When a life insurance policyholder passes away in another country, the beneficiary can still file a claim and receive the policy proceeds. The key is that the death must fall within the scope of coverage under the policy. The insurance company will examine whether the policy was in force at the time of death and if any exclusions apply based on the location, activity, or cause of death.
Common requirements for overseas death claims include:
Foreign death certificate translated into English, if necessary
Proof of identity of the deceased and the beneficiary
Medical or coroner’s report verifying the cause of death
Travel records or passport copies in some cases
Original policy documents, if available
Claims involving overseas deaths often take longer to process due to delays in obtaining foreign records, language barriers, and additional fraud checks.
Potential Limitations and Exclusions for Overseas Deaths
While policies generally cover deaths abroad, there are a few common exclusions that may result in a denied claim:
Travel to restricted countries: Some policies exclude coverage if the insured travels to countries under U.S. State Department travel advisories or war zones.
Criminal activity or terrorism: Deaths resulting from criminal involvement or terrorist activity may not be covered.
Suicide clauses: These may still apply during the contestability period regardless of location.
Policy lapse: If the policy was not in force due to non-payment, coverage is denied, no matter where the death occurred.
It is essential for policyholders who travel internationally to notify the insurer of extended travel or residency abroad, especially if the stay exceeds a certain period, as specified in the policy.
How an Attorney Can Help With Overseas Death Claims
Filing a life insurance claim after a death abroad can be frustrating, especially when insurance companies delay processing or request excessive documentation. If your claim has been denied, delayed, or caught in administrative limbo, a life insurance attorney can intervene to ensure the insurance company acts in good faith and complies with the policy terms.
Our firm has successfully handled thousands of life insurance claims involving foreign deaths. We have recovered policy benefits from insurers like Resolution Life, Banner Life, Midland National, and John Hancock, even in cases where the insurer initially refused to pay.
Contact Us for Help With Overseas Life Insurance Claims
Whether your loved one passed away unexpectedly while traveling or resided overseas at the time of death, we can help you navigate the claims process. If the insurance company is refusing to pay, call us for a free consultation at 800-330-2274. Our legal team will evaluate your case and fight for the benefits you are owed. If you have a beneficiary dispute attorney in Colorado call us.
FAQ: Life Insurance Claims for Deaths Abroad
Can a life insurance policy still pay out if the insured died while living overseas long-term?
Yes, but only if the policy terms allow coverage during extended stays abroad. Some policies restrict long-term foreign residency, so it’s important to confirm this before relocation.
Do insurance companies accept foreign death certificates?
Yes, but they often require a certified English translation. Additional verification may be required to ensure the certificate is authentic and meets U.S. standards.
What if the country where the death occurred has unreliable record-keeping?
If official documentation is difficult to obtain, the insurance company may request affidavits, consular reports, or witness statements. Legal assistance may be necessary to validate the death.
Are there countries excluded from life insurance coverage?
Yes. Some policies exclude high-risk countries, particularly those with U.S. travel warnings, active conflict zones, or unstable governments. This should be outlined in the exclusions section of the policy.
Can a death overseas delay a life insurance payout?
Definitely. Overseas deaths usually involve longer claim timelines due to the time it takes to gather foreign records and verify the details of the death.
Do all life insurance policies cover foreign travel?
Most do, but some high-risk travel may void coverage depending on the insurer and the policy. For instance, mountaineering, war reporting, or visiting restricted countries might trigger exclusions.
What if the insurance company suspects fraud in an overseas death?
They may delay or deny the claim pending an investigation. In such cases, legal representation is strongly advised to protect your rights and ensure a fair review.
Will the claim be denied if the cause of death is unclear or disputed?
Possibly. If the insurer cannot verify cause of death, they may delay or deny the claim. You may need medical examiner reports or U.S. embassy involvement to clarify the circumstances.
Can a policy be reinstated after an overseas death if it lapsed due to non-payment?
Generally no. if the policy lapsed before the death, it’s not enforceable. However, if the lapse was caused by insurer error or miscommunication, an attorney might help reinstate coverage.
What should I do immediately after learning of a death overseas?
Notify the insurance company as soon as possible and begin collecting documentation. Also contact the local embassy or consulate for help obtaining legal death documents.
What if multiple beneficiaries are disputing the claim?
This can lead to an interpleader lawsuit. The insurer may deposit the funds with the court while the rightful beneficiary is determined through legal proceedings.
How long does it take to receive a life insurance payout for a foreign death?
It depends. A straightforward case may take 30–60 days, but claims involving complex documentation or disputes can take several months.
Do foreign autopsy reports need to be translated?
Yes. All non-English documents submitted for the claim should be professionally translated to avoid processing delays.
Can an insurer deny a claim based on a foreign country’s handling of the death investigation?
They might. If the local government did not properly investigate or document the death, the insurer could question the claim’s validity.
Will the U.S. embassy help with the life insurance claim?
They won’t help with the claim directly but can issue consular death certificates and assist in retrieving local documents.
What if the insured was a dual citizen or foreign national?
As long as the policy was issued by a U.S. insurer and the insured met the original eligibility requirements, nationality shouldn’t matter for payout.
Can a lawyer in the U.S. help with an overseas claim?
Yes. A U.S.-based life insurance attorney can deal directly with domestic insurers and help gather the needed foreign documents.
Are accidental deaths overseas treated differently by insurers?
Yes. Policies with accidental death coverage may require extra scrutiny of accident details, especially if foul play or negligence is suspected.
What if the death happened during a natural disaster abroad?
As long as the policy doesn’t exclude natural disasters or travel to the affected region, the claim should be payable, though documentation may take longer to obtain.
If your life insurance claim has been denied, delayed, or is being complicated by an overseas death, call our experienced attorneys for guidance and support. We know how to overcome insurer roadblocks and get results.