It is could be possibly due to the death amount of sum insured
with AIA that's resulting in the difference in approach, as in the
death amount insured with AIA could be greater than $150,000,
whereas the amount insured with Pru or GE could be lesser than
$150,000.
Example of a statement:
( from Pru )
http://www.prudential.com.sg/corp/prudential_en_sg/myprudential/makeaclaim/
Death Claim - Section 61 of the Insurance Act
This Act allows an insurance company to pay an advance payment up
to a maximum of $150,000 of the proceeds after claims admission to
the proper claimant named as follows:
Proper Claimant means:
The
balance proceeds will only be paid after the company receives the
Estate Duty Clearance* and Grant of Probate/ Letter of Administration.
http://www.lifeisgreat.com.sg/en/jsp/cs/faq_deathclaim.jsp
( or from GE )
4. Can the claimant get full or advance payment after
making a claim?
Section 61 of the Insurance Act allows an insurer to effect a
maximum advance payment of up to S$150,000.00 to "proper
claimant(s)" under Section 61 of the Insurance Act, without the
production of the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration.
Amount in excess of S$150,000.00 would be payable upon receipt of
the Grant of Probate or
Letters of
Administration.
A "proper claimant" is either the executor named in the Will of the
deceased, or the spouse, child, parent, sibling, nephew or niece of
the deceased.