Help topics Help for individuals Help with insurance

Help with insurance

Help with insurance


How to file claims, check claim status, and manage policies


How do I submit a life insurance claim?

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.

How do I file a disability insurance claim?

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:

Additional forms:

Option 2 – You purchased your own individual disability coverage.

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

What financial documentation do I need to provide for an individual disability insurance claim?

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.

How long does the process take for individual disability insurance claims?

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.

Can I make individual life or disability insurance payments online?
Why did I receive an IRS Form 1099-R from Principal?

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

How do I submit a dental claim?

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, including:
    • ADA codes and billed amounts for services performed
    • Providers name, tax identification number (TIN) and address
    • Date(s) of service
  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.

Where can I get information about my dental claims?

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.

How do I submit a vision claim?

Managed Care Vision (VSP® Vision Care)

Where can I get information about my vision claims?

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).

How can I find a vision 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

How do I submit a critical illness* claim?

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
How do I submit an accident claim?

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
Submit a hospital indemnity claim

To file a claim, complete and submit the hospital indemnity claim form (PDF) or 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
How do I submit a Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) claim?
What options are available to some policy holders in select states?

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)

Are you an employer?
Switch to help for employers

Don't see the topic you need help with?
Give us a call at 800-986-3343 or send us an email.

 


* 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.

1951454-122021