What happens to a life insurance policy's death benefit if the insured commits suicide after the initial period defined in the Suicide Clause?

If a life insurance policy's death benefit is claimed due to the insured's suicide after the initial period defined in the Suicide Clause, the full death benefit is typically paid out. The Suicide Clause is designed to protect insurers from people who might take out a policy and then commit suicide shortly thereafter to benefit their heirs financially.

Most policies have a specified period—often two years—during which if the insured commits suicide, the insurer only provides a return of premiums paid or a limited benefit. However, once this period has elapsed, the policy is treated like any other cause of death, meaning that the full death benefit becomes payable to the designated beneficiaries.

This provision ensures that once the insured has maintained the policy for the established term, insurance companies cannot deny benefits based on suicide, reflecting the understanding that mental health issues and related circumstances can vary significantly over time.