Sunlife Death Claim Requirements: How to File a Claim
I'm uncertain about who may find this information useful. This isn't my usual travel post, but I wanted to share my experience. Here's the process I followed for claiming my mum's Sunlife insurance in the Philippines. Hopefully, this guide is easy to digest and will assist you in filing a death claim with Sunlife Insurance for the year 2024. I wanted to share this as there is limited online information regarding these claims, which usually focuses on obtaining the policy. I sincerely hope this information is beneficial, and I offer my heartfelt condolences. Stay strong. Let’s go!
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Travel Tips
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For reference, I am also noting the date when I emailed them, the submission of forms, the approval of the death claim, and the transfer of funds.
Disclaimer: Please be reminded this is solely from my experience, and the forms may vary in your specific situation.
1. Notify Sunlife Insurance
1. Notify Sunlife Insurance
- January 15
- Send an email message to sunlink@sunlife.com
2. Verification Process
- January 17
- Received an email outlining the standard verification process and provided the following information:
- Client's middle name and place of birth
- Client's complete billing address on file
- Name at least one elected beneficiary on record
- Does the client own another policy or account with Sun Life? (Yes or No)
- Is it accurate that the policy is assigned to a bank as collateral?
3. Follow-up Emails
- January 19 - January 21
- No response and followed up with a few sensitive emails about helping my family in these terrible times
- After receiving no response, I followed up with a couple of heartfelt emails asking for assistance during these challenging times.
4. Death Benefit Claim Checklist
- January 22
- Received an overwhelming and extensive email containing comprehensive instructions for the Death Benefit claim checklist, outlining the standard requirements. It includes a variety of forms that are available for download on their website via the following link: How to File a Claim
5. The Challenge
- January 25
- Finding a particular form was challenging for me. It's tough to concentrate on such tasks when dealing with emotional stress, in addition to household chores, financial responsibilities, and family care.
- I emailed for assistance with the form but I was just redirected back to the website with numerous forms, and even our agent said the same thing.
- Before this claim, our agent didn't respond when I inquired about the disability claim, but now that we're filing for a death claim, she has gotten back to us. It makes me wonder if she receives higher commissions for this, who can say! This experience has made me hesitant to trust insurance agents.
- Here’s the main form needed: Death Benefit Form
For OFW or Leaving the Country
No worries. If you are the Primary Beneficiary, the insurance only needs your signature and you can always just print at home and sign all documents and send them via email attachments to Phil.claims2@sunlife.com.
For Bank transfers
Although I no longer have a bank account in the Philippines, I have arranged for the fund transfer to be made to my brother's bank account.
6. Submit Requirements
- January 29
- Compile the initial requirements for the death claim and send them to Phil.claims2@sunlife.com :
- Death Benefit Form
- Death Certificate
- Valid ID
- Bank Statement
- Birth Certificate
Take note: I provided my PRC ID, but to make things simpler especially for permanent residents (PRs) of other countries or overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), using a Filipino passport as the primary ID submission can simplify the process and prevent the need for additional forms such as a W9 form (US based).
7. Only the Primary Beneficiary
- January 30
- Resubmitted forms as they needed to be signed by the Primary Beneficiary, not by the Secondary or Contingent Beneficiaries - Learn from my mistake!
- Take note: The death benefit will be payable to the assigned Primary Beneficiary. My siblings are unable to file the claim as they were only listed as Contingent Beneficiaries.
- Death Benefit Claim Form: Filled out and signed by the Primary Beneficiary
- One (1) primary or two (2) secondary valid IDs with a photo and signature of the Primary Beneficiary
- Evidence of bank account displaying the bank name, account holder's name, and bank account number of the Primary Beneficiary/Claimant. If opting for credit to account, provide one of the following:
- Bank Statement of Account
- Certificate of Bank Deposit
- First page of the bank Passbook
- Check
- ATM card/validated deposit slip
- Reminder: Online banking transactions or account screenshots are not accepted.
8. Additional Requirements
- January 31
- Additional Form Required: Relinquishing Letter (received the form from Sunlife Agent)
- A relinquishing letter signed by the primary beneficiary or original payee, providing personal details of the new payee under the "Personal Information of Payee" section.
- In case the death benefit will be relinquished/deposited to someone else's bank account, like in my situation with my brother.
- Fortunately, I didn't require any of my brother's signature on this letter since I was already on the plane by then.
- February 6
- Submitted Relinquishing letter
- February 13
- Submitted Validated Bank Deposit Slip
Amongst the turmoil of losing a loved one, we were also handling other responsibilities. Surprisingly, after the funeral, there were additional tasks to take care of. Despite everything, we successfully submitted all the necessary documents by February 13th.
9. Funds Received
- February 14
- On Valentine’s Day, the death claim was processed and the funds were transferred on the same day.
- While our hearts are heavy with sorrow, the bittersweet gift from my mum remains touching yet heartbreaking, as we dearly wished for her return more than anything.
10. Be Patient
Whenever emails are received, they consistently state that the claim request is subject to approval and that the company retains the right to ask for additional requirements. Instead of sending all the necessary forms at once, they are sent in a series of emails requesting additional documentation.
Filing the death claim went quite smoothly when I reflect on it now. If we had submitted all the necessary documents promptly, we could have received the benefits earlier. I appreciate that life insurance does function as intended. Despite the negative stories about it being a waste of money, it truly assists those left behind.
Additional Inquiries with Sunlife
Additional Inquiries with Sunlife
You can reach the Claims Department at PHIL_Claims@sunlife.com for any questions regarding Claims.
For additional inquiries or issues, feel free to contact them through the following channels:
- Email: sunlink@sunlife.com
- SUNLINK Client Care: (+632) 88499888
- PLDT Toll-free: 1-800-10-SUNLIFE (7865433) outside Metro Manila
- Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Mondays to Fridays
- Note: International calls outside the Philippines may incur charges.
This is based on my personal experience, I am not an agent or representative. Visit the Sunlife Website for more details.
I hope this information is useful and again please accept my heartfelt sympathies to you and your family. Stay strong, you got this! ^__^
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