What Type of Death Is Not Covered by Insurance?

When tragedy strikes, insurance policies are meant to offer financial relief and support. But not all deaths are covered equally. Whether you’re filing a life insurance claim or trying to understand how a wrongful death case interacts with coverage, knowing what isn’t covered can be just as important as knowing what is. If you’re navigating this after losing a loved one, you’re not alone—and a Minneapolis personal injury lawyer like Mark Perron at Perron Law Office can help you sort through the fine print.

Understanding Insurance Exclusions

What Does “Not Covered” Mean?

In the insurance world, “not covered” means the insurer won’t pay out a benefit even if the death occurred during the policy period. These exclusions are usually spelled out in the contract, but let’s face it—most people don’t read every clause until it’s too late.

Common Exclusions in Life Insurance Policies

Every policy is different, but some exclusions pop up more often than others. Here are a few of the most common reasons an insurance company might deny a death claim.

Suicides Within the First Two Years

Life insurance policies often include a suicide clause that prevents payout if the insured dies by suicide within a certain time frame—typically the first one or two years of the policy. After that, coverage usually applies, but this clause is one of the most misunderstood in insurance.

Why This Clause Exists

It’s not about punishing the family. It’s a financial safeguard for insurers. Without it, people could potentially purchase large policies shortly before taking their own life, leaving the insurer to foot the bill.

Deaths Related to Criminal Activity

If the deceased was committing a crime when they died, the insurance company may deny the claim. That doesn’t mean the person had to be convicted—just that the company can reasonably link the death to a criminal act.

Examples Include:

• A fatal car crash during a high-speed police chase
• A drug overdose involving illegal substances
• Death while participating in a robbery or assault

That said, these cases can get murky. If there’s even a gray area, it’s best to talk to a Minneapolis personal injury lawyer who can help you build your case or challenge the denial.

Fraud or Misrepresentation

When someone applies for life insurance, they have to disclose personal details—like their health, smoking habits, or existing conditions. If the insurance company later discovers the application contained false information, they may refuse to pay.

What If the Deceased Was Unaware?

Sometimes, it’s not intentional fraud. The person may not have realized that omitting a diagnosis or forgetting a medication would invalidate their policy. Unfortunately, ignorance doesn’t always help in these cases.

High-Risk Activities and Death by Adventure

Some policies exclude deaths resulting from high-risk activities. That could mean skydiving, scuba diving, base jumping, or even racing cars. These exclusions are often listed under “hazardous activities.”

What About Accidental Death Policies?

Accidental death insurance typically only pays if the death was unexpected and sudden. But even these policies often exclude “reckless behavior” or “voluntary risk,” which can cover everything from extreme sports to drunk driving.

War or Terrorism

It may sound outdated, but many life insurance policies include a war exclusion. If the person dies while participating in active combat, or even as a civilian casualty in a war zone, coverage may not apply.

This also applies to service members, depending on the policy. Military families often receive separate death benefits through government programs, but private life insurance may exclude war-related fatalities.

What About Deaths from Medical Negligence?

This is where things get legally complicated. If someone dies due to medical malpractice, you may not be dealing with an insurance denial—you may be facing a situation that could justify a wrongful death claim.

Insurance in a Wrongful Death Case

In wrongful death lawsuits, the liable party’s insurance—not the deceased’s life insurance—is often the one paying. But not all deaths caused by negligence are recognized or covered. If the provider didn’t carry malpractice insurance (rare, but it happens), or if the insurance company tries to claim the death doesn’t qualify, you’ll need strong legal backup.

That’s when an experienced Minneapolis personal injury lawyer like Mark Perron becomes a vital resource.

Can You Challenge a Denied Life Insurance Claim?

Absolutely. A denial letter doesn’t have to be the final word. If you believe a life insurance claim was wrongly denied—or if the cause of death is being disputed—you can contest it. The process typically involves:

• Gathering medical records and the original insurance application
• Securing expert opinions
• Filing an appeal with the insurer or taking the matter to court

Many families give up after a denial, but that’s often because they don’t know how to push back. With the right legal support, your odds of success improve significantly.

When to Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

You don’t have to wait until you’re overwhelmed with paperwork. In fact, the earlier you involve a lawyer, the better. At Perron Law Office, Mark Perron helps families assess whether an insurance denial is legitimate and whether a separate wrongful death claim could offer compensation.

Some clients discover they’re eligible for both: a life insurance payout and a lawsuit against a negligent provider. It all depends on how the death occurred and what the policies say.

Final Thoughts: Not All Deaths Are Treated the Same

It’s heartbreaking enough to lose a loved one—you shouldn’t have to fight for the benefits they planned to leave behind. Insurance companies are quick to protect their bottom line. But you don’t have to accept their decision at face value.

If you’re unsure whether your family’s situation qualifies for a payout, or if you’re hitting a wall with insurance providers, talk to a Minneapolis personal injury lawyer like Mark Perron. He’ll help you understand your rights and guide you through the next steps—whether that’s challenging a denial, filing a wrongful death lawsuit, or both.

If you’re looking for a Personal Injury Lawyer in Minneapolis, Perron Law Office is the most trusted name in the Twin Cities area. Simply reach out on (651) 317-8133 to schedule your free consultation.