Virginia-Life-Annuities-and-Health-Insurance Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance Examination Series 11-01 Questions and Answers

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

Disability income policies exclude benefits for intentional self-inflicted injuries (B) to prevent abuse or fraud.

Permanent injuries (A), sporting accidents (C), and falls (D) are typically covered unless specifically excluded by the policy.

The Virginia study guide states that disability income insurance excludes self-inflicted injuries as a standard provision to ensure coverage applies to unforeseen events. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Disability Income Insurance."

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

Insurable risks require accidental loss (B), a large number of similar exposure units (C), and measurable loss (D) to allow statistical predictability and premium calculation.

Speculative risk (A), like gambling or business ventures, involves potential gain or loss and is not insurable, as insurance covers only pure risk (loss only).

The Virginia study guide distinguishes pure risk (insurable) from speculative risk (uninsurable), listing accidental, measurable, and widespread exposure as key criteria. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Risk and Insurance."

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

The conversion privilege in term insurance allows conversion to a permanent policy (e.g., whole life) at the insured’s current (attained) age without proving insurability (B), typically before the term expires.

Option A (another term policy) is not standard. Option C (annuity with insurability) is incorrect; conversion is to life insurance. Option D (issue age rates) doesn’t apply; rates adjust to attained age.

The Virginia study guide explains that the conversion privilege ensures continued coverage by allowing term policies to convert to permanent ones without medical exams, based on attained age. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Term Insurance Features."

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

Group insurance (B) covers individuals based on their affiliation with an organization (e.g., employees of a company), not as individuals.

Contributory insurance (A) refers to group plans where employees pay part of the premium, but it’s not the defining feature.

Health insurance (C) is too broad, and COBRA (D) extends group coverage, not defines it.

The Virginia study guide defines group insurance as coverage tied to membership in an organization, such as an employer or association. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Group Insurance."

Virginia Code § 38.2-1820 requires licensees (agents, agencies, or other entities) operating under an assumed or fictitious name to register that name with the Bureau of Insurance. This ensures transparency and consumer protection by linking all business names to the licensed entity. The statute specifies notification either at the time of license application or within 30 calendar days after adopting the assumed name, making option A correct. This timeline allows the Bureau to update records promptly without undue delay. Option B (60 days from first policy sale) introduces an unrelated trigger—policy sales—and extends the period beyond Virginia’s requirement, making it incorrect. Option C (license renewal) delays notification unnecessarily, as renewals occur biennially (Virginia Code § 38.2-1822), conflicting with the need for timely registration. Option D (30 days before discontinuing the name) is illogical; notification is required when adopting, not abandoning, a name. The study guide likely stresses this 30-day rule to ensure compliance with Virginia’s licensing oversight, reinforcing A as the precise answer based on regulatory intent and practice.

A spendthrift clause, permitted under Virginia Code § 38.2-3122, protects life insurance proceeds from creditors or the beneficiary’s mismanagement by restricting access to the funds. It’s effective when proceeds are paid in controlled installments (e.g., options A, B, C), as the insurer retains and distributes the money over time, preventing lump-sum dissipation. Option A (fixed amount installments) pays a set dollar amount periodically, option B (fixed period installments) pays over a set time, and option C (interest-only payments) holds the principal while paying interest—all compatible with spendthrift protection. Option D (one lump sum payment) delivers the full proceeds at once, bypassing the clause’s control mechanism, rendering it ineffective since the beneficiary gains unrestricted access. The study guide likely explains this clause as a safeguard for structured payouts, noting that lump-sum elections nullify its purpose, as seen in Virginia case law and NAIC guidelines, making D the correct choice.

Virginia Code § 38.2-5207 and 14VAC5-200-185 outline marketing standards for long-term care (LTC) insurance to protect consumers. Option A (twisting)—misrepresenting a policy to induce replacement—is prohibited as an unfair practice (Virginia Code § 38.2-502). Option C (high pressure tactics)—aggressive sales forcing quick decisions—violates ethical standards and is banned (14VAC5-200-40). Option B (replacing existing coverage) is incorrect as stated; replacement itself isn’t prohibited but requires disclosure via a replacement notice (14VAC5-200-75), making it regulated, not banned outright—however, the question implies unauthorized or deceptive replacement, which is prohibited. Option D (cold lead advertising)—soliciting via broad, unsolicited leads (e.g., mailers)—is permitted if it complies with disclosure rules and isn’t deceptive (14VAC5-200-50). The study guide likely lists twisting and high pressure as unethical, with examples like misstating benefits, while allowing cold lead ads with proper labeling (e.g., “advertisement”), making D the exception.

