Does life insurance cover suicide? Yes, in many cases—but many policies include a suicide exclusion period early in coverage. During that period, the insurer may not pay the full death benefit. After the exclusion period ends, many policies will pay as long as the policy was active and the application information was accurate.
This guide explains what typically happens, what the “two-year rule” means, why claims can take longer, and what beneficiaries should do to reduce delays.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, please reach out for help right now. In the U.S., call or text 988. If you’re outside the U.S., tell me your country and I’ll share the correct local resources.
Table of Contents
TL;DR
- Many life insurance policies have a suicide clause early in coverage (often up to 2 years, depending on the policy and location).
- If death happens during the exclusion period, the insurer may deny the full payout and may refund premiums paid (policy rules vary).
- After the exclusion period, many policies do pay, as long as the policy was active and there was no major misrepresentation on the application.
- Claims can take longer because insurers may request additional documentation.
- Many people ask does life insurance cover suicide after a loss, and the answer depends mainly on the policy start date and the suicide clause.
What is the suicide clause in life insurance?
A suicide clause (also called a suicide exclusion) is a policy rule that limits coverage for suicide within a specific early time window after the policy starts. This clause exists in many individual policies and can also apply differently to employer group plans.
The most common setup is a time-limited exclusion. The exact length depends on your policy contract and where you live.
Does life insurance cover suicide after 2 years?
Often, yes. If the suicide exclusion period has passed, many policies will pay the death benefit, assuming:
- the policy was active (premiums paid, not lapsed), and
- the application information was materially accurate.
Important: Don’t rely on generic advice alone. Policies can vary, and some situations (like major policy changes or certain coverage increases) can trigger additional review.
What happens if suicide occurs during the exclusion period?
If death occurs during the exclusion period, the insurer may:
- deny the full death benefit, and
- instead return premiums paid (or apply another contract-specific outcome).
This is policy-specific, so beneficiaries should file the claim and ask for the decision in writing rather than assuming the outcome.
Is employer group life insurance different?
Sometimes. Employer plans can have different wording and timelines than individual policies. Some group plans may handle suicide-related claims differently than individual policies.
The only reliable answer is in the employer plan documents. If the policy is through work, beneficiaries should request the plan booklet/summary and file the claim through the employer’s benefits process or the insurer listed in the plan.
Can the exclusion period “restart”?
It depends, but these situations can lead to extra scrutiny:
- starting a brand-new policy (new start date)
- increasing coverage (sometimes the increase is treated like “new coverage”)
- replacing an old policy with a new one
This doesn’t automatically mean denial — it means you should confirm timelines and terms before switching or increasing coverage.
Why these claims can take longer
Suicide-related claims may involve extra documentation such as:
- official death certificate
- medical examiner/coroner reports
- policy timeline verification (start date, premium status, changes)
- application review for material accuracy
A longer review does not automatically mean a denial. It often means the insurer is completing required checks.
What beneficiaries should do
If you’re filing a claim (or helping someone file it), here’s the practical playbook:
- File the claim as soon as possible with the insurer (or the employer benefits administrator for group coverage).
- Provide required documents quickly (death certificate and anything the insurer requests).
- Ask the insurer to confirm:
- the policy start date
- whether a suicide exclusion applies
- what happens during the exclusion period (refund, limits, etc.)
- Keep copies of everything and track dates, names, and reference numbers.
- If denied, request the denial reason in writing and ask about the appeal process.
Common myths (and the real answer)
Myth: “Life insurance never covers suicide.”
Reality: Many policies can pay after the exclusion period ends.
Myth: “If denied, you get nothing.”
Reality: Many policies refund premiums during the exclusion period, depending on the contract.
Myth: “Switching policies doesn’t matter.”
Reality: A new policy can reset early-policy clauses and reviews. Always verify before switching.
FAQs – Does Life Insurance Cover Suicide?
Does life insurance cover suicide?
It can, but many policies have a time-limited suicide exclusion near the start of coverage.
How long is the suicide clause for life insurance?
Often up to 2 years, but it depends on the policy and location.
What happens if suicide occurs during the exclusion period?
The insurer may deny the full death benefit and may refund premiums paid, depending on the contract.
Will a suicide claim take longer to pay out?
It can, because insurers may need additional documentation and timeline checks.