Does Life Insurance Cover Suicide? (2024)

Suicide was among the nine leading causes of death for people ages 10 to 64 in 2021. Though life insurance can provide coverage in the case of suicide, many policies have special provisions that limit the payment of benefits.

Key Takeaways

  • Many life insurance policies contain a suicide clause or provision.
  • Companies typically won't pay a death benefit if the policyholder commits suicide within the first one to two years that the policy is in force.
  • Changing a policy can restart the suicide exclusion period.
  • Insurance companies may request additional documentation if they suspect suicide as the cause of death.

Life Insurance Suicide Clauses

Insurance companies want to prevent people from having a financial incentive to take their own lives. That’s why many life insurance policies have a suicide clause, also known as a suicide provision.

As defined in their suicide clause, insurance companies typically won't pay a death benefit if the insured party dies by suicide within the first two years of coverage. This period is commonly known as the exclusion period. When the exclusion period ends, the policy's beneficiaries can receive a death benefit if the covered person dies by suicide after that date.

Any changes to a policy, such as adding coverage or converting a term policy into a whole life policy, can reset the clock, and the exclusion period will start over.

Suicide provisions can also vary according to the type of coverage for the insured. We highlight information for each below.

Group Life Insurance

Unlike most individual life insurance policies, many group life policies—the kind of life insurance people often get through their employers—do not have a suicide clause. If a covered person dies as a result of suicide, their beneficiaries typically will receive the death benefit.

Term Life Insurance

With individual term life insurance, beneficiaries can claim the death benefit as long as the exclusion period has ended. If the person dies after the policy has been in effect for one to two years, the beneficiaries are entitled to the full benefit.But if the person dies during the exclusion period, the beneficiaries might receive only the sum of premiums paid to date.

Whole Life Insurance

With whole life policies, the beneficiaries might receive the plan’s cash value even if the covered person dies during the exclusion period. When the exclusion period ends, the beneficiaries can receive the full death benefit and cash value.

How Does an Insurance Company Know If Someone Died by Suicide?

When a policyholder dies and their beneficiaries file a claim, the insurance company will request a death certificate. The death certificate would describe the cause of death and note if the person's death was self-inflicted.

If the death certificate is inconclusive or includes a questionable cause of death, the insurance company may require additional documentation, such as an autopsy report, a medical examiner report, an EMS report, or the person's medical records.

Because deaths by suicide can take longer to investigate, the beneficiaries might experience a delay in receiving the life insurance policy’s benefit.

While the claims process can be more complex and time-consuming, beneficiaries shouldn't let that deter them from filing a claim. They may be entitled to benefits that could help them financially as they try to recover from the tragedy.

What if I'm Denied a Benefit Because of Suicide?

Insurance companies have the right to deny a death benefit payout if the insured party's death is the result of an uninsurable event. But you have the right to question and appeal the insurer's decision. Before you do so, it's important to follow these steps:

  1. Wait for the insurance company's decision. After the insured party's death, the insurance company must determine the cause of death. If it's determined that you aren't entitled to a payout, the company will send you a denial letter.
  2. Review the insurance policy and the application. Did the person misrepresent themselves? For instance, insurance companies won't make a payout if a smoker claims to be a non-smoker for cheaper insurance premiums.
  3. See if your state has protections for beneficiaries against insurance companies to see if the denial meets state rules.
  4. Contact the insurance company with your appeal. Make sure you have any relevant information to prevent delays, including the insurance application, policy, proof of premium payments, death certificate, and any other supporting documents needed to support your claim.

Can I Get Life Insurance With a Mental Health Illness?

This depends entirely on the insurer. Each insurance company has a list of uninsurable events, which may or may not include certain mental health illnesses. This means you have to do your due diligence and research before you commit to an insurer. Be sure to be transparent if asked on the application about any of your mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. If you aren't honest, this could result in cancellation of your policy or denial of benefits to your beneficiary(s).

Will a Life Insurance Policy Pay Benefits After a Death by Suicide?

