Life Insurance Common Terms & Conditions Explained

Every insurer provider has its own set of terms and conditions when it comes to life insurance plans. There are certain scenarios where things do not work simply and in a straightforward manner and the insurance company might deny your claims. This is why the life assured and their nominees should know the terms and conditions as given in the life insurance plan as given in the policy documents. There are certain generic exclusions that are applicable almost across every insurer’s life insurance plans. 

Common Exclusions Under A Life Insurance Plan

Here's a list of exclusions that are almost common to almost all life insurance plans:

1. Exclusions in Accidental Death

Although accidental deaths are covered in most of the life insurance policy, there might be a few cases wherein the Insurance company might defer the claim. Usually in cases of accidental deaths, every insurance company investigates the death from its end and has a designated term of healthcare professionals for the process.

2. Exclusions Due To Lifestyle

Smokers have lower mortality rates when compared to non-smokers and that is why the latter are put in the high risk category, which adversely impacts their premium rates too. Thus, insurance providers have the right to deny the claim if the policy holder dies due to smoking and has failed to mention the same at the time of filling the form.

3. Exclusions In Suicidal Deaths Or Self-inflicted Injury

Suicide is almost on every life insurance policy's exclusion list. If the policy holder commits suicide within one year of the purchasing of the policy, no compensation will be paid to the family. However, there are some Insurance providers that return the entire premium paid by the insurer after deducting the medical and administrative expenses and any other expenses mentioned in the policy. 

4. Pre-existing medical conditions

All life insurance plans are assigned waiting periods for different critical illnesses before they can be covered. Ideally, the waiting period is something between 3months to 4years. 

5. Death Due To Involvements In Criminal Activities

Life insurance policies don't cover risks that arise from participating in illegal activities or riots. The nature of term in or any other  life insurance policy is to cover risks that are unexpected and accidental. Therefore, involvement in such activities proves the policyholder's intent to be exposed to greater risks. 

Conclusion

Therefore, it is really crucial to understand the features and benefits of a life insurance plan thoroughly. Even though it's a bit tedious to go through every mention inclusion, the initial effort will definitely help the family members at the time of claim submission. 

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Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.