When can a life insurance company deny a claim?

Asked by: Jared Jaskolski II  |  Last update: December 4, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (23 votes)

However, if you pass within the two-year contestability period and the insurer finds you misrepresented information on your application — especially information that's material to your death, such as health conditions or high-risk hobbies — then it may deny your claim.

What would cause a life insurance claim to be denied?

The policyholder lied on the life insurance application

Applying for a life insurance policy requires truthful answers about a policyholder's health and lifestyle. If the policyholder lies on their application or withholds important information, the life insurance company might refuse the pay out.

Can a life insurance company refuse to pay a claim?

Usually, within your life insurance policy, there is an "incontestability provision." If you should die during this contestability period and the insurance provider determines that your application included material misrepresentations, a life insurance claim could be denied.

What disqualifies life insurance payout?

Life insurance proceeds can be denied. Some denials are legitimate, like in case of policy lapses, material misrepresentations, or exclusions in the form of illegal activities or war. In other cases, bad-faith insurers use elaborate methods to reject claims so they do not have to pay the proceeds.

Which case is likely to be declined by a life insurer?

People are typically denied life insurance because they fall into a high-risk category. This is often due to health challenges like diabetes, obesity or a previous diagnosis of serious disease. There are also nonhealth reasons for being denied life insurance.

Why a life insurance claim may be denied

31 related questions found

What reasons will life insurance not pay?

17 Common Reasons Life Insurance Won't Pay Out
  • Nonpayment of Premiums.
  • Death during the Contestability Period.
  • Misrepresentation on Application.
  • Employer Failed to Submit a Disability Waiver of Premium.
  • Problems with the Beneficiary.
  • Policy was included in a Trust or a Will.
  • Denials Due to Suicide Exclusion.

Which of the following is a reason that an insurance claim may be denied?

Insurance companies deny claims for many reasons, such as insufficient evidence, missed deadlines, or policy exclusions. If your insurance company denied your claim, you can file an appeal, agree to mediation or arbitration, or take the insurance company to court for bad faith.

How often do life insurance companies deny claims?

Almost 1 in 5, or 20%, of life insurance claims are denied by insurance companies, often due to material misrepresentation or incomplete medical history in the life insurance application. This high denial rate emphasizes the importance of working with a skilled life insurance lawyer to get the payout you deserve.

What is the average death benefit payout?

The average life insurance payout in the U.S. is about $168,000, according to Aflac. However, the payout of your life insurance policy will depend on the face amount (death benefit) you choose and any money accelerated, borrowed against or withdrawn from the policy prior to the payout.

What conditions make you uninsurable for life insurance?

Due to the added risk health problems create for insurers, some pre-existing conditions can raise your premium or even disqualify you entirely from certain types of life insurance. A few common examples of pre-existing conditions include high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and asthma.

What age does life insurance not pay?

Whole life policies are a form of permanent life insurance and they typically have no age limit. However, depending on the insurer, age limits can vary from around 80 to 85.

Do insurance companies intentionally deny claims?

Insurance companies often let people down at the time when they need help the most. While frustrating, a denied claim doesn't always mean the insurer has broken any rules. But all too often, insurers do unfairly and intentionally deny, devalue or slow-pay valid claims.

What is the time limit for death claims in life insurance?

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) mandates insurance companies to settle death claims within 30 days. The guideline applies to all cases where no investigation into the death is required. If there is an investigation, the timeline extends to a maximum of 120 days.

Which life insurance company denies the most claims?

Top 8 Worst Insurance Companies
  1. Allstate. We know you have seen the ads. ...
  2. Unum. Unum is a leading disability insurance provider in the United States has a reputation for denied and delayed insurance claims – even when claims include their own employees. ...
  3. State Farm. ...
  4. AIG. ...
  5. Anthem. ...
  6. Farmers Insurance Group. ...
  7. UnitedHealth. ...
  8. USAA.

How do I fight a life insurance claim denial?

If you believe the denial was made in error or if you have additional evidence to support your claim, you can file an appeal with the insurance company. Follow the instructions outlined in the denial letter for filing an appeal, and submit any additional documentation or information that may support your case.

What is the lowest life insurance payout?

For most term life insurance companies, the smallest life insurance policy offered is for $100,000 in coverage. However, some companies, such as Genworth Life Insurance Company and AIG American General Life Insurance, offer term coverage in the amount of $50,000 or even $25,000.

How long does it take for a beneficiary to receive money from life insurance?

How long does it take for beneficiaries to receive life insurance money? Life insurers typically take 14 to 60 days to pay out the death benefit after the beneficiary files the claim. This is because they must verify the policy terms and policyholder's death certificate and confirm who the beneficiaries are.

Who gets the $250 Social Security death benefit?

Program Description. Are you the surviving spouse or caregiver for the child of a worker who died? If so, you or the child(ren) may be eligible to get a lump-sum death payment of $255.

What life insurance company pays the most claims?

Best Insurance Companies for Paying Claims
  • American Family Insurance.
  • Amica.
  • The Hartford.
  • Farmers Insurance.
  • Erie Insurance.
  • Nationwide Insurance.

Why would life insurance payout be denied?

Life insurance may not pay out if the policy expires, premiums aren't paid, or there are false statements on the application. Other reasons include death from illegal activities, suicide, or homicide, with insurers investigating claims thoroughly.

What voids life insurance?

Life insurance covers death due to natural causes, illness, and accidents. However, the insurance company can deny paying out your death benefit in certain circumstances, such as if you lie on your application, engage in risky behaviors, or fail to pay your premiums. Here's what you need to know.

Which cases is likely to be declined by a life insurer?

9 Reasons Why You Were Declined For Life Insurance
  • Medical issues.
  • Hazardous occupation.
  • Financial reasons.
  • Lifestyle choices.
  • Lab results.
  • Driving record.
  • Criminal record.
  • Foreign travel.

On what grounds might a claim be denied?

Incorrect or duplicate claims, lack of medical necessity or supporting documentation, and claims filed after the required timeframe are common reasons for denials. Experimental, investigational, or non-covered services are also likely to be denied.

What are the three most common mistakes on a claim that will cause denials?

Here, we discuss the first five most common medical coding and billing mistakes that cause claim denials so you can avoid them in your business:
  • Claim is not specific enough. ...
  • Claim is missing information. ...
  • Claim not filed on time (aka: Timely Filing)

Can I sue insurance for denying claim?

There are laws designed to protect consumers in the state of California and across the nation. It's not uncommon for policyholders to sue their healthcare insurers for denial of a claim, mainly when the claim is for a service that is crucial to their health and future or the health and future of a loved one.