Science is rapidly advancing into realms that once belonged only to history books and myths. Genetic testing on Egyptian mummies has revealed everything from Tutankhamun’s family lineage to traces of malaria. But these studies raise a haunting question: What if ancient plagues preserved for thousands of years resurface in the modern world? And if someone dies from exposure to a reawakened pathogen, will life insurance companies pay out, or will they deny the claim under pandemic or biohazard exclusions? If you need legal guidance for denied life insurance claims in Pennsylvania call us.
The Science of Mummy Genetics
Recent advances in DNA sequencing allow scientists to analyze ancient remains at an unprecedented level. Researchers studying Tutankhamun, often called the “boy king,” have discovered congenital disorders, evidence of malaria, and even family connections to other pharaohs.
My friend Fran Casey, who runs a website dedicated to Carter and Tutankhamun, has tracked many of these discoveries. His work highlights how modern science is rewriting our understanding of ancient Egypt. But the same studies also raise modern risks: dormant pathogens might not always stay dormant.
How Ancient Pathogens Could Lead to Life Insurance Denials
If an ancient plague emerges from a mummy or excavation site, insurers will look for ways to avoid paying. Common denial arguments include:
Experimental exposure:
Insurers may argue the death occurred during scientific research, making it excluded.
Pandemic exclusion:
Many policies explicitly exclude deaths tied to pandemics or epidemics.
Hazardous materials clause:
Some policies exclude coverage for contact with toxins or infectious agents.
Travel exclusions:
If the death occurs abroad, especially in Egypt during excavation or tourism, insurers may deny coverage.
Preexisting conditions loophole:
If the insured had respiratory issues, insurers could claim the ancient pathogen was just a “complicating factor.”
Real-World Possibility
This is not just fantasy. Scientists have revived anthrax spores from Siberian permafrost, and traces of 1918 influenza have been extracted from preserved tissue. It is not inconceivable that one day, ancient tombs or mummies could harbor DNA or even viable remnants of forgotten diseases.
If someone dies from such exposure, their family may face a claim denial framed as a “biohazard exclusion.” Without legal action, the insurer’s refusal could leave families uncompensated.
Can Attorneys Help?
Yes. A life insurance attorney can:
Challenge vague pandemic or biohazard exclusions
Demand scientific proof connecting the death to an excluded event
Argue insurers are applying outdated policy language to modern discoveries
Enforce bad faith laws when insurers deny without investigation
FAQ: Ancient DNA and Life Insurance
Can life insurance deny claims from exposure to ancient plagues?
Yes. Insurers can invoke exclusions for pandemics, experimental research, or hazardous substances.
Has this happened before?
Anthrax outbreaks from thawing permafrost and the retrieval of old flu strains show the risk is real.
Could mummies really carry live pathogens?
Most likely not, but DNA fragments and spores have been found in ancient remains. Insurers do not need certainty to deny a claim, they just need an excuse.
Would traveling to Egypt increase the risk of denial?
Yes. Travel exclusions often give insurers additional arguments against paying.
The Final Curse
Cryonics may freeze us for the future, but mummies froze parts of the past. If I ever tour a tomb, I will make sure my policy is airtight. The last thing I want is my heirs fighting over whether I died from “natural causes” or from Tutankhamun’s final curse.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
All content on this page and site written by Christian Lassen, Esq.