Retroactive insurance

Cover for a loss that has already occurred, e.g. a major fire, but for which the severity of the loss is uncertain. The insured pays a high premium to substitute certainty for the uncertain outcome. The insurer is attracted by the investment potential of a high premium pending settlement of the claims.

Retroactive Period

In health Insurance, a period of time at the onset of an injury or disease during which no benefits are payable unless the injury or disease causes disability which extends beyond the retroactive period. If disability last longer than the retroactive period, then benefits are payable retroactively from the first day of disability.