Annuitant
The person whose life or age is used to determine benefits under an annuity contract.
Why it matters
The annuitant is not necessarily the owner or the person who receives payments.
Where you may see it
Annuity applications, contract data pages, beneficiary provisions, and payout elections.
What to verify
Owner, annuitant, beneficiary, payout option, and what happens at death.
Do not confuse it with
Insured, the person whose life is covered by a life insurance policy.
Read Annuitant in context
Start with the exact sentence where the term appears, then read the definition, schedule, and any referenced rider together. The practical concern is this: The annuitant is not necessarily the owner or the person who receives payments. Locate the relevant records—annuity applications, contract data pages, beneficiary provisions, and payout elections.—and compare them with the issued contract rather than a sales summary.
Before signing, changing coverage, or making a claim decision, record the points that control the result: Owner, annuitant, beneficiary, payout option, and what happens at death. If another policy uses similar wording, do not assume it has the same effect.
Keep the dated page or form with your notes. If the definition changes the benefit, premium, ownership rights, or a deadline, ask the issuing insurer for a written explanation tied to the policy number.
Reliable places to check
- Your issued policy and application copy.
- NAIC consumer life insurance resources.
- Your state insurance department for licensing and consumer help.