The object of these notes is to give a brief introduction to the treatment of proposals for life assurance which are not acceptable at ordinary rates.

In theory, the extra premium charged for a certain type of case should be based upon the abnormal mortality which is expected. Little, however, is known about the rates of mortality applicable to any class of extra risk, while in practice extra premiums involve a comparatively small amount of cash and cause much trouble, particularly to the outside staff. The imposition of extra premiums is therefore restricted as far as possible, and a tendency towards their virtual abolition would probably be much accentuated, but for fears that to do so might involve an undesirably large influx of second class business.