Life Insurance

Suicide Clause

The suicide clause in most life insurance policies excludes payment of the full death benefit if the insured dies by suicide—typically within the first one to two years of the policy—with the insurer returning only the premiums paid instead.

Last reviewed: May 2026 · Editorial methodology

Definition

The suicide exclusion is a near-universal provision in life insurance contracts that limits the insurer's liability to a return of paid premiums (plus interest in some states) if the insured's death is ruled a suicide within the exclusion period, which is most commonly two years but may be one year in some states. The purpose of the clause is to prevent individuals contemplating suicide from purchasing large policies to benefit their survivors, and to give the insurer a window to detect potential anti-selection. After the exclusion period expires—typically at the end of the second policy year—suicide is covered the same as any other cause of death, and the full death benefit is payable. If a policy lapses and is reinstated, the suicide exclusion typically restarts from the reinstatement date. Some group life insurance policies have shorter or no suicide exclusion periods. Accidental death benefit riders generally exclude suicide by definition, as suicide is not considered accidental. Mental health advocates have called for shorter exclusion periods, and some progressive carriers now offer one-year clauses as standard.

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Tip

Glossary definitions are educational. Always check your own policy language — insurers can define common terms differently from one another. When in doubt, request a written explanation from your agent.

Related terms

Contestability PeriodThe contestability period is typically the first two years of a life insurance policy during which the insurer has the right to investigate claims and deny payment—or rescind the policy—if the application contained material misrepresentations, fraud, or omissions.Incontestability ClauseThe incontestability clause is a standard life insurance provision that bars the insurer from contesting the validity of a policy—or denying a claim for misrepresentation—after the policy has been in force for two years, providing security to policyholders and beneficiaries.Term Life InsuranceLife insurance with a fixed term (10/20/30 years) — pure death benefit, no cash value, lowest cost.Accidental Death Benefit (AD&D)Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance pays a lump-sum benefit if the insured dies as a direct result of an accident, and proportional benefits for qualifying dismemberment injuries such as loss of a limb or eyesight.BeneficiaryThe person, entity, or trust designated to receive the death benefit of a life insurance policy.

Related guides

Source: Cover Forge USA editorial team|Last verified: May 2026|Methodology
Definitions are educational and may be simplified. Always refer to your policy contract and consult a licensed agent for terms that affect coverage decisions.
CF

Cover Forge USA Editorial Team

Editorial Lead

This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.

Reviewed June 2026

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