What documents typically make up a complete life insurance contract between the insurer and the policy owner?

The complete life insurance contract between the insurer and the policy owner typically consists of the policy document and the attached application. The policy serves as the primary agreement that outlines the terms, coverage amounts, and conditions of the insurance. The attached application is significant because it contains the information provided by the policyholder at the time of application, which the insurer relies on to assess risk and determine coverage. Including the application in the contract helps ensure that all representations made by the policyholder are part of the agreement, making it an integral component of the contract.

While other documents like riders, endorsements, or certificates may add additional coverage or detail, they do not represent the fundamental agreement between the insurer and the policy owner in the same way that the policy and application do. Riders and endorsements generally modify the terms of the policy or add coverage but are not essential to the establishment of the base contract.