Suicide Coverage Basics
Most life insurance policies include a suicide exclusion, meaning they will not pay the death benefit if the insured dies by suicide within a specified contestability period, typically two years from the policy start date.
More from this site
Keep reading the latest coverage
Waiting (Contestability) Period
The contestability period varies by insurer and jurisdiction but commonly spans 12 to 24 months. If suicide occurs after this period, the policy usually pays the benefit, subject to any other exclusions.
Factors That Influence Coverage
Key factors include the policy type (term vs. whole life), the insurer's specific wording, state regulations, and any disclosures made on the application about mental health history.
State Law Impact
Some states limit the length of suicide exclusions or prohibit them entirely, requiring insurers to pay out after a shorter period or under certain circumstances.
What to Do If You're Concerned
Review your policy's fine print, contact your agent for clarification, and consider riders or policies that address mental health concerns if needed.