Everyone Needs Insurance, Regardless of the Language You Speak:
Having medical, automotive, life, homeowners or property insurance acts as a safeguarded for people when unforeseen events occur. The assurance that insurance provides is invaluable and allows people to financially be prepared for worst case scenarios. Effective and accurate communication is mandatory in order for policyholders to select the appropriate plan, understand the benefits offered to them and file a claim when need be. This information is complex and riddled with difficult terminology, it’s hard for native English speakers to comprehend. If insurance information is hard for a native English speaker to understand, think how difficult and stressful this process can be for an individual who is considered limited English proficient (LEP).
The Growing Linguistic and Cultural Diversity Within American Communities:
- In 2013, 61.6 million people living in the United States, U.S. and foreign born, spoke languages other than English at home. In 2015, that number increased to 64.7 million people. Most of these individuals spoke English as well, however at least 25.1 million were considered LEP.
- Languages with more than a million speakers in the United States in 2015 include: Spanish (40 million), Chinese (3.3 million), Tagalog (1.7 million), Vietnamese (1.5 million), French (1.3 million), Arabic (1.2 million), and Korean (1.1 million).
- States with the largest share of their populations speaking a foreign language at home in 2015 include: California (45%), Texas (35%), New Mexico (34 %), New York (31 %), New Jersey (31 %), Nevada (30 %), Florida (29 %), Arizona (27 %), Hawaii (26 %), Illinois (23 %), and Massachusetts (23 %).
America is an intermixture of languages and cultures, as it continues to diversify at an exceedingly rapid pace, the demand for professional language services will rise. In order for LEP policyholders to fully understand the information enough to be able to make sound decisions regarding their insurance plans, it’s required that professional language services be utilized as to act as a bridge that binds the language gap. Diversification is inevitable, however, combating language barriers with the assistance of professional language services can allow LEP individuals to successfully acquire the insurance benefits they need.
Professional Language Services for LEP Policyholders:
The statistics regarding language use in the United States proves there is a need to incorporate the usage of professional language services when interacting with LEP clients. Professional translators and interpreters are highly trained, skilled, knowledgeable and experienced enough to ensure rigorous concepts and difficult terminology is accurately converted and understood by LEP policyholders. The following is a breakdown of various language services available through a language service company (LSC) that will upgrade the the experience and gain the trust of your current or potential LEP policyholders.
Insurance Documents In Need of Translation:
- Applications
- Confidential Documents
- Forms
- Claims
- Policies
- Brochures
- Manuels
- Disclosures
- Quoting Materials
- Legal Compliances
- Private and Public Offerings
- Disclosure Statements & Enrollment Forms
- Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs)
- Summary of Benefits (SOBs) & Explanation of benefits (EOBs)
- Government Tax Reports
- Beneficiary Designation & Forms
- Benefit Package & Summaries
Remote Language Services:
Over-The-Phone (OPI) Interpretation:
OPI is a great language service to utilize when conversations are simple in content and fairly quick to exchange. Appointment confirmations, small updates or when there’s a question that needs to be answered, OPI is a language service that can be relied on for everyday usage. OPI appointments can be pre-scheduled or used on-demand with little to no wait times and is extremely cost effective because you’re only paying for the time spent on the phone with the interpreter.
Video Remote Interpreting (VRI):
Video remote interpreting (VRI) is a modern, technologically advanced approach to interpretation services for LEP or deaf individuals. VRI utilizes telecommunication software to connect people with an interpreter via the internet. It’s innovative because it keeps the audio as well as visual aspects intact which creates a platform for remote sign language interpretation. VRI exhibits user-friendly capabilities and offers anytime anywhere convenience.
If your insurance company conducts business with LEP clients, you could greatly benefit from offering professional language services to accommodate the needs of your valued clientele. Niki’s Int’l Ltd. is a language service company (LSC) with over 20 years of experience providing professional language services. Niki’s Int’l Ltd. has access to translators and interpreters in over 350 languages and dialects. Developing a partnership with Niki’s Int’l Ltd. allows you to take better care of your LEP policyholders and ensure that all information and interactions are clear and fully understood.
Niki’s Int’l Ltd. is a WBENC-Certified Women Business Enterprise with 20 years of language service experience. A global network of highly skilled interpreters and translators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for on-site, telephonic and video remote interpretation services. Our linguists are available in over 350 languages and dialects, and our network includes certified interpreters and translators. Our work is guaranteed with a $1 Million Errors & Omissions policy, so that you can be confident that your project will be completed with the highest level of quality and professionalism within the field. For more information contact us at 1-877-567-8449 or visit our website at www.nilservices.com.