PAYMENT OF BENEFITS.

(a) A group accident and health insurance policy must provide that all benefits of the policy, other than benefits for loss of life, must be paid to the insured or the insured's assignee.

(b) A group accident and health insurance policy must provide that, subject to the provisions of the policy, benefits for loss of life of an insured must be paid to:

(1) the beneficiary designated by the insured or the beneficiary's assignee;

(2) the family member specified by the policy terms, if the policy contains conditions relating to family status; or

(3) the estate of the insured, if the designated or specified beneficiary is not living at the time the insured dies.

(c) A group accident and health insurance policy may provide that if any benefits are payable to the estate of an individual or to an individual who is a minor or is otherwise not competent to give a valid release, the insurer may pay the benefits, up to an amount established by the commissioner, to any individual related by consanguinity or affinity to the individual who is considered by the insurer to be equitably entitled to the benefits.

(d) This section does not apply to:

(1) a credit accident and health insurance policy; or

(2) a group contract issued by a group hospital service corporation.