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@article{181826,
        author = {Swathi G},
        title = {A Comprehensive Study Of Suicide Clause In Life Insurance Policy In India, USA And UK},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {1},
        pages = {5666-5679},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=181826},
        abstract = {This comprehensive study examines suicide clauses in life insurance policies across three major jurisdictions, highlighting their legal frameworks, societal implications, and the urgent need for reform. With global suicide rates rising—exacerbated by mental health crises and economic instability—understanding how these clauses impact both beneficiaries and insurers has become increasingly critical.
Our research identifies significant gaps in existing literature regarding the treatment of suicide within life insurance contracts and explores the moral hazards associated with exclusion periods. Through comparative analysis, we demonstrate that while India implemented progressive reforms in 2014 by mandating partial payouts after a 12-month exclusion period, similar protections remain inconsistent across the USA and UK markets.
Employing a mixed-methods approach including doctrinal analysis of statutes and case law, alongside qualitative interviews with stakeholders, we assess the real-world implications of these clauses. Key findings indicate that while longer exclusion periods may reduce fraudulent claims, they disproportionately burden vulnerable families during times of crisis.
This study proposes actionable recommendations for harmonizing suicide clauses across jurisdictions, integrating mental health considerations into policy design, and enhancing support systems for beneficiaries. Ultimately, our research aims to contribute to a more equitable insurance landscape that balances risk management with social responsibility, encouraging policymakers to reevaluate existing frameworks within the context of contemporary mental health discourse.},
        keywords = {Felo de se, insurance law, life insurance, suicide clause.},
        month = {June},
        }