Suicide
Does life insurance pay out for suicide?
Short answer
Most policies pay after the two-year contestability period. Policies less than two years old typically have a suicide exclusion. Read the policy. If denied, get the denial in writing and consult an insurance attorney — some denials are improperly applied.
What this usually means
Most policies pay after the two-year contestability period. Policies less than two years old typically have a suicide exclusion. Read the policy. If denied, get the denial in writing and consult an insurance attorney — some denials are improperly applied.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.