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Is suicide covered by life insurance?
UK life insurance policies typically include a suicide clause. This states that if the policyholder dies due to taking their own life or self-injury within a set period (usually the first 12 to 24 months of the policy), the insurer may not pay out the full amount.
After the exclusion period ends, suicide is typically treated like any other cause of death, and the policy will pay out as normal. That assumes all the information provided in the application was accurate.
Why is there a suicide clause?
The suicide clause is there to prevent the misuse of policies in moments of crisis. The waiting period is designed to protect insurers from people taking out large policies with the intention of ending their life shortly after.
It's not meant to be a punishment for people with mental health issues and their families. It’s part of how insurers manage risk while still offering affordable cover to as many people as possible.
It’s also there to reduce the financial incentive for someone to take their own life. Hopefully, knowing about this exclusion period will give someone food for thought and breathing space at a difficult time.
If a suicide happens after the waiting period and the policyholder honestly disclosed an existing mental health condition or history of mental illness when they applied, the insurer will typically pay out the claim.
Can you get life insurance if you’ve had mental health issues?
Mental health is a complex and deeply personal topic that affects millions of people. Insurers recognise this, and living with a mental health condition won’t automatically mean an application for insurance is refused.
You’ll likely need to answer some detailed questions or even provide a medical report, but it’s entirely possible to get cover. Being open and honest about your mental health history is crucial. If the insurer finds out later that important information was left out, it could affect whether your claim is paid.
What happens if a claim is refused after suicide?
If a life insurance claim is declined because of suicide within the exclusion period, some insurers may still refund the premiums paid to date. It depends on the policy.
If you feel a claim was unfairly denied, you can take your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service, which helps resolve disputes between consumers and financial firms.
If you or someone you know is struggling, including having suicidal thoughts, help is available:
Samaritans: Call 116 123 – this line is free and open 24/7.
Mind: Offers support and information for mental health issues.
Your GP: Can provide access to counselling and support services – you call also call the 111 NHS service, free and open 24/7