There shall be a provision that any sum becoming due by reason of the death of the individual insured shall be payable to the beneficiary designated by such individual, subject to the provisions of the policy in the event there is no designated beneficiary, as to all or any part of such sum, living at the death of the individual insured and subject to any right reserved by the insurer in the policy and set forth in the certificate to pay at its option a part of such sum not exceeding ten percent of such amount or one thousand dollars, whichever is greater, to any person appearing to the insurer to be equitably entitled thereto by reason of having incurred funeral or other expenses incident to the last illness or death of the individual insured.
[ 1981 c 333 § 1; 1979 ex.s. c 199 § 9; 1955 c 303 § 23; 1947 c 79 § .24.16; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 45.24.16.]