An employee covered under a California group life policy is terminated on March 1. Under Ins. Code § 10209, by what date must the employee apply for an individual conversion policy without evidence of insurability?

Why this is the answer

California Insurance Code § 10209 codifies the federal-equivalent group-life conversion right. Within 31 days after group coverage terminates (either because the employee leaves the group or because the master policy ends), the insured may apply for an individual permanent policy of equal or lesser face, without proving insurability. The premium is set at the insurer's standard rate for the insured's attained age and class. 10 days is the standard free-look window for life policies (Ins. Code § 10127.10) — a tempting distractor. 60 days is the life grace period (§ 10113.7). 6 months matches no CA statute on conversion.