Life insurance can cover suicide, but only under specific conditions. Most policies include a suicide exclusion that applies during the first two years after the policy is issued. After that period ends, suicide is generally covered just like any other cause of death. The problem is that insurers frequently deny claims even when the exclusion should not apply, or when other benefits remain payable.
Courts across the country have issued detailed rulings on suicide related denials, clarifying when insurers are allowed to refuse payment and when beneficiaries still have enforceable rights. The cases below show how these disputes actually play out.
Suicide Clause Enforced When Policy Language Is Clear
In a case involving Globe Life, the insured died by suicide within two years of purchasing coverage. The insurer denied the claim under the suicide exclusion.
The beneficiary argued that the insured lacked mental capacity when the policy was signed and that the exclusion was not clearly disclosed. The court rejected both arguments. It found the clause conspicuous and the insured mentally competent at the time of application. Because the suicide occurred within the exclusion period, the denial was upheld.
This case illustrates that suicide clauses are enforceable when the policy language is clear and the insurer follows the rules.
Group Policy Without Suicide Exclusion Pays the Claim
A very different outcome occurred in a case involving National Life. The insured died by suicide after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis. The policy was employer provided group life insurance and did not contain a suicide exclusion.
The insurer denied the claim anyway, alleging misrepresentation of medical history. The court ruled in favor of the beneficiary, finding no evidence of fraud and concluding that the insurer waived its right to contest coverage by issuing the policy and accepting premiums.
Not all life insurance policies include suicide exclusions. Group policies often differ from individual policies, and insurers cannot invent exclusions that do not exist in the plan documents.
Courts Enforce Suicide Exclusions Even When Intent Is Disputed
In a case involving Equitable Life, the insured died within two years of policy issuance. The beneficiary argued the death was not suicide but an attempt to cause pain rather than death.
The court disagreed. It found sufficient evidence of intentional self harm resulting in death and enforced the suicide exclusion. Courts generally focus on whether the act was deliberate, not on the insured’s emotional state or motivation.
Suicide Does Not Always Eliminate All Benefits
In a dispute with Primerica Life, the insured died by suicide during the exclusion period. The insurer denied the death benefit and refunded premiums.
The beneficiary sued, arguing that the policy’s accumulated cash value should still be paid. The court agreed. It ruled that the suicide clause limited only the death benefit, not the cash value that had already accrued.
This case highlights a critical point. Even when a suicide exclusion applies, other benefits may still be recoverable.
Accidental Death Policies Do Not Cover Suicide
In a case involving Penn Mutual Life, the insured held an accidental death policy and died by suicide. The beneficiary argued that severe mental illness caused an uncontrollable impulse.
The court ruled that suicide is not accidental under the policy terms, regardless of mental health conditions. Accidental death policies are interpreted narrowly, and suicide is almost always excluded.
Intoxication Does Not Override Suicide Exclusions
A case against Nationwide Life involved an insured who died by suicide while intoxicated. The beneficiary argued that impaired judgment negated intent.
The court rejected that argument, holding that intoxication does not change the deliberate nature of the act. Suicide exclusions apply even when alcohol or drugs are involved.
Employer Errors Can Override Suicide Related Denials
In a case involving Midland National Life, the insured died after a group policy lapsed. He had been entitled to convert the coverage to an individual policy but did not do so.
The court ruled in favor of the beneficiary, finding that the employer failed to provide adequate notice of conversion rights. The claim was paid despite the lapse, showing that administrative failures can override coverage defenses.
Increased Coverage Does Not Restart the Suicide Clock
A dispute with Corebridge Financial involved an insured who increased his coverage shortly before dying by suicide. The beneficiary argued that the increased amount had a new exclusion period.
The court disagreed. It ruled that the increase was part of the existing policy and subject to the same suicide exclusion. Both the original and increased amounts were excluded.
Beneficiary Rights Survive Divorce and Family Disputes
In a case involving MetLife, the insured died by suicide after filing for divorce. His wife had waived estate rights, and the insurer refunded premiums under the suicide clause.
The children sued, claiming entitlement to the proceeds. The court held that the wife remained the named beneficiary and that estate waivers did not alter the policy designation.
Designated Beneficiary Controls Even After Suicide
A separate dispute involving Protective Life arose when an insured named his girlfriend as beneficiary before dying by suicide. His ex spouse challenged the designation.
The insurer filed an interpleader action. The court ruled in favor of the girlfriend, confirming that beneficiary designations control unless properly changed, regardless of suicide or family objections.
What These Suicide Denial Cases Show
Suicide related denials depend on policy language, timing, and administration, not just the cause of death. Courts regularly examine:
Whether the suicide occurred within the exclusion period
Whether the policy actually contains a suicide clause
Whether other benefits like cash value remain payable
Whether employers or insurers failed to follow required procedures
Whether the beneficiary designation was valid
Insurers often overreach by treating suicide as an automatic denial. That is not how the law works.
When Suicide Denials Can Be Challenged
A suicide based denial may be reversible when:
The exclusion period has expired
The policy lacks a valid suicide clause
The insurer misclassified the cause of death
Cash value or other benefits were withheld improperly
Administrative or employer errors affected coverage
Each case turns on details that insurers often gloss over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does life insurance cover suicide?
Yes, in most policies suicide is covered after the exclusion period, usually two years.
Are suicide clauses enforceable?
Yes, but only when clearly written and properly applied.
Do group life insurance policies include suicide exclusions?
Often they do not. Group policies must be reviewed individually.
Can beneficiaries still recover something after a suicide denial?
Sometimes. Cash value, premium refunds, or benefits affected by administrative errors may still be payable.