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

For unintentional violations in Virginia, the maximum penalty is $1,000 per occurrence, with an aggregate cap of $10,000 (C), per state insurance regulations.

Options A, B, and D deviate from this standard penalty structure.

The Virginia study guide, per Virginia Code, sets unintentional violation penalties at up to $1,000 per act, with a $10,000 total cap, escalating for willful violations. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Penalties and Enforcement."

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

Employer-paid premiums for group health plans like major medical (B), dental (C), and HMOs (D) result in tax-free benefits under IRC Section 106.

Disability income (A) benefits are taxable if the employer pays the premium, per IRS rules, unlike medical benefits.

The Virginia study guide, aligned with IRS regulations, notes that employer-funded disability income benefits are taxable to the recipient, while medical, dental, and HMO benefits remain tax-free. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Taxation of Insurance Benefits."

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

Reinsurance (C) is a process where one insurer (the ceding company) transfers part or all ofits risk to another insurer (the reinsurer) to reduce exposure.

A reciprocal contract (A) involves mutual insurance exchanges, not risk transfer between insurers.

Coinsurance (B) refers to shared risk between the insurer and policyholder, not between insurers.

A captive contract (D) involves a company insuring itself through a subsidiary, not transferring risk to another insurer.

The Virginia study guide defines reinsurance as a contractual arrangement allowing insurers to mitigate risk by transferring it to another insurer, a common practice in the industry. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Insurance Company Operations."

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

When age is misstated, the insurer adjusts the death benefit based on the premium paid versus what should have been paid.

Premium paid: $15 per $1,000 (understated age). Correct premium: $18 per $1,000 (actual age).

Ratio: $15/$18 = 5/6 of the intended coverage. Thus, the benefit is 15/18 of the face amount (A).

Option B (95%) is arbitrary. Option C (full amount) ignores the misstatement. Option D (nothing) applies only in fraud cases beyond the incontestability period, not specified here.

The Virginia study guide states that under the misstatement of age provision, the benefit is adjusted proportionally to the premium paid versus the correct premium, not denied entirely. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Life Insurance Policy Provisions."

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

The incontestability provision in LTC policies typically limits the insurer’s ability to contest coverage based on misrepresentations to two years (B) from issuance, unless fraud is proven (which may extend this in some states).

Option A (six months) is too short. Option C (entire duration) applies only to fraud in some cases, not standard misrepresentations. Option D (prohibited) is incorrect due to the contestable period.

The Virginia study guide, aligned with NAIC standards, notes a two-year contestable period for health-related policies like LTC, after which misrepresentations cannot be challenged absent fraud. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Incontestability."

Virginia Code § 38.2-3330 mandates a conversion privilege in group term life policies, allowing insureds to convert to an individual policy without evidence of insurability within 31 days after losing group eligibility (e.g., employment termination). Option C matches this precisely. Option A is false; conversion is a legal requirement. Option B is incorrect; conversion applies post-eligibility, not during active membership while still insurable. Option D (five years) is arbitrary and unsupported by law. The study guide likely details this 31-day window with examples—e.g., an employee converting to whole life after layoffs—emphasizing its protective role, making C the correct timing.

In insurance terminology, per Virginia Code § 38.2-100 et seq., a hazard (option A) is a condition increasing the likelihood or severity of a loss from a covered peril (e.g., smoking increases fire risk). Option B (peril) is the cause of loss (e.g., fire, theft). Option C (exposure) is the extent of potential loss, not the condition itself. Option D (risk) is the broader uncertainty of loss, encompassing hazards and perils. The study guide likely differentiates these with examples—e.g., icy roads (hazard) causing a crash (peril)—highlighting hazard’s role in amplifying loss probability, making A the exact match.

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

A cost of living (COLA) rider (B) adjusts disability income benefits to account for inflation, maintaining purchasing power.

Inflation guard (A) is more common in property insurance. Price escalation (C) and wage protection (D) are not standard disability riders.

The Virginia study guide describes the COLA rider as an optional feature in disability income policies, increasing benefits based on inflation indices like the CPI. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Disability Insurance Riders."

Virginia Code § 38.2-3500 et seq. allows health insurance policies to include riders—supplemental agreements modifying coverage or terms (e.g., adding dental benefits or exclusions). Option D (rider) is the standard term. Option A (limit clause) isn’t a distinct attachment; limits are within thepolicy. Option B (attachment) is vague and not insurance-specific. Option C (insuring clause) is the core promise of coverage, not an alteration. The study guide likely defines riders with examples—e.g., a maternity rider increasing premiums—distinguishing them from policy staples, confirming D as the answer.

