If We Can Simulate it, We Can Insure it: An Application to Longevity Risk Management

Abstract

This paper proposes a unified framework for measuring and managing longevity risk. Specifically, we develop a flexible framework for valuing survivor derivatives like forwards, swaps, as well as options both of European and American style. Our framework is essentially independent of the assumed underlying dynamics and the choice of method for risk neutralization and relies only on the ability to simulate from the risk neutral process. We provide an application to derivatives on the survivor index when the underlying dynamics are from a Lee-Carter model. Our results show that taking the optionality into consideration is important from a pricing perspective.