finder.com

Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.

Does life insurance cover suicide?

A death by suicide can affect the payout in the first few years of a policy.

Compare quotes
Avatar
Katia Iervasi
Updated . What changed?
Fact checked

Losing a loved one to suicide is devastating, and it may result in their life insurance company denying the claim. Insurers have provisions in place for self-inflicted deaths, and the major one has to do with timing.

What's in this guide?

How life insurance handles suicide

Life insurance policies typically pay out in the event of suicide — but there’s one major exception.

If the policyholder commits suicide within the first two years of buying coverage, the insurer won’t pay the death benefit. Some states, like North Dakota, have a one-year exclusionary window. This is known as the “suicide clause.”

Outside of the two-year period, insurers treat suicide in the same way as they do deaths from illness, accidents and other insured causes.

How to get help if you or a loved one are thinking about suicide

If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, please know you’re not alone. You can reach out to these resources for help 24/7:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call 800-273-8255 to connect to a counselor who speaks English or Spanish.
  • Lifeline Chat. Get professional and emotional support via online chat.
  • Crisis Text Line. Text HOME to 741741 to talk to a crisis counselor.

What is the suicide clause?

The suicide clause applies to the first one or two years of a policy. It’s a provision that states the insurer won’t pay out the death benefit if the policyholder died as a result of self-harm or a self-inflicted injury.

While this clause can sound insensitive, it’s designed to prevent people who are intending to commit suicide from purchasing policies.

The burden is on the insurer to prove the death was deliberate, and not accidental. This raises complicated issues — especially when it comes to drug overdoses and drunken-driving deaths.

In the case of suicide, insurers refund any premiums paid to the policy’s beneficiary.

Does the suicide clause apply to physician-assisted suicide?

Though the circumstances are a little different, the suicide clause still applies to physician-assisted suicide. This means it’s covered — but not during the first one to two years of the policy.

Sometimes known as “death with dignity,” physician-assisted suicide refers to terminally ill people electing to end their lives rather than suffer additional treatment. A handful of states allow it — including California, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont and Washington — but most require a terminal diagnosis for eligibility. However, some life insurance policies have an accelerated death benefit rider which can provide early cash payouts if you become terminally ill.

How does the suicide clause differ from the contestability period?

While the suicide clause and contestability period require a similar time frame, they’re treated separately. In simplest terms, the suicide clause deals with self-harm, while the contestability period is related to fraud.

The contestability period goes into effect the day you purchase your policy and lasts two years. If you die during this time, your insurer can delay payment while they investigate the claim. And if they discover that you lied or withheld information on your application, they have the right to deny or reduce the death benefit — even if the cause of death had nothing to do with the details you failed to mention.

If you lie on your application, your loved ones may never see the money you left them.

How does a history of depression affect a claim after suicide?

As part of the underwriting process, your insurer might assess your physical and mental health.

If you have a history of depression, your insurer can ask questions like:

  • When were you diagnosed with depression?
  • Is your depression mild, moderate or severe?
  • Are you receiving treatment in the form of medication, therapy or both?
  • Have you ever been hospitalized due to depression?

While these questions may be difficult to answer, it’s essential to be honest and transparent in your application. This not only helps you qualify for competitive rates, but also strengthens your case when your beneficiaries file a claim. If you die and the insurer discovers that you failed to disclose or adequately treat your depression, your payout can be denied or reduced.

The relationship between depression and suicide is complicated. Insurers review claims case by case. But typically, if a policyholder with a history of depression dies by suicide when the suicide clause is in place, the policy won’t pay out.

How do life insurance companies verify that a policyholder committed suicide?

As part of the claims process, beneficiaries have to submit a certified copy of the death certificate. Life insurance companies look at this closely, as it specifies whether the policyholder committed suicide — or if they died in an accident that could have been a suicide attempt, such as a drug overdose.

In that case, the payout might be delayed with the insurance company investigates further.

Compare life insurance companies

Name Product Issue age Minimum Coverage Maximum Coverage Term Lengths Medical Exam Required
Sproutt
Sproutt
18 - 60 years old
$50,000
$4,000,000
5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years
No
Compare 40+ insurers and apply online to get the lowest possible price — no medical exam required.
Go to site
More Info
Policygenius
Policygenius
18 - 85 years old
$50,000
$10,000,000
10, 15, 20, 25, 30 years
Depends on provider and policy
Compare 12+ top insurers side-by-side to get the best possible deal, and shop return of premium policies online.
Go to site
More Info
Bestow
Bestow
18 - 60 years old
$50,000
$1,500,000
10, 15, 20, 25, 30 years
No
Get a quote in less than 10 minutes with on-the-spot approval and no medical exam.
Go to site
More Info
Everyday Life
Everyday Life
20 - 75 years old
$100,000
$10,000,000
10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years.
No
Ladder multiple life insurance policies to save on the coverage you need for all your debts.
Go to site
More Info
Ladder
Ladder
20 - 60 years old
$100,000
$8,000,000
10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 years
Depends on policy
Apply for term life insurance online without the medical exam. Get an instant decision and adjust your coverage at no charge.
Go to site
More Info
loading

Compare up to 4 providers

Bottom line

As painful as it is, it’s important to understand how life insurance companies treat suicide. It’s covered under most policies, but the timing matters. If it occurs during the first one to years of purchasing a policy, the insurer can deny paying out the death benefit.

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder.com provides guides and information on a range of products and services. Because our content is not financial advice, we suggest talking with a professional before you make any decision.

By submitting your comment or question, you agree to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and finder.com Terms of Use.

Questions and responses on finder.com are not provided, paid for or otherwise endorsed by any bank or brand. These banks and brands are not responsible for ensuring that comments are answered or accurate.
Go to site