However, these can be withheld at your request. FICA tax is withheld for 6 months from the last day you worked.

Claim process
How do I know if additional information is needed to complete the claims process?

Occasionally Principal may request more information such as missing medical documentation. Additional employment information requests will be sent to your employer?

How long does it typically take for a claim decision to be made?

For short-term disability, the goal is to make a decision 14 days after the claim is received. If more information is needed, the timing of the decision may be affected. That’s why it’s important to provide information as soon as possible.

Long-term disability decisions are made 45 days from the receipt of the claim or by the completion of the elimination period, whichever is later. If more information is needed, the timing of the decision may be affected. That’s why it’s important to provide information as soon as possible.

What if a claim is filed right after coverage begins?

A claim is potentially payable if it begins after the effective date of coverage. However, if you have had coverage for 3 months or less at the time of disability, Principal may request additional documentation showing you were actively working at the time you were eligible for coverage.

How can I check the status of my disability claim?

Log in to your account at Principal.com. Or, create an account; use these instructions to get started.

Payments, benefits, and eligibility
Are benefits guaranteed once a disability claim is filed?

No. To be eligible for benefits, you must meet all qualifications as defined by the policy. Medical information submitted must support the definition of disability. It is not based simply on a physician’s opinion. Each claim is reviewed to determine if it meets the contractual requirements for benefit payment.

How often are benefits payments issued?

Two monthly payment options are available for most short-term and long-term disability insurance policies.

  1. A check, mailed a check to your home address.
  2. An electronic funds transfer (EFT) to a bank account you designate.

Short-term disability payments are issued weekly at the end of the payment period. Payments are issued on the same day of the week as when the elimination period was met. For example, if the elimination period is met on Wednesday, payments are issued every Wednesday. For routine maternity claims, benefits will be paid in a lump sum payout for the approved duration period.

Long-term disability benefits will be issued on a monthly basis, on the same day as the benefit start date, similar to short-term disability payments.

Please note both short-term and long-term disability benefits are issued after the benefit payment period has been met. This means the benefits are issued after the week or month has ended.

Elective procedures
Is organ donation elective?

If you’re donating an organ to a transplant patient, this isn’t considered an elective procedure.

Is weight loss surgery elective?

Principal will review the medical information and reach out to your physician to determine if it’s medically necessary or elective. In most cases, it’s considered medically necessary.

Is breast augmentation after cancer elective?

Principal does not consider this elective after cancer treatment.

Is gender reassignment elective?

Principal will review the medical information and reach out to your physician to determine if it’s medically necessary or elective. If the physician indicates that it’s medically necessary and/or it’s covered by your insurance, then it’s not considered elective.

Pregnancy claims
How are pregnancy claims handled?

Typical recovery time from the date of a natural delivery is 6 weeks and 8 weeks for a C-section. Payment begins after the applicable elimination period and pays through the remainder of the approved timeframe. Pregnancy claims are paid in a lump sum after delivery. For example, for plans with an 8-day elimination period, the total payment would be for either 5 or 7 weeks after the elimination period.

Do short-term disability benefits cover paternity, surrogacy, or adoption leave?

Short-term disability benefits are for the member’s own medical condition, so they do not cover time off for paternity, surrogacy, or adoption leave.

Where can I find more information about pregnancy leave?

Review the details in this document, understanding your pregnancy leave (PDF).

Resources
What accommodations should I discuss with my employer when returning to work from a disability?

When you hear “accommodations,” you may think of permanent job changes, but that’s not necessarily the case. An accommodation can mean several things and isn’t always permanent. They include:

  • A reduced work schedule: Allows you to return to work part-time, gradually increasing to full-time over a period of time.
  • Flexible work schedules: Allows you to come in earlier or later, or to take longer breaks. This can give you time for medical or therapy appointments, or simply a resting period.
  • Equipment/worksite modifications: May include items such as scooters, walkers, or wheelchairs to assist with walking. Or desks, chairs, keyboards, or foot stools to help with sitting restrictions. In addition, adaptive computer software phone headsets, or an increase in email or texting processes, may help with a variety of restrictions.
  • Remote work site: Allows you to work from home or an office closer to home, reducing lengthy commutes that may cause stress on your recovery.
  • Job duty changes: Adapts specific tasks, such as separating heavier items to be lifted into smaller, more manageable weights. Or perhaps job duties you can’t handle could be temporarily assigned to another employee.
What services are available with our Return-To-Work ResourcesSM program?