Virginia Code § 38.2-5205 mandates that long-term care (LTC) policies define pre-existing conditions, typically as conditions for which medical advice or treatment was recommended or received within six months before the policy’s effective date. Option B (pre-existing condition) matches this definition exactly, as it identifies prior health issues that may affect coverage (e.g., exclusions or waiting periods). Option A (covered illness) is vague and implies a condition already insured, not necessarily pre-existing. Option C (long-term care condition) isn’t a standard term; LTC policies cover specific needs (e.g., ADLs), not a category tied to this timeframe. Option D (pre-determined risk) suggests underwriting factors, not a specific medical history definition. The study guide likely details this six-month lookback as a common LTC standard, with examples like a recent stroke diagnosis, emphasizing disclosure requirements and potential coverage limits, confirming B as the answer.

Virginia Code § 38.2-100 et seq. defines insurance terms. A loss (option C) is the actual injury or damage sustained (e.g., a broken leg or burned house), the event insurance covers. Option A (claim) is the request for payment post-loss, not the loss itself. Option B (peril) is the cause (e.g., fire, collision), not the result. Option D (accident) is a type of peril or event, not the damage. The study guide likely clarifies this chain—e.g., a car crash (peril/accident) causes $5,000 damage (loss), prompting a claim—using examples to distinguish loss as the outcome, making C the precise term.

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance (B) provides a lump sum benefit for specific losses, such as loss of sight in both eyes, due to an accident.

Hospital expense (A) covers hospital stays, not lump sums for dismemberment.

Major medical (C) and medical expense (D) cover healthcare costs, not specific injury benefits.

The Virginia study guide describes AD&D as providing lump sum payments for accidental death or specific injuries like loss of sight, distinct from medical expense coverage. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Health Insurance Types."

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

A 30-year decreasing term policy (B) reduces its death benefit over time, matching thedeclining balance of a 30-year mortgage, making it ideal for this purpose.

30-payment whole life (A) is permanent with level benefits. 30-year level term (C) maintains a constant benefit. 30-year endowment (D) builds cash value and pays out at maturity, not tied to a mortgage.

The Virginia study guide describes decreasing term insurance as tailored for obligations like mortgages, with the benefit decreasing as the debt is paid off. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Types of Life Insurance."

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

The proof of loss is a formal statement of a claim, and standard health insurance policies require it within 90 days of the loss (C), unless the policy specifies otherwise or state law extends it.

Options A (30 days) and B (60 days) are too short for most policies, while D (120 days) exceeds the typical requirement.

The Virginia study guide aligns with the NAIC model laws, stating that proof of loss must typically be filed within 90 days of the loss, though insurers may accept later submissions if not prejudicial. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Health InsuranceClaims Provisions."

Virginia Code § 38.2-3502 mandates a “free look” period (typically 10 days) for individual health insurance, allowing the insured to review the policy and cancel it with a full premium refund (option D) if returned within that time. Option A (try without paying) is false; premiums are paid upfront, refundable only upon cancellation. Option B (compare policies) is a practical use but not the legal purpose; the provision ensures cancellation rights, not comparison. Option C (change coverage) isn’t allowed; modifications require underwriting, not free-look terms. The study guide likely details this consumer protection with examples—e.g., returning a policy on day 9 for a refund—making D the precise right.

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

A group health insurance contract is a legal agreement between the employer (policyholder) and the insurance company (C), with employees as covered participants, not direct parties to the contract.

Option A (employer and employees) is the employment relationship, not the insurance contract. Option B (employee and insurer) applies to individual policies. Option D (all three) overcomplicates the contractual relationship.

The Virginia study guide states that group insurance contracts are issued to the employer or group sponsor, who contracts with the insurer, while employees receive certificates of coverage. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Group Insurance."

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

A single premium deferred annuity (SPDA) involves one lump-sum payment (D), with benefits deferred until a later date, not immediate (A).

Withdrawals (B) are taxable as earnings first, not tax-free. The annuitant (C) receives payments, not the beneficiary, who gets proceeds if the annuitant dies.

The Virginia study guide defines an SPDA as an annuity funded by a single premium, with accumulation deferred until payout, distinguishing it from immediate annuities. Reference: VirginiaLife, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Annuities."

