Life insurance - does it cover suicide?

There is a common belief that Life Insurance companies do not settle claims as a result of suicide, but this is not necessarily so.

Suicide has and always will be a difficult claim to make under a life insurance policy for several reasons, the most obvious of which is the financial. What life insurance company hoping to remain in business would freely offer suicide cover?

In the past, when church and state functioned more closely, and before we had a better understanding of mental health issues, suicide was precluded from life insurance policies and suicides were buried in unconsecrated ground, outside of the cemetery boundaries.

Fortunately, times have changed and society has a better understanding of what drives people to suicide, and as church and state have opened their minds, so too have the life insurance companies. It is now possible to obtain life insurance policies which will also pay a suicide claim after a suitable waiting period.

If you’re looking for a Life Insurance policy which will also cover suicide, make sure you read the product disclosure statement and are clear about the waiting period, which is usually 13 months.

Disclaimer

The information provided is general in nature and does not take into account your particular insurance needs, financial situation or investment objectives. We recommend that you speak to an Incomesure risk advisor before you make any decision regarding life insurance.