This full-service program encourages you to get back on your feet and back to work by focusing on appropriate treatment and rehabilitation. Principal reviews each case early to identify options and assist in developing return-to-work programs. Some resources used to promote high-quality, cost-effective results include:

  • Job analysis and modification for a clear understanding of the job and possible modifications so you can return to work.
  • Skills assessment, using vocational resources evaluate the activities you’re able to proficiently perform. This helps determine if it’s possible to transfer you to another job or occupation. It also identifies barriers you may need to overcome and help you find resources in your area.
  • Job placement/outplacement services, a career transition coach to assist you in returning to work if you aren't able to return to work in the same capacity. Services provided include resume writing, interview skills, application assistance, and more.
Are there resources to help me apply for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) benefits?

Principal works with a vendor to help file for SSDI. If your claim is approved and you are identified as perhaps meeting the eligibility requirements for SSDI, you will be referred to the vendor immediately. The vendor works directly with you to help with the SSDI claim filing, explain the benefit of Social Security, and the process, including Medicare coverage, cost of living increases, and other benefits. Even if you receive a Social Security denial, the vendor will continue to work on the appeal process with you. Note: Long-term disability benefits may be reduced by SSDI benefits.

Group life insurance
File a claim
How do I submit a group life insurance claim?

Do you have a group life insurance policy through work? You may submit a life insurance claim electronically or via paper form.

Is there a filing limitation for submitting a group life claim?

No. However, the sooner you submit the claim, the easier it is to obtain the information to process it. Over time, it may be more difficult to access documentation and proof-of-loss information. It’s up to the beneficiary to provide the required information to substantiate coverage and loss.

How long does it take to process a group life claim?

Once all information is received, claims are generally processed within five working days. If additional information is needed, the process could take longer.

Grief resources
Are there resources to help beneficiaries cope with a loss?

Principal offers grief support and financial planning support at no additional cost. That includes:

Payments and beneficiaries
How are group life benefits paid?

Group life benefits are issued in a lump-sum check.

What if there is no named beneficiary at the time of death?

If there’s no named beneficiary, or the beneficiary is deceased, the policy provides guidance on whom the proceeds should be paid to.

What’s needed if group life proceeds are to be paid to an estate?

Court documents of appointment, which are documents referred to as the letters of administration (issued when there isn’t a will) or the letters of testamentary (issued when there was a valid will at the time of death), are required. This documentation needs to name the personal representative of the estate, often referred to as the executor, administrator, executrix, etc. The personal representative is the person who completes a claim form.

What’s needed if the group life proceeds are to be paid to a trust?

The trustee completes a claim form. Before proceeds can be issued to a designated trust or trustee, Principal will verify that the trust is in force and that the trustee hasn’t changed. A copy of the trust, which names the trustee is required. In some instances, in lieu of receiving the trust document, the trustee can complete the Principal Trustee Certification and Release Form. Once documentation is received, proceeds will be paid to the designated trustee.

What’s needed if group life proceeds are to be paid to a minor child?

By law, Principal cannot pay minor beneficiaries because they aren’t capable of giving a valid release for the receipt of any benefits paid to them. Whenever possible, proceeds are paid to the legal guardian or conservator of the estate of the minor. A copy of the court order appointing guardianship, along with the claim form, must be received before proceeds are paid.

In some instances, the Uniform Transfers to Minor Act (UTMA) can be used to pay the proceeds. Many states have specific criteria which must be met to use this option of payment. In general, Principal Life would select a custodian, who would select a bank. The proceeds are paid to the custodian and minor beneficiary and forwarded directly to the bank account.

If neither of the above options are viable, Principal has internal solutions to place funds for the minors until they are age of majority and can legally claim the proceeds.

