Which of the following is NOT a valid way a policy may be issued?

An exchange policy typically refers to a situation where one insurance policy is exchanged for another, often allowing for different coverage or benefits. However, the phrasing of this option can cause confusion. The issuance of a policy is generally associated with how it is underwritten and finalized rather than being directly tied to the concept of "exchanging" policies. Therefore, it's less appropriate to categorize an exchange as a valid issuance method, particularly from a regulatory standpoint.

On the other hand, a modified or amended policy represents a standard practice in the industry, where changes can be made to the original terms to better suit the policyholder's needs. Issuing a policy "as applied for" directly reflects the acceptance of the insurance application without alterations, which is a common issuance method. Additionally, issuing a policy with a waiver excluding death from a certain cause is a specific underwriting provision that can be included, making it a valid method of issuance as well. Each of these options aligns with established practices in the domain of insurance policy issuance, whereas an exchange policy does not fit that framework well.