Yes, life insurance can pay out for suicide in the UK, but some specific conditions and timeframes apply. Understanding these terms is important when choosing or reviewing a life insurance policy.
What is the suicide clause in life insurance?
Most UK life insurance providers include a suicide exclusion period, usually lasting 12 to 24 months from the start date of the policy. During this time:
If the policyholder dies by suicide within the exclusion period, the insurance company is likely to deny the claim.
If death occurs after the exclusion period, the life insurance payout is typically approved, as long as the policy payments are kept up to date.
Why Do Life Insurance Policies Include a Suicide Clause?
The suicide clause is designed to prevent individuals from taking out a policy to end their life soon after, solely to provide a financial payout to beneficiaries. It protects both insurers and the long-term sustainability of life insurance as a product.
How long is the contestability period for suicide in UK life insurance?
In the UK, the contestability period for suicide in life insurance is typically 12 to 24 months from the start of the policy.This period is often referred to as the suicide exclusion period or part of the broader contestability clause, during which the insurer can investigate the cause of death and review the accuracy of the policyholder’s application.
What happens if suicide occurs within the contestability period?
If the policyholder dies by suicide during the first 12–24 months, the insurer can refuse to pay the claim, depending on the policy’s specific terms.
What happens if suicide occurs after the contestability period?
If the suicide occurs after the contestability period, and the policyholder gave honest and complete information when applying, the insurer will usually pay the full benefit.
Can I get life insurance after a suicide attempt?
Yes, you can get life insurance after a suicide attempt in the UK, but it may be more challenging, and the terms of the policy might be affected.
Do I need to disclose mental health conditions for life insurance?
When applying for life insurance in the UK, providing accurate and honest information about your medical and mental health history is essential. If any relevant details are withheld or misrepresented, the insurer may refuse to pay out, even if the suicide occurs after the exclusion period.Getting life insurance after a suicide attempt is possible, but how and when you apply matters a lot. It is essential to discuss with a specialist broker who is used to supporting customers with mental health diagnoses. The Insurance Surgery has unique access to products that are designed for those with mental health diagnoses.
Case Study
Name: James
Age: 42
Location: Manchester, UK
Policy Type: Level term life insurance
Insurer: Legal and General
Policy Duration: 25 years
Sum Assured: £250,000
Cause of Death: Suicide
Time Since Policy Start: 3.5 years
James’ Story:
James was a father of two and worked as a self-employed web developer. A few years before his death, he took out a level term life insurance policy to protect his family financially in case anything happened to him. He had a history of mild depression, which he disclosed during the application process, and the insurer accepted his policy with no exclusions.Tragically, James died by suicide three and a half years into the policy.
What Happened Next:
Because:
He had fully disclosed his mental health history during the application,
The suicide occurred after the standard 12–24-month exclusion period, and
His policy was in force and up to date on payments.
His insurer paid the full £250,000 death benefit to his family within 6 weeks of the claim being submitted.
Impact on the Family:
That payout allowed James’s wife to:
Pay off the remaining mortgage on their home
Cover funeral costs
Take time off work to support their children
Begin planning long-term financial stability
The family later spoke (via a broker’s testimonial) about how the life insurance provided a vital safety net during the most difficult time of their lives.
How The Insurance Surgery Can Help
We understand that choosing life insurance can feel overwhelming. That’s why we take the time to explain your options and find the best policy for you. As an award-winning specialist broker, we compare whole and term life insurance options to find the best cover at the most competitive price.When the time comes for your family to make a claim, we’ll guide them through the process with care and expertise. Ready to find the right life insurance policy? Get in touch with our team today.
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