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Does Life Insurance Cover Suicide? How the Suicide Clause Works

Most life insurance policies have a suicide clause for the first two years. Here's what it means for families, what happens to premiums, and where to get help.

By AssistQuote Editorial Team

Reviewed by Shannon James Russell· Former licensed insurance agent and financial educator

Published September 26, 2026 · Updated September 30, 2026 · 2 min read

Quick answer

Most life insurance policies have a suicide clause that lasts for the first two years of the policy. If the insured person dies by suicide during that time, the insurer usually won't pay the death benefit, but it generally refunds the premiums to the beneficiary. After the two years, the clause usually no longer applies.

What is a suicide clause?

It's a part of most life insurance policies that limits what the policy pays if the insured person dies by suicide soon after the policy starts. It usually lasts two years from the date the policy was issued. Some policies or states may differ, so the exact policy wording matters.

What happens during the first two years?

If the insured person dies by suicide during this period, the insurer usually won't pay the full death benefit. Instead, it generally returns the premiums that were paid to the beneficiary.

What happens after two years?

Once the suicide clause period ends, most policies pay the death benefit like they would for any other cause of death.

What about the two-year contestable period?

Life insurance policies also have a contestable period, usually the first two years. If the insured person dies during that time, for any reason, the insurer may review the application. If important information was left out or was wrong, the insurer can deny the claim. If it does, it generally must return the premiums to the beneficiary.

Does group life insurance through work have a suicide clause?

Some group policies through employers do and some don't. The plan documents will say. Ask the employer's HR or benefits office for a copy.

If you're a beneficiary who has lost someone

We're so sorry for your loss. A few things that may help:

  • You can still file a claim. Contact the insurance company and ask for a claim form. Even if a clause applies, you may be owed a refund of premiums.
  • Ask for the decision in writing. If a claim is denied or reduced, ask the insurer to explain why in writing, and to point to the exact policy language.
  • You can ask your state for help. If you think a claim was handled unfairly, your state's department of insurance can help. In Texas, for example, call the TDI Consumer Help Line at 800-252-3439.
  • Take care of yourself. Losing someone to suicide is hard in ways that are different from other losses. Support is out there, including through the 988 Lifeline, for people who are grieving too.

Related pages

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Questions people ask

Usually two years from the date the policy was issued. Some policies or states may differ.

Usually a refund of the premiums that were paid, instead of the death benefit.

A new policy usually comes with its own new clause period. Check the policy wording before you replace coverage.

Ask the insurer for the reason in writing, and contact your state's department of insurance if you think the claim was handled unfairly.
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Related reading: Term vs. permanent life insurance · Life insurance

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