Virginia Code § 38.2-3508 defines a cancelable health policy as one either party—the insured or insurer—can terminate before its term ends, with notice (e.g., 30 days). Option C reflects this mutual right. Option A (insurer only) and option B (insured only) are too restrictive; cancelable policies aren’t unilateral. Option D (arbitration committee) isn’t a standard mechanism; cancellation follows policy terms, not third-party rulings. The study guide likely contrasts cancelable with non-cancelable policies, using examples like an insurer canceling for nonpayment or an insured canceling due to better rates, making C the correct scope.

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

An alien insurer (B) is headquartered outside the U.S. but licensed to operate within it, distinguishing it from a foreign insurer (A), which is domiciled in another U.S. state.

A captive insurer (C) insures its parent company, and a reciprocal exchange (D) is a mutual insurance structure, neither based on location.

The Virginia study guide defines an alien insurer as one incorporated outside the U.S., operating under state licensing, per standard insurance terminology. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Insurance Company Types."

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

Health insurance covers claims incurred during the policy period (A), not after termination (B), unless extended benefits (e.g., COBRA) apply, which is not indicated here.

Claims above the deductible (C), regardless of amount, are payable if covered.

Mental or nervous disorder claims (D) are typically covered unless excluded by the policy, which is not specified.

Thus, claims after termination (B) are the exception.

The Virginia study guide states that health insurance liability ends upon policy termination, barring specific continuation provisions, making post-termination claims generally non-payable. Reference:Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Health Insurance Coverage Terms."

Flexible premium life insurance, such as universal life (Virginia Code § 38.2-3113.1), allows the policyowner to adjust premium payments within policy limits (e.g., minimum to maintain coverage, maximum for tax advantages), offering flexibility over fixed-premium plans like whole life. Option A correctly identifies the policyowner as the decision-maker. Option B (contingent beneficiary) is false; beneficiaries have no control over premiums. Options C and D tie adjustments to economic indices (CPI, interest rates), but Virginia law and standard policies don’t grant insurers unilateral premium-changing rights based on these factors—flexibility is the policyowner’s prerogative, subject to cash value sufficiency. The study guide likely contrasts this with traditional policies, using examples of skipped or increased payments, confirming A as the defining trait.

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

Life insurance policies must include a misstatement of age clause (B), grace period clause (C), and incontestability clause (D) as standard provisions under state law.

The waiver of premium clause (A) is optional, typically a rider, not a required provision.

The Virginia study guide lists mandatory life insurance provisions (e.g., grace period, incontestability, misstatement of age) but notes that waiver of premium is an optional benefit, not required. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Life Insurance Policy Provisions."

In Virginia, an insurance agent’s license is governed by the State Corporation Commission’s Bureau of Insurance under Title 38.2 of the Virginia Code. According to Virginia Code § 38.2-1819, once issued, the license authorizes the agent to transact insurance business on behalf of appointed insurers until it is terminated, suspended, or revoked by the Bureau. The license fee is paid to the Bureau of Insurance, not the insurance company (Virginia Code § 38.2-1818), making option A incorrect. Virginia Code § 38.2-1822 specifies that licenses are renewed biennially (every two years), not annually, rendering option C false. Finally, Virginia Code § 38.2-1833 clarifies that an agent needs only one license but must secure an appointment for each insurer they represent, not a separate license per insurer, making option D incorrect. Option B is the only statement consistent with Virginia law, reflecting the license’s ongoing authority unless altered by regulatory action.

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

If a health insurer requires a physical exam (e.g., for underwriting or claims), the insurer pays the cost (D), as it’s their condition for coverage or payment.

The premium payor (A), insured (B), or patient (C) aren’t responsible for insurer-mandated exams.

The Virginia study guide specifies that insurer-required exams, such as for contesting claims, are at the insurer’s expense, per the physical examination provision. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Health Insurance Policy Provisions."

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

The notice of claim provision typically deems notice to an agent as notice to the company (B), as agents act on the insurer’s behalf.

Options A (incomplete), C (not valid), and D (contrary) contradict standard practice unless the policy specifies otherwise.

The Virginia study guide, per NAIC model laws, confirms that notice to an agent satisfies the notice of claim requirement, equating it to notice to the insurer. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, andHealth Insurance study guide, section on "Health Insurance Claims Provisions."

Universal life (Virginia Code § 38.2-3113.1) features: Option A is true; a mortality charge funds the death benefit, deducted monthly from cash value. Option B is true; expense charges are disclosed (e.g., admin fees). Option D is true; loans reduce the cash value earning interest. Option C is false; death benefits are generally tax-free under IRC § 101(a)(1), not ordinary income, unless an exception (e.g., transfer for value) applies, which isn’t standard. The study guide likely contrasts universal life mechanics—e.g., $50 monthly mortality charge—with tax-free benefits, making C the exception.

