M completes an application for health insurance but does not pay the initial premium. Which action is NOT required before the policy goes into effect?

The correct answer indicates that the free-look period does not need to expire before the policy goes into effect, specifically in the context where an initial premium has not been paid and the application is pending approval.

When health insurance policies are issued, the effective date usually depends on two primary factors: the approval of the application and the payment of the initial premium. If the application has not been approved or the initial premium has not been received, the policy cannot be in effect, regardless of any free-look provisions.

The free-look period is a feature designed to allow insured individuals to review their policy after it has been issued, typically enabling them to cancel the policy if they are not satisfied. However, this period only begins once the policy is in force, which in this case cannot happen until the application is approved and the initial premium is paid. Thus, the expiration of the free-look period is irrelevant in this scenario.

In contrast, approval of the application, payment of the premium, and potential requirements for a medical examination are all necessary steps before the coverage becomes effective. These steps ensure that the insurance company has assessed the risk adequately and that coverage commitments are secured. The need for these steps underscores the importance of policy issuance integrity and aligns with standard practices in the