BRAINTREE, Mass., March 12 /PRNewswire/ -- North American application activity for individually underwritten life insurance was up +1.1% in February, year-over-year, according to the MIB Life Index(SM). Application activity from January to February 2009 was up +12.9%. Year-to-date (YTD), North American activity is off -1.7% compared to the same two months last year. Percent changes in February's Life Index may be attributable to the Life Index methodology rather than a change in underlying industry trends*.

U.S. application activity was up +1.0% in February year-over-year, all ages combined. Application volumes for people ages 45-59 and ages 60+ grew by +3.9% and +14.9% respectively, year-over-year while ages 0-44 were off -2.9% in February. Application activity is off -1.6% all ages combined year-to-date.

Canadian application activity increased +1.6% in February year-over-year all ages combined. By age grouping, Canadian application activity mirrored that of the U.S. Application volumes for people ages 45-59 and ages 60+ grew by +6.2% and +12.5% respectively, year-over-year while ages 0-44 were off -2.0% in February. February activity was up +29.2% over prior January, demonstrating growth over the 19-20% characteristic for this time period. Year-to-date, application activity is off -2.3% all ages combined.

                     Monthly Percent Change vs. 2008*
                                  U.S.      Canada     Total
    February 2009                +1.0%      +1.6%      +1.1%
    January 2009                 -4.3%      -6.5%      -4.5%
    YTD 2008                     -1.6%      -2.3%      -1.7%


                  Monthly Percent Change vs. Previous Month*
                                  U.S.     Canada      Total
    February 2008               +10.9%     +29.2%     +12.9%

NOTES:

*
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