Life insurance covers suicide, but providers set rules about timing and terms. Policies include provisions addressing suicide deaths through two key clauses: the suicide clause and the contestability clause.
Does Life Insurance Cover Suicide?
Life insurance covers death by suicide under specific conditions, allowing beneficiaries to receive the death benefit. Policy exclusions can void a claim depending on timing and circumstances.
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Updated: December 4, 2025
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IF YOU NEED HELP
If you or someone you know is considering self-harm or experiencing suicidal thoughts, resources are available. Dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a free and confidential service available at any time. Visit 988lifeline.org for online chat and additional resources.
Key Takeaways
Most life insurance policies cover death by suicide after a waiting period specified by the contestability and suicide clauses.
The contestability clause lasts two to three years and allows insurers to investigate the cause of death. Insurers can also deny benefits within this period.
The suicide clause allows insurers to deny a death benefit if self-harm caused the death within the contestability period.
Coverage terms vary by insurer and state. Consult your specific policy documents and insurance advisor for exact provisions that apply to your situation.
Does Life Insurance Cover Deaths by Suicide?
Suicide Clause | The insurer won't pay the death benefit if a policyholder dies by suicide within the first two or three years of coverage | Two to three years | Prevents people from becoming financially motivated to take their own lives |
Contestability Clause | Gives insurers the right to investigate for intentional errors after death within the first two years of enrollment | Two years | Allows insurers to investigate misrepresentations during the application process. If material information was concealed, the insurer may deny or reduce the death benefit, subject to state regulations. |
Insurers can reset these clauses under certain conditions. Increasing your coverage amount or changing insurance providers restarts the two-year period for the suicide clause. Review your policy terms and consult with your insurance advisor before making policy changes.
Does Life Insurance Cover Physician-Assisted Suicide?
In states where physician-assisted suicide is legal (also called death with dignity or right to die), the suicide clause applies. Most insurers won't cover physician-assisted suicides within two to three years of enrollment. States that allow death with dignity include:
- California
- Colorado
- District of Columbia
- Hawaii
- Maine
- Montana
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- Oregon
- Vermont
- Washington
State laws and insurance company policies regarding physician-assisted suicide vary. Check with your insurer about specific coverage terms in your state.
Life Insurance Policy Types and Coverage of Suicide
Life insurance suicide provisions vary based on the type of life insurance policy you hold.
If you have term life insurance
Term life policies include an exclusion period lasting two to three years. Beneficiaries receive the death benefit if the policyholder dies by suicide after this period ends. Suicide within the exclusion period results in no payout.
If you have group life insurance
Employer-provided group life insurance policies don't include a suicide clause. Beneficiaries receive the death benefit regardless of how long the policy has been active.
If you have military life insurance
Military life insurance policies work similarly to group life insurance and don't include a suicide clause. Beneficiaries receive the death benefit regardless of timing.
If you have whole life insurance
Under a whole life insurance policy, beneficiaries of a policyholder who dies within the exclusion period typically receive the policy's accumulated cash value rather than the full death benefit. The complete death benefit becomes payable after the exclusion period ends.
CONSIDER NO-EXAM POLICIES
If you’ve faced application denials due to mental health conditions, know that you still have paths to financial protection for your loved ones. You can apply for a no-medical-exam, simplified issue or guaranteed acceptance policy instead. Simplified issue life insurance requires minimal health questions but charges higher premiums. Guaranteed acceptance policies provide coverage immediately with no questions asked.
How to File a Claim After Death by Suicide
To file a life insurance claim after a suicide death, gather these documents and follow your insurer’s claims process:
- 1Get the death certificate
Secure an official death certificate from the local vital records office. You’ll need this to begin your claim.
- 2Contact the insurer
Notify the insurance company about the policyholder's death and request the claim forms.
- 3Complete the claim forms
Fill out all required forms accurately. Mistakes or missing information delay your claim or lead to denial.
- 4Submit the supporting documents
Include the death certificate and any other required documents with the claim forms.
- 5Wait for approval
After submission, the insurance company will review the claim. Expect processing of death benefit payout to take two weeks to two months.
INSURANCE INVESTIGATIONS
Insurers request a death certificate to confirm the cause of death. If the cause is inconclusive or questionable, the insurer asks surviving family members or beneficiaries for additional documents, including an autopsy report, medical examiner report, emergency medical services (EMS) report or a copy of the policyholder’s medical records.
Insurance companies take longer to process suicide claims, which delays death benefits. The suicide clause ensures a thorough investigation before the insurer pays out.
What to Do if the Insurer Denies Your Claim
Insurers deny life insurance claims for several reasons. You can challenge the decision through these steps:
- Review the denial letter: Read the letter thoroughly to understand the insurer's reasons for rejection.
- Collect evidence: Gather all relevant documents, including medical records and correspondence, to support your case.
- Contact the insurer: Speak with a claims representative to discuss the denial and explore options.
- File an appeal: Submit a formal appeal with all supporting documents to the insurance company.
- Seek legal counsel: Consult with an attorney experienced in insurance claims if the appeal is unsuccessful.
Does Life Insurance Cover Suicidal Death: Bottom Line
Most life insurance policies cover deaths by suicide after two to three years of enrollment. Two policy provisions control coverage: the suicide clause and the contestability clause.
The suicide clause states that if an insured dies by suicide within a certain period, the insurer won't pay the death benefit. The contestability clause allows insurers to investigate the cause of death before paying out. These clauses overlap in most policies.
Life Insurance Suicide Payout: FAQ
Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions about life insurance and suicide.
Does life insurance cover overdose?
Life insurance covers deaths due to alcohol or drug overdose unless the overdose is ruled a suicide within the exclusion period. Coverage depends on the specific terms of your policy. If the policyholder disclosed issues with alcohol or drugs during the application process, beneficiaries receive the full death benefit regardless of timing.
Does SGLI pay out for suicide?
SGLI pays out for suicide regardless of timing. Military life insurance policies don't include suicide exclusions, recognizing the unique challenges service members face.
Also read: Best Life Insurance for Veterans
Can life insurance companies deny coverage due to mental health?
Insurers can deny a life insurance application based on physical or mental health. Serious mental health conditions lead some insurers to refuse coverage due to increased underwriting risk. No-exam policies and guaranteed acceptance options exist for people who face denials.
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About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.