Can the beneficiary make a funeral home assignment?

Yes. The beneficiary should get a funeral home assignment form from the funeral home. This form should designate Principal Life Insurance Company as the insurance company, specify a dollar amount for the assignment, and list the policy number and funeral home tax ID number. The beneficiary must also sign the form.

Taxes
Are life insurance proceeds taxable?

Each person’s situation differs; consult your tax advisor for information.

Group waivers and conversions
What is the life waiver of premium benefit?

The life waiver of premium benefit waives the premium payments for life Insurance coverages if the employee is totally disabled and unable to work in any capacity. Premiums are waived after they’ve met the elimination period outlined in the life policy.

Is life premium waiver offered on every group life contract?

No, life premium waiver isn’t included on every group life insurance contract. The employer must elect this provision as part of the employer-sponsored benefit program. This is noted in the policy in the “life coverage during disability” section.

How is a life premium waiver claim filed?

When we review a disability claim and there’s also group life insurance from Principal, the employee receives notice of how to file for a life premium waiver benefit. If there isn’t disability coverage, you should sign in and submit the online disability claim form to initiate a life premium waiver only claim. Written proof of total disability is required within one year of the date total disability begins. Use the disability and life waiver claim form (PDF) to file a paper claim. Submit it via email to SBDClaims@principal.com or send via fax to 800-255-6609.

When should conversion be offered for life insurance policies?

When group life insurance coverage from Principal ends for any reason, the “individual purchase rights” provisions in the policy determine if/when conversion should be offered. If applicable, the employee should be offered conversion. If the employee already has an approved claim for life premium waiver, you don’t need to offer conversion. If a previously approved life premium waiver claim was denied, conversion rights will be provided to the claimant. If you have questions about conversion, please call Group Benefits Administration at 800-843-1371.

Hospital indemnity insurance
File a claim
How do I submit a hospital indemnity claim?

You may submit a hospital indemnity claim electronically or via email or fax.

To submit electronically: Start by logging in to your Principal.com account. Then, navigate to the online claim form.

To submit via email or fax: Download a blank PDF of the hospital indemnity claim form (PDF). Once you complete the required information, submit via email to SBDClaims@principal.com or via fax to 800-255-6609.

Individual disability insurance
Completing a claim form
What documentation is required for an individual disability claim?

Try to gather all your information before submitting a claim. Otherwise, incomplete forms may delay the claim’s evaluation. Documents include:

Additional financial information may be required based on the terms of the policy.

Where do I send individual disability claims?

You may submit completed paperwork to Principal Life Insurance Company® by mail, fax, or email.

How long does it take to evaluate an individual disability claim?

It is our goal within 10 business days from when claim forms are received. If additional information is required, we will send an initial status letter. We will also call to conduct a phone interview to gather more details about the claim. This is standard procedure and cannot be waived. The claims analyst will also discuss any further information required for review.

How do I contact Principal to discuss an individual disability claim?

Please call 800-422-3788 7:30 am CST to 5:00 pm with questions or if you need forms emailed or mailed.

Life insurance
File a claim
How do I submit a life insurance claim?

If you have an individual life insurance policy purchased through a financial professional, you may submit an individual life insurance claim electronically or via paper form.

Payments and beneficiaries
How are individual life insurance benefits paid?

Individual life insurance benefits are issued as either a lump-sum check or electronic funds transfer.

Taxes
Are life insurance proceeds taxable?

Each person’s situation differs; consult your tax advisor for information.

Paid family and medical leave (PFML) insurance
File a claim
What do I need to do to take a qualifying leave?

Remember to keep communication lines open with your employer while you are out. To take a qualifying leave, you may submit a claim electronically or with a paper copy you download and fill out.

Once you submit your section of the claim form, you’ll receive an email confirmation with links to forward to your employer and doctor to complete their section of the claim form, if they haven’t done so already. The doctor can also submit the physician online claim form or the Health Care Provider Medical Certification for Serious Health Condition (PDF). All sections of the claim form must be complete before a review can review.

When should a PFML claim be filed?

