Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a certificate holder?

A certificate holder typically does not hold a direct contract with the insurer. Instead, a certificate holder is someone who is covered under a group insurance policy but does not have a direct contractual relationship with the insurance company. The group policy is usually established by an organization, such as an employer, and the insurer has a contract with that organization rather than with the individual certificate holders.

The other options describe characteristics that align with what it means to be a certificate holder. Certificate holders are indeed entitled to claim benefits under the group policy; they would be covered and have rights to the benefits codified in the group insurance plan. Similarly, being a certificate holder does indicate coverage since they receive a certificate of insurance that outlines their coverage under this group plan. This document serves as proof of their enrollment and benefits. Thus, the correct answer is that the characteristic which is not applicable to a certificate holder is holding a direct contract with the insurer.