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

Medicare Part D (C) specifically covers prescription drug costs for enrollees.

Medical expenses (A) are under Part B, hospital costs (B) under Part A, and dental (D) is generally not covered by Medicare unless supplemental.

The Virginia study guide states that Medicare Part D, introduced in 2006, provides prescription drug coverage through private plans, distinct from Parts A and B. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Medicare."

Virginia Code § 38.2-1826(C) mandates that licensees (agents, brokers, etc.) report administrative actions—such as license revocation or fines by another state or agency—to the Bureau of Insurance within 30 calendar days of the final disposition. “Final disposition” means the conclusion of the action (e.g., final order or settlement). This requirement ensures Virginia regulators can assess the licensee’s fitness to hold a license and protect consumers. Option C (30 days) matches this statutory timeline precisely. Option A (10 days) is too short and not supported by Virginia law. Option B (20 days) lacks a basis in the Code or study materials. Option D (45 days) exceeds the mandated period, risking delayed oversight. The study guide likely emphasizes this 30-day rule as a critical compliance deadline, reinforced by Virginia’s alignment with NAIC standards for licensee reporting, making C the definitive answer.

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

Rebating (B) is the illegal practice of offering a portion of an agent’s commission or other financial incentives to induce a sale, prohibited in most states, including Virginia, to ensure fair competition.

Twisting (A) involves misrepresenting policies to replace existing coverage. Replacement (C) is switching policies, not necessarily with a rebate. Retention (D) is not a recognized term here.

The Virginia study guide defines rebating as an unfair trade practice under Virginia insurance law, aimed at preventing agents from undercutting prices with commission kickbacks. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Unfair Trade Practices."

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

Agents must notify the Virginia Bureau of Insurance (A) of changes like discontinuing an assumed name, as it regulates licensing and business conduct.

The NAIC (B), Chamber (C), and Surety Organization (D) have no direct authority over this requirement.

The Virginia study guide mandates that agents report significant business changes, including assumed name cessation, to the Bureau of Insurance per state law. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Agent Responsibilities."

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

HMOs limit members to a pre-negotiated network of providers (B), restricting choice to control costs.

Non-network care (A) may be covered in emergencies, not always fully out-of-pocket. Options C (waive re-enrollment) and D (individual coverage) are not HMO features.

The Virginia study guide describes HMOs as managed care plans with a restricted provider network, emphasizing cost control through limited choice. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Managed Care Plans."

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

An irrevocable beneficiary has a vested interest, and the policyowner cannot change the designation without their consent unless the beneficiary dies (C), at which point the owner regains control.

Option A (renewal) and B (assignment) don’t override irrevocability. Option D (consent) is true for living beneficiaries, but “ONLY” restricts it to death in this context.

The Virginia study guide notes that an irrevocable beneficiary’s rights persist until death, after which the policyowner can freely change the designation. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Beneficiary Designations."

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

In a deferred annuity, the owner (who purchases the contract) can be the annuitant (who receives payments), the beneficiary (who receives proceeds), or a third party (C).

Option A (group contract) applies to group annuities, not individual ownership.

Option B (non-transferable) is false; ownership can often be assigned.

Option D (rights at payment phase) is incorrect; owners have rights during accumulation.

The Virginia study guide notes that deferred annuity ownership is flexible, allowing the owner to differ from the annuitant or beneficiary, with rights exercisable before payout. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Annuities."

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

Individual disability income (C) benefits are taxable if the insured paid premiums with pre-tax dollars (e.g., employer-paid), but tax-free if paid with after-tax dollars. The question implies taxable benefits, typical when premiums are deductible.

Business overhead expense (A), disability buy-sell (B), and key person disability (D)benefits are generally tax-free to the business or recipient, as premiums are not deductible.

The Virginia study guide, per IRS rules, states that individual disability income benefits are taxable if premiums were paid pre-tax (e.g., by an employer), unlike business-related disability policies where benefits serve specific tax-exempt purposes. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Taxation of Insurance Benefits."

Detailed Answer in Step-by-Step Solution:

The accumulation period (D) is the phase in a deferred annuity where premiums are paid to build value before payouts begin.

The liquidation period (A) is not a standard term here; it might imply payout but isn’t correct.

The annuity period (B) is when payments are received, not paid.

Period certain (C) refers to a payout option, not premium payment phase.

The Virginia study guide defines the accumulation period as the time during which premium payments are made into a deferred annuity, accumulating value until the payout phase. Reference: Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance study guide, section on "Annuities."