If an insured commits suicide after six months of a life insurance policy, what happens to the death benefit?

In the context of life insurance policies, many insurance contracts contain a suicide clause. This clause typically states that if the insured commits suicide within the first two years of the policy, the insurer will not pay the death benefit, or they may only return the premiums paid. However, after that initial two-year period, the insurer is obligated to pay the full death benefit even if the death is by suicide.

In this scenario, since the insured committed suicide after six months of holding the life insurance policy, it is important to note that policies generally void benefits only within the initial contestable period related to suicide. Because the suicide occurred after the typical waiting period, the insurer would pay out the full amount of the death benefit.

As a result, the correct outcome is that the regular benefit amount is paid. This understanding aligns with standard practices in the insurance industry concerning the treatment of death benefits after the stipulated waiting period for suicide has expired.