"In evaluating the risks of insuring Santa, our underwriters would scrutinize the more hazardous aspects of his work -- risks he shares in common with private pilots and skydivers," according to the report. If Santa applied for a policy through Northwestern Mutual, the report says, the company would make a list (and check it twice, of course) of the following underwriting considerations:

Santa as private pilot.

"Most experienced pilots are acceptable risks, and Santa earned his 'wings' long ago. However, we would examine carefully the application of any pilot who lands on rooftops.

"Sadly, even Santa might pay a 'hefty' extra premium for these rooftop drops, if he could be insured for them at all. Lest anyone pout or cry, however, it's obvious that Santa has an excellent safety record. Certainly, this would work in his favor."

Santa as "skydiver."

Santa's slide down the chimney could be likened to skydiving, even though it differs from routine parachuting. "We are more concerned with the beginning skydiver and require five free-fall jumps before skydivers can qualify for life insurance. The hazards of Santa's skydiving would be carefully weighed, and he would most likely be assessed just a modest extra charge for this activity."

Santa's weight.

"Recent public appearances confirm that Santa remains 'chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf.' This may endear Santa to young children, but it would not help the assessment of Santa as an insurance risk.

"All insurance applications are evaluated according to height and build, blood pressure and family history. While little is known of Santa's family history, he would most likely be assessed a further modest premium for his ability to shake -- when he laughs -- 'like a bowl full of jelly.'"

Santa's pipe smoking.

Santa's no different than anyone else. All smokers pay more for life insurance.

Foreign travel.

Insurance is available to those traveling for business or pleasure to habitable and settled regions which are not subject to civil unrest or violence. Santa is in the unique position of being a universal citizen, so in his case no travel is foreign.

Northwestern Mutual may be more conservative in underwriting than some companies, the report notes, but the company will consider applications from almost any kind of adventurer.

In the final analysis, however, the report points out "it would be impossible to determine how much to charge Santa Claus for the life insurance. Life insurance rates are based on the age of the insured. And, Santa Claus is, after all, ageless."

As the nation's largest provider of ordinary life insurance for individuals and their businesses, Northwestern Mutual evaluates more than 350,000 applications for life and disability income insurance each year.

SOURCE:  The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

WEB SITE: http://www.northwesternmutual.com/about/newskit/

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