What does actuarial science contribute to life insurance?

Actuarial science plays a crucial role in life insurance by analyzing risk and calculating premiums based on statistical data. This branch of mathematics and statistics enables actuaries to assess the likelihood of events such as death, disability, and other factors that can impact the insurance policy. By using historical data and statistical models, actuaries help insurance companies establish premium rates that are both competitive and sufficient to cover potential claims, ensuring the financial stability of the company.

This analytical approach allows insurance providers to create tailored products that meet the needs of different demographics while also managing the risk associated with providing insurance coverage. For instance, factors such as age, health status, lifestyle, and occupation are considered in this analysis, allowing for more accurate pricing strategies.

In contrast to the other options, determining the insured's age, offering customer service, or processing claims does not capture the primary function of actuarial science. These processes may be important aspects of the life insurance industry, but they do not encapsulate the analytical, risk-assessing essence of what actuarial science contributes.