The short answer is as soon as possible. However, a claim should be filed no more than 30 days prior to the start date of the leave. Begin filing a claim when you know you have a qualifying reason for time off.

How can I check the status of my PFML claim?

Log in to your account at Principal.com to view benefit and claim information.

What’s the expected timeline for a claim decision?

The goal is to make the PFML claim decision ten business days after a claim is received. Additional information needs may affect the timing for the decision, while quick responses help keep the claim process moving.

If I have both PFML and short-term disability coverage from Principal Life, will I need to file a second claim form?

No, a separate claim form isn’t required. The integrated claim process includes single notification of claim and one claim form. Information between claims is shared as applicable.

Is additional information needed after a claim is submitted?

Occasionally information such as birth certificate, time grids for intermittent claims, earnings information, or court documents/active-duty orders may be required.

Eligibility
How do I know if I eligible for PFML?

If you satisfy the earnings requirement for your state and are still employed when leave starts, you’ll likely be eligible for benefits. Certain states have former employee provisions that may allow you to file a claim even if terminated.

How are maternity claims handled?

Maternity claims are paid based on the date reported as the first date medically unable to work. The typical duration of approval is 6 weeks. If bonding starts immediately following the end of the maternity leave, a new waiting period will not be applied for Massachusetts claimants.

What information is needed for a bonding claim?

Typically, the only additional documentation needed for a bonding claim is a birth certificate showing the claimant’s relationship to the child or a hospital birth record with the claiming parents name listed.

What happens to ongoing benefits if I am terminated, or coverage is terminated with Principal?

This could vary by state but typically, the carrier in place at the time of the loss will own the claim through the already approved period. If the claim is extended or interrupted by a return to work or change in leave, a reevaluation will be needed.

Payments and taxes
How often are benefits payments issued?

Payments are generated weekly once benefits are current. Payments will be combined for retro periods.

How are benefits paid?

Payments are made by check or electronic funds transfer (EFT), if you choose this option.

How are taxes handled when benefits are taxable?

For paid medical claims, benefits will be taxed based on the percentage of premiums the employer or employee pays pre-tax.

Vision insurance
How do I find a vision provider?

Managed Care Vision (VSP® Vision Care) customers receive the most savings by visiting a VSP provider. To find one,

  1. Go to VSP.com.
  2. Click “Find a Doctor.”
  3. Search by location, doctor, or office name.
How do I submit a vision claim?

How you submit a claim under the Managed Care Vision (VSP® Vision Care) program depends on if it is in network or non-network.

Where can I get information about my vision claims?

Start by visiting VSP.com. If you haven’t already, create an account using your member ID, found on your ID card. Do not use your Social Security number. Once you’ve logged in, you’ll be able to see claim details.

Are there any vision care discounts available?

Employees with vision insurance from Principal receive reduced prices and discounts through VSP on:

  • Eye exams
  • Lenses
  • Frames
  • Contact lenses
  • Laser vision correction, and more

To learn more about vision discounts, visit VSP.com.

Why are my covered dependents names not listed on my vision care ID card?

Your ID card includes your member ID and employer number, as well as your coverage and effective date.  ID cards no longer include each covered family member’s first name, but can be viewed at Principal.com on our mobile app. To find them, log in then:

  • Under the vision tile, click the down arrow to the right of “I want to.”
  • Click on “Download my ID card.”
  • Open the document, then click on the printer icon to print a copy or click on the download icon to save a copy.

The ID card also includes your provider network (when applicable), the claims mailing address, and the benefit phone number. 

Wellness/health screening benefit
File a claim
How do I submit a wellness/health screening claim?

Wellness/health screening claims are filed under your critical illness, accident, or hospital indemnity policy. You may file a claim electronically or via email or fax.

To file a claim electronically, sign in to your principal.com account, then navigate to the online claim form. Fill out the required forms, then submit.

To file a claim via email or fax, download the wellness/health screening claim form (PDF). Once completed, you may email to SBDClaims@principal.com or fax to 800-255-6609.

Reach out
Need more help?

Call us at +1-800-986-3343 or email us.

Find assistance in Spanish at +1-800-243-1404.

Or get assistance in Spanish online.