(a)  A domestic society may, by a reinsurance agreement, cede any individual risk or risks in whole or in part to an insurer, other than another fraternal benefit society, having the power to make reinsurance and authorized to do business in this state, or, if not so authorized, one which is approved by the commissioner of insurance, but no society may reinsure substantially all of its insurance in force without the written permission of the commissioner of insurance. It may take credit for the reserves on the ceded risks to the extent reinsured, but no credit shall be allowed as an admitted asset or as a deduction from liability, to a ceding society for reinsurance made, ceded, or renewed unless the reinsurance is payable by the assuming insurer on the basis of the liability of the ceding society under the contract or contracts reinsured without diminution because of the insolvency of the ceding society.

(b)  Notwithstanding the limitation in subsection (a) of this section, a society may reinsure the risks of another society in a consolidation or merger approved by the commissioner of insurance under § 27-25-14.