Life insurance

Common exclusions in life insurance policies

The extent and content of exclusions vary from insurer to insurer. The following illustrate some common exclusions in Life Insurance Policies:

Material misrepresentation

This includes intentional falsehoods or omission of important information and will lead to your policy being revoked. This includes factors that the company needs to take into account when determining your premium or your eligibility for the policy. It is important that you answer all questions on the insurance application forms honestly. If you do not truthfully answer questions about your occupation, state of health, smoking habit, etc. before the start of the policy, the policy may be invalidated by the insurer.

Suicide

One of the common ways in which a Life Insurance Policy becomes invalid is suicide. Life benefits may be excluded on death as a result of suicide in the first year or second year of the policy, or within one year or two years of the policy being reinstated. This is to prevent people who are contemplating suicide from taking out a policy for the benefit of their family.

Non-payment

If you stop paying your premiums, the cover will end.

No death

If the policyholder does not die within the policy term, no payment is made.

Dangerous activities

Some policies may have a “dangerous-activities” clause, under which the insurer will not make a payment if the policyholder dies while taking part in certain dangerous activities, such as rock-climbing or adventure sports. This clause may be removed, but a higher premium is charged if the policyholder wants to take part in such activities.Other exclusion clauses may be added by individual insurers. The above exclusions are not exhaustive. It is important to study the terms and conditions of the Life Insurance Policy carefully before purchase.