Frequently Asked Questions

The Knights of Columbus is an international Catholic fraternal organization dedicated to faith, family, charitable service, and financial protection. Founded in 1882 by Blessed Michael McGivney, the organization brings Catholic men together to strengthen their faith, serve their communities, and support families.

Through its insurance and financial protection programs, the Knights of Columbus also helps eligible Catholic families plan for the future and protect what matters most.

A fraternal benefit society is a membership-based organization that brings people together through shared values, community service, and financial protection programs.

As a Catholic fraternal benefit society, the Knights of Columbus combines its commitment to faith, family, and charitable service with insurance and financial products designed to help eligible members and their families prepare for the future.

Depending on eligibility and availability, these solutions may include life insurance, disability income insurance, long-term care insurance, and annuities. Members may also benefit from additional fraternal programs and resources that support families through important stages of life.

Knights of Columbus life insurance is offered to eligible members of the Order and their families.

Membership in the Knights of Columbus is generally open to practicing Catholic men who are 18 years of age or older. Insurance eligibility depends on applicable membership requirements, product availability, and underwriting guidelines.

If you are interested in learning more about membership or exploring available insurance options, a Knights of Columbus field agent can help you understand the next steps.

The Knights of Columbus welcomes practicing Catholic men who are 18 years of age or older and wish to grow in their faith, serve their communities, and support families through charitable and fraternal activities.

If you are interested in becoming a member, you can begin the process through this website on the contact page.

If you are looking for a Knights of Columbus insurance agent, you can request assistance through the organization's official website or contact your local Knights of Columbus council for guidance.

If you are located in Edgar Correa’s service area, you can contact his office directly to learn more about available insurance and financial protection solutions or to schedule a personal consultation.

Life insurance helps provide financial protection for your loved ones in the event of your passing.

When you purchase a life insurance policy, you make premium payments according to the terms of your coverage. In return, the insurance company provides a death benefit to your designated beneficiaries when the insured person passes away, provided the policy is in force and the claim meets its terms and conditions.

These funds can help your family manage everyday expenses, outstanding debts, funeral costs, and other financial responsibilities during a difficult time.

Whole life insurance is a form of permanent life insurance designed to provide lifelong financial protection, as long as the policy remains in force.

In addition to providing a death benefit for your beneficiaries, whole life insurance builds cash value over time, which may be accessible during your lifetime under the terms of the policy.

This type of coverage can help families establish long-term financial security while providing protection for future generations.

Term life insurance provides financial protection for a specific period, such as 10, 15, 20, or 30 years, depending on the policy options available.

This type of coverage can help protect your loved ones during important stages of life, such as raising children, paying off a mortgage, or managing other financial responsibilities.

If the insured person passes away while the policy is in force and the claim meets its terms, the designated beneficiaries receive a death benefit. Term life insurance is often an option for families seeking substantial coverage for a defined period at a potentially lower initial premium than permanent life insurance.

The right amount of life insurance depends on your family's and/or businesses' financial circumstances, responsibilities, and long-term goals.

Important factors to consider include your income, outstanding debts, mortgage payments, children's education expenses, existing savings, and the financial support your loved ones may need in the future.

A Knights of Columbus field agent can help you evaluate these considerations, review your existing coverage, and explore insurance options that align with your family's needs and financial priorities.

An insurance premium is the amount you pay to maintain your insurance coverage under the terms of your policy.

Premium payments may be made monthly, quarterly, annually, or according to other available payment schedules. The amount you pay depends on factors such as your age, coverage amount, type of insurance, and applicable underwriting considerations.

Depending on the policy, premiums may remain level for a specified period or change over time. Your Knights of Columbus field agent can help you understand the premium structure and payment options associated with your coverage.

A life insurance beneficiary is the person or entity you designate to receive the death benefit from your insurance policy after your passing, subject to the policy's terms and conditions.

You may be able to name one or more beneficiaries, such as your spouse, children, or other loved ones. You can also designate contingent beneficiaries, who may receive the benefit if your primary beneficiaries are unable to do so.

Choosing and periodically reviewing your beneficiaries helps ensure your life insurance coverage continues to reflect your family's needs and wishes.

