Any group disability policy may, on request by the group policyholder, provide that all, or any portion, of any indemnities provided by any such policy on account of hospital, nursing, medical, or surgical services may, at the insurer's option, be paid directly to the hospital or person rendering such services. Payment so made shall discharge the insurer's obligation with respect to the amount of insurance so paid.
Ala. Code § 27-20-3 (1975)