What types of death are not covered by life insurance ?

While deaths due to accidents are covered by life insurance, there are certain exceptions. Accidental death if the insured is involved in any criminal activity or if death occurs due to intoxication or drugs are not covered by term life insurance plans. Accidental deaths while the insured was engaged in adventure sports like sky diving and bungee jumping are also not covered by such plans.

Death benefits for suicide are generally made at the discretion of insurance companies. Usually, beneficiaries are entitled to 80 per cent of amount accumulated from premiums paid in case of a non-linked plan, and 100 per cent in the case of a linked plan, if the insured dies by suicide within the initial 12 months.

Term insurance plans do not cover death occurring from self-inflicted injuries, or due to illnesses like sexually transmitted diseases like HIV/AIDS.

Death due to alcohol or drug abuse is also not covered by term plans, nor is homicide where the policy holder is murdered by the nominee for money. Death due to an existing illness that has not been disclosed at the time of purchasing the plan is also not covered by term life insurance plans. Death caused by natural disasters like tsunami, earthquake, floods etc is not covered by term insurance, unless the policy holder has opted for riders for that purpose.