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Insurance Glossary - W

Waiting Period
The length of time an employee must wait from his/her date of employment or application for coverage, to the date his/her insurance is effective. Also see "Elimination Period"

Waiver
An agreement attached to a policy which exempts from coverage certain disabilities or injuries that otherwise would be covered by the policy.

Waiver of Premium
A provision in some policies to relieve the insured of premium payments falling due during a period of continuous total disability that has lasted for a specified length of time, such as three or six months.

Whole Life Insurance
Life insurance payable to a beneficiary at the death of the insured whenever that occurs. Premiums may be payable for a specified number of years (limited payment life) or for life (straight life).

Will
The legal statement of a person's wishes concerning the disposal of his or her property after death.

Workers Compensation
A system established under state law that provides payments, without regard to fault, to employees injured in the course and scope of their employment.

Workers' Compensation Insurance
Insurance against liability imposed on certain employers to pay benefits and furnish care to employees injured, and to pay benefits to dependents of employees killed in the course of or arising out of their employment.

Written Premiums
The entire amount of premiums due in a year for all polices issued by an insurance company.