Does life insurance cover suicide?

It's a sad fact that suicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In the UK alone, more than 6,000 people in the UK die by suicide each year. According to mental health charity Mind, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England - some of those with life insurance.

So it's natural to be curious about how life insurance policies address the sensitive issue of suicidal death. Generally, life insurance has specific clauses regarding suicide, which can vary by policy and provider.

In this guide, we'll look at the common terms and conditions surrounding suicide in life insurance policies and how the claims process works in such cases.

If you or a loved one is in distress, Samaritans offer free, confidential help 24/7 for those in distress. Call 116 123 to talk to a trained professional for support.

Will life insurance pay for suicide?

Contrary to belief, life insurance may still issue a payout if the policyholder has died due to suicide or self-inflicted injuries. However, this isn't always the case.

Most insurers recognise that mental health is a serious issue and many policies include specific clauses that address suicide. 

Generally, most life insurance policies have a waiting period, typically ranging from one to two years, during which the insurer will not pay out for suicide-related claims. This is often referred to as the "suicide clause".

Sadly, this means the policyholder may not receive the death benefit if the policyholder dies by suicide within that waiting period. After the waiting period has elapsed, the beneficiaries are usually eligible to receive the payout, provided all other conditions of the policy are met.

How do insurers know if someone died by suicide?

For a claim to be made on the policy, the insurer will require a death certificate, which will show the cause of death. When someone dies, a coroner will examine the circumstances of the death, which includes determining whether it was accidental, natural, or self-inflicted.

If the coroner's report lists suicide as the cause of death, this will be documented on the death certificate and provided to the insurer during the claims process.

If the cause of death is listed as suicide, the insurer will review the policy's terms and conditions to determine if the claim falls within the policy's guidelines.

Insurers may investigate further if there are doubts about the cause of death or if the death happened during the waiting period. They might look at medical records such as hospital admissions or talk to family members for further information.

Can I get life insurance if I suffer from a mental health condition?

It's possible to get life insurance, even if you have a mental health condition or illness. Though it may not be as straightforward as it is for those without such conditions. Minor mental health issues like stress or anxiety shouldn't have much impact on how much you pay for premiums.

More serious mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder or severe depression, could mean having to pay a higher premium or not being accepted for cover.

Each insurer has underwriting guidelines regarding mental health, so it’s essential to shop around and disclose any relevant information truthfully when applying for life insurance.

Many insurers acknowledge the importance of mental health and are willing to provide policies with reasonable terms for those affected.

What questions will I be asked about my mental health?

When you apply for life insurance, whether online or in person your insurer will ask you to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions - including mental health conditions.

These questions help insurers assess the risk associated with providing cover and judge the likelihood of a claim being made. It’s important to answer these questions honestly, as withholding information could result in a claim being denied later on.

For example, if you didn't disclose a mental health condition and later died by suicide, the insurer might deny the claim based on non-disclosure of relevant information.

Where to get help

If you're going through a difficult time, it's important to seek help and support. Just talking to someone can make a massive difference.

The Samaritans provide support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call for free on 116 123 if you're struggling or need someone to talk to. You can also contact your GP or local mental health services to discuss your mental health and explore options for support.