Knowledge Center

Before we enter into a discussion about predictive modeling and its values to the insurance industry, we need first to understand what we mean by it. In January 2012 the Society of Actuaries published Report of the Society of Actuaries Predictive Modeling Sub Committee, which looked into predictive modeling in life insurance. In this they defined predictive modeling as: 

“…a process used in predictive analytics to create a statistical model of future behavior. Predictive analytics is the area of data mining concerned with forecasting probabilities and trends. A predictive model is based on a number of predictors, factors that are likely to influence or predict future behavior. The model output is a set of factors that predict, at some confidence level, the outcome of an event.”

Predictive modeling is not new; it is something we know about from our earliest education, daily life and in our industry right now. Predictive models are really an extension of some of the basic principles we learned at school, and predictive modeling is in essence a guessing game – a very sophisticated and scientifically based guessing game that uses algorithms and models to project an outcome.

Always remember that a model is not perfect; it is only numbers and probabilities. While a model can lead to better solutions for making decisions, or better odds at winning, success models are, by definition, predictions or probabilities about future behaviors. They cannot predict an individual behavior or action; they can only suggest the probability of a particular behavior or action, based on past observations. 

Creating a predictive model happens in five stages: thesis, data collection, data study, data validation, and updating of the model. 

It is essential that the models and underlying data are updated and recalibrated frequently. The frequency required depends on the data and the model. Over time models are accepted (e.g., credit score) or not, but models often must be refined and adjusted before being accepted. Eventually people catch on, thereby turning existing models into the status quo. To keep up and remain relevant and accurate, models must be continually adjusted based on fresh data. 

Predictive model hurdles

What are some of the key issues surrounding the use of  predictive models in a life underwriting environment?

1. Many people simply do not understand or trust the math, and the ‘black box’ syndrome leads to skepticism – particularly when the output is adverse.
   Additional information about the impact of the model must be understood by a critical mass before being accepted. In the U.S., the credit score was not understood until its impact was felt (by not getting loans, jobs or competitive interest rates). If we cannot explain the decision the math has made, how will the agent and customer feel?
2. The rapidly changing regulatory environment. When can you use data, and will this data be available for continued use?
3. Concerns about privacy affect the acceptance of predictive modeling, but these concerns are really about data collection and sourcing. Collecting data and using it for other purposes without complete transparency causes concerns and conflict and raises the regulatory warning flag.
4. Models are not perfect; they are merely educated guesses. They can only approximate reality because behavior is subject to change. Data can be biased, incomplete or wrong. Data can also overlap and conflict. In addition, models are software-based and subject to defects.