Some life insurance policies can provide coverage in the case of suicide, but many of them contain special provisions, called suicide clauses, that limit the payment of benefits.

Does Changing a Life Insurance Policy Affect Potential Coverage for Suicide?

If changes are made to a life insurance policy, including adding coverage or converting a term policy into a whole life policy, that can reset the clock, causing the exclusion period for potential coverage of a suicide to start over.

Could a Suicide Delay Payment of Death Benefits by an Insurer?

Yes, due to additional time often needed by an insurance company to investigate a suicide, benefit payout may be delayed. The insurer may require further documentation, including an autopsy report, a medical examiner report, or the deceased's medical records.

The Bottom Line

Life insurance may provide coverage in the case of suicide, but many policies have provisions that limit the payment of death benefits in these circumstances. Benefits also may be denied if the policy is relatively new, usually within the first two years of coverage, which is called the exclusion period.

Many group life policies don't have a suicide clause that affects benefit payments, but most term life policies carry exclusion periods when a death by suicide occurs. With whole life policies, beneficiaries might be paid the plan’s cash value, even if the covered person dies during the exclusion period. However, such provisions shouldn't keep beneficiaries from filing a claim because they may be entitled to benefits that could be helpful in a difficult period.

Help for Anyone Contemplating Suicide

If you or someone you know is suffering from depression or mental health issues, get help now. You are not alone. If you or a loved one is contemplating suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or via live chat. It’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and provides free and confidential support.

Does Life Insurance Cover Suicide? (2024)

FAQs

What to do if my loved one is suicidal? ›

Ask them to contact emergency services immediately, either a suicide hotline including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) and Teen Line at 800-TLC-TEEN (800-852-8336) or 911. They can also reach out to their doctor if they're not in immediate danger but getting worse.

Who is more at risk for suicide? ›

Veterans are at high risk of suicide, in addition to people who live in rural areas or work in certain industries like mining and construction. Compared to other racial and ethnic groups, suicide rates are highest among non-Hispanic Native American and Alaska Native people, followed by white people.

What to say if someone says they are going to kill themselves? ›

Saying something as simple as: “Please don't hurt yourself,” “I don't want you to kill yourself; I would miss you terribly,” “My life would be less full without you,” can help the distressed person think about their reasons for living. Say, “I am here.” Listen to the person without judging.

When your partner threatens suicide? ›

If your partner truly wishes to die and has a plan and intention to follow through, get immediate help. Call your local emergency number, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Do they call the police if you call the suicide hotline? ›

In rare cases, the police may be called

We absolutely understand that fear! It's worth mentioning that less than 3% of calls ever actually require police intervention.

What are suicide warning signs? ›

Changing behavior, such as:

Withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away important items, or making a will. Taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast. Displaying extreme mood swings. Eating or sleeping more or less.

What to do if you feel like dying? ›

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

What to do when you are depressed and suicidal? ›

Call a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Text HOME to the Crisis Textline at 741741. If you feel you're at immediate risk, reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or healthcare professional.

What is bark suicide prevention? ›

Bark monitors online activities and alerts parents and guardians to potential issues, including suicidal ideation, depression, self-harm, and more.

How does suicide affect other people? ›

This often means that people bereaved by suicide feel stigmatised and isolated. If someone you know has died by suicide, it is normal to feel grief, anger, guilt and betrayal. Grief is a normal process, but if you're struggling, consider seeking professional bereavement counselling or joining a support group.

Is the yellow ribbon for suicide? ›

The Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program (YRSPP) is a suicide prevention program based in the United States, and aimed in particular at teenagers. The program is run by the Yellow Ribbon non-profit. YRSPP uses a yellow ribbon with a heart to encourage awareness about suicide / suicide prevention.

Why you should continue living? ›

Emotions come and go, and you can learn how to better manage them. Situations can change. Maybe you messed up or made the wrong choice. But continuing your life gives you the power to take back control over the circumstances and improve them.

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