Underwriting is the process an insurance company uses to evaluate an applicant's eligibility for coverage and determine the appropriate terms of an insurance policy.

During this process, the insurer may review factors such as age, medical history, health information, lifestyle, and the amount of coverage requested.

Based on this evaluation, the insurance company determines whether coverage can be offered, the applicable premium, and any specific policy conditions. Your Knights of Columbus field agent can help explain the application process and guide you through the necessary steps.

If you would like to review the current value of your Knights of Columbus life insurance policy or annuity, your field agent can help you understand the information available and guide you through the appropriate process for obtaining your policy details.

Depending on your coverage, this information may include accumulated cash value, surrender value, annuity account value, or other applicable policy benefits.

Your Knights of Columbus field agent can also help explain these figures and answer questions about how your policy or annuity fits into your financial protection goals.

Policy riders are optional provisions that may be added to a life insurance policy to provide additional benefits, modify certain coverage features, or address specific financial protection needs.

Depending on the insurance product, riders may offer benefits related to disability, certain serious illnesses, or other qualifying circumstances.

The availability, cost, eligibility requirements, and conditions of each rider vary by policy. Your Knights of Columbus field agent can help you understand which options may be available and how they could complement your family's insurance protection.

Employer-provided life insurance can be a valuable part of your financial protection plan. However, the amount of coverage available through your workplace may not fully meet your family's long-term financial needs.

Additionally, employer-sponsored coverage may change or end if you leave your job, retire, or experience changes in your employment status. Some plans offer options to continue or convert coverage, depending on their terms.

Having an individual life insurance policy may provide additional protection that is not tied to your employment. A Knights of Columbus field agent can help you review your existing coverage, identify potential gaps, and explore options that align with your family's financial goals.

A life insurance rate class is a classification insurers use to assess an applicant's level of risk and determine the premiums associated with their coverage.

During the underwriting process, the insurance company may consider factors such as age, medical history, current health, tobacco use, and other relevant information.

Based on this assessment, applicants are assigned a rate class that helps determine the cost of their life insurance policy. Your Knights of Columbus field agent can explain how the underwriting process works and help you understand the factors that may influence your premiums.

Life insurance dividends are potential distributions that an insurance company may pay to eligible policyholders when its financial performance and operating results allow.

Dividends may be influenced by factors such as investment earnings, claims experience, and operating expenses. Certain participating life insurance policies may qualify to receive dividends, depending on their terms.

Dividends are not guaranteed, and the amount paid may vary from year to year. Your Knights of Columbus field agent can explain how dividends work, which policies may be eligible, and what options may be available for using them.

The Knights of Columbus has a long-standing history of financial stability and a commitment to helping Catholic families protect their financial futures.

Its financial strength has been recognized by independent insurance rating agencies. On November 14, 2025, AM Best affirmed the Knights of Columbus' A+ (Superior) Financial Strength Rating, with a stable outlook.

This rating reflects an independent assessment of the organization's financial condition and its ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations.

Through responsible financial management and its commitment to serving members and their families, the Knights of Columbus continues its mission of providing financial protection rooted in Catholic values.

The Knights of Columbus follows an investment philosophy centered on responsible financial management, long-term stability, and Catholic moral principles.

Its approach emphasizes careful investment selection, diversification, and risk management while seeking to preserve financial strength and meet long-term obligations to members and their families.

Through its commitment to Catholic social teaching, the organization also considers ethical principles when making investment decisions. These principles include respect for human life, protection of human dignity, responsible corporate conduct, and the promotion of the common good.

This combination of financial discipline and faith-based values reflects the Knights of Columbus' mission to serve Catholic families with integrity and responsibility.

Keeping your beneficiary information up to date is an important part of protecting your family's financial future.

If you need to change the beneficiary on your Knights of Columbus life insurance policy, your field agent can guide you through the appropriate process and help you obtain the necessary forms or instructions.

Beneficiary changes are subject to the terms of your policy and applicable requirements. Reviewing your beneficiary designations after major life events, such as marriage, the birth of a child, or changes in family circumstances, can help ensure your coverage reflects your current wishes.