Suicide and Health Insurance: What is Covered and What Ain’t?

• Written by Nidhi Goyal

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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Suicide remains a significant national public health issue in India. In 2022, the country recorded 171,000 suicides, marking a 4.2% increase compared to 2021 and a 27% rise from 2018. Now, the question of death cover insurance has gained more relevance than ever. The suicide of a loved one brings a huge loss for the family. If the deceased had a health insurance plan, the family members might consider raising a claim to help with financial burdens. However, they may face challenges depending on the terms and conditions of the policy. 

 Unlike life insurance, which often provides specific suicide insurance benefits, health insurance policies can have strict exclusions. Most health insurance plans primarily cover medical treatments and hospitalisation but don’t typically offer death insurance for suicide. Understanding these details is crucial for policyholders, as it can determine whether a claim is supported or denied. So, is suicide covered by health insurance? Let’s explore what you need to know.

Why Health Insurance Doesn’t Cover Suicide: Legal and Policy Perspectives

Attempting suicide is decriminalised under the amendment of the Mental Healthcare Act 2017. People who attempt suicide need emotional and mental support and are entitled to receive appropriate care and treatment. However, health insurance companies count suicide as a permanent exclusion, as health insurance is designed primarily to cover unexpected medical expenses arising from accidents and illnesses. 

Insurers argue that covering such incidents could increase moral hazards and risks beyond their intended scope. Consequently, most health insurance policies in India exclude death insurance for suicide, aligning with both legal restrictions and the policy’s purpose of covering health-related expenses. Suicide can be considered a moral hazard, too. A health insurance company is not entitled to provide financial compensation in cases of self-harm. Suicide is a self-inflicted injury, so that is why is not covered by health insurance companies. 

What Happens to Your Health Insurance in Suicide-related Situations?

Consider this: Rohan, who has a health insurance policy, faces a crisis and attempts to take his own life. Here’s how his policy would handle three different scenarios, highlighting why suicides aren’t typically included in health plans:

In Case of Suicide Death

If Rohan’s attempt had been successful, his health insurance wouldn’t provide a death benefit. Health policies in India don’t offer coverage for suicide, as their primary purpose is to cover hospitalisation and medical treatment, not to provide financial benefits for death under death insurance.

In Case of Hospitalisation After Attempted Suicide

If Rohan survives and is hospitalised, he may expect coverage for medical bills. However, health insurers in India exclude claims related to self-harm, meaning that hospital expenses for treatment after a suicide attempt would have to be covered from his own pocket.

In Case of Disability from Self-Inflicted Injury

Suppose Rohan faces a lasting disability due to his attempt. Even then, his policy wouldn’t cover disability-related treatment expenses. Health insurance excludes claims for self-inflicted injuries, including permanent disabilities from attempted suicide.

These exclusions stress the importance of understanding suicide insurance clauses to avoid any surprises during a crisis. So, understanding your health insurance policy is essential to know what is and isn’t covered.

Finding Help in Times of Crises: Turn Darkness Into Light

If you're feeling overwhelmed by suicidal thoughts, taking the first step to seek help can be life-changing. Taking steps to reach out may feel challenging, but know that support is available. Here are some essential actions to consider:

Seek Support Without Any Guilt

Don’t feel ashamed of feeling this way. Take the first bold step and share it with someone. Talking to trusted friends, family, or a mental health professional can provide immediate emotional relief and reduce isolation. Talk about suicidal thoughts openly and calmly. You may find new perspectives on a situation and shift your mindset. 

Ask for Professional Therapies

Professional support from therapists or counsellors provides tools to cope with negativity and overwhelming situations and helps to find solutions. Many mental health professionals specialise in crisis intervention and can offer strategies to manage suicidal thoughts. The government has established a 24/7 helpline offering psychosocial support under the National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP). 

Medications and Meditation

Anti-suicidal medications for psychiatry help in managing negative thoughts and stabilise mood. These help to reduce the risk of suicidal thoughts significantly. Try cognitive behavioural therapy practices such as journalling deep breathing and trying medications.

Review Your Insurance for Mental Health Coverage

Though most of the health insurance policies don’t have suicide insurance, they include mental health services. Therapy, counselling, and hospitalisation for mental health crises may be covered, so reviewing your policy could open up resources to access help. With the 2017 Mental Healthcare Act, mental health coverage became a critical part of health insurance plans in India. Today, many policies include services like therapy, counselling, and even hospitalisation for mental health crises as preventive support. Although death insurance does not cover suicide-related claims, this mental health coverage aims to offer crucial assistance before a crisis occurs. Access to such mental health benefits can be life-changing, providing individuals with the resources to manage stress and improve emotional well-being proactively.

Knowing Your Coverage Makes All the Difference

In understanding the limitations of suicide within health policies, it’s clear that health insurance is primarily focused on covering medical treatments, not providing financial support for suicide-related incidents. However, the growing inclusion of mental health benefits offers a valuable safety net, helping individuals access support before a crisis. Reviewing your policy’s terms and seeking clarification on mental health coverage can be a proactive step toward ensuring you and your loved ones have the right support when it matters most.

Care Health Insurance doesn’t offer suicide insurance but offers a range of comprehensive plan options to help you in medical emergencies. However, the plans do not cover suicides and related claims. You may get coverage for psychiatrist consultation in the Care OPD add-on benefits. Know your policy in and out so you know what to expect from the coverage. 

Stay happy, stay strong!

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits