Securian Financial is the parent brand for several life insurance companies, including Minnesota Life Insurance Company and Securian Life Insurance Company. Many beneficiaries are confused at the outset because the policy may say “Minnesota Life” while correspondence references “Securian.” The issuing company listed on the policy controls the legal obligations.
If your Securian or Minnesota Life insurance claim has been denied or delayed, it is important to focus on the exact reason given and the specific policy language involved.
Individual vs Group Coverage Matters
Securian issues both individually owned life insurance policies and large volumes of employer provided group life insurance.
Individual policies are governed by state contract law.
Employer sponsored policies are often governed by federal benefits law and require strict internal appeals before litigation.
The strategy for challenging a denial depends heavily on which type of policy applies.
Common Reasons Securian Denies Life Insurance Claims
Contestability and post claim underwriting
If death occurs within the contestable period, Securian may review the application in detail. Medical records, prescription databases, and physician notes are compared against the answers provided. The insurer may argue that undisclosed conditions were material to underwriting.
Eligibility disputes in group plans
For employer coverage, Securian frequently relies on plan definitions of full time employment or active at work status. If the insured was on leave, recently hired, or working reduced hours, the company may argue coverage never became effective.
Evidence of insurability issues
Supplemental coverage often requires approval of evidence of insurability. If approval was pending or never formally issued, Securian may deny benefits above the guaranteed amount.
Coverage amount discrepancies
In group plans, the face amount may depend on salary or job classification. Denials sometimes involve alleged miscalculations or limits under the plan formula.
Accidental death exclusions
If an AD&D rider applies, Securian may contend that illness, intoxication, or a pre existing condition contributed to the death.
Minnesota Life Policies
Many long standing policies were issued under the Minnesota Life name. The fact that Securian is the parent company does not change the contract terms. Always verify:
The exact issuing entity
The policy number
The state where the policy was delivered
These details determine which law applies and what the insurer must prove.
Reviewing a Misrepresentation Denial
When Securian claims that the insured failed to disclose medical information, focus on:
The precise wording of the application questions
Whether the alleged omission was clearly responsive to the question asked
Whether underwriting guidelines show the information would have changed the decision
Whether state law requires proof of intent to deceive
A denial based on alleged misrepresentation must be supported by more than general assertions.
Employer Plan Administrative Errors
In group life cases, some denials stem from employer mistakes rather than any wrongdoing by the insured.
Common issues include:
Enrollment forms not transmitted to the carrier
Payroll deductions taken but coverage not activated
Incorrect hire dates
Failure to notify employees that evidence of insurability was required
Payroll records, HR communications, and enrollment confirmations often become critical evidence.
What to Request After a Securian Denial
To properly assess the denial, request:
The complete claim file
The full policy or certificate and all riders
The original application
Any evidence of insurability submissions
The underwriting file
Medical and pharmacy records relied upon
Internal claim notes
For employer sponsored plans, also request:
The full administrative record
The summary plan description
Eligibility and payroll documentation
Without these documents, it is difficult to evaluate whether the denial is fully supported.
Lapse and Notice Issues
If Securian asserts the policy lapsed, examine:
Premium payment history
Grace period calculations
Addresses used for lapse notices
Any reinstatement communications
Improper notice or inconsistent premium acceptance can change the analysis.
Deadlines and Appeals
For employer sponsored coverage, strict internal appeal deadlines usually apply. Failing to submit a timely and complete appeal can limit your ability to introduce new evidence later.
For individually owned policies, state statutes of limitation control how long you have to file suit. Ongoing communication with the insurer does not necessarily extend those deadlines.
A Denial Requires Careful Scrutiny
Securian denial letters often cite policy provisions and assert that the decision is correct under the contract. That does not automatically resolve the issue.
Challenges often focus on:
Whether the alleged omission was truly material
Whether plan definitions were correctly applied
Whether administrative procedures were followed
Whether the medical evidence supports the exclusion relied upon
Every case turns on its specific facts and policy language. The first step is obtaining the full record and carefully analyzing the basis for the decision.
If your Securian or Minnesota Life insurance claim has been denied, a detailed review of the policy and claim file is essential before deciding how to proceed.