Aviva Life Insurance: Suicide Payouts And Their Conditions

Life insurance is a sensitive topic, and suicide is an incredibly difficult subject to discuss. However, it is a valid question that many people don't usually think to ask. Aviva is there for its customers when it matters most, and paying claims is fundamental to that. In 2023, Aviva paid out over £1.1 billion in protection claims, including life insurance, critical illness insurance, and income protection. While the reasons for a claim being declined include misrepresentation, definition not met, and other policy conditions, Aviva's website does not explicitly state whether life insurance pays out in the case of suicide. However, it does mention that a life insurance policy must be in force for 12 months before accepting a death claim for suicide or intentional self-inflicted injury.

Aviva's suicide exclusion period

It's important to note that Aviva's policies ask questions about mental health during the application process. If you have a mental health condition, it's best to speak to a mental health life insurance expert to find the right provider for your needs.

Additionally, it's crucial to be honest and disclose all relevant health information when applying for life insurance. Non-disclosure can result in a claim being denied.

Aviva's mental health support

Aviva recognises the importance of mental health support and has a dedicated mental health pathway to provide tailored support to its clients' employees. This pathway offers an extensive range of cover to ensure access to quality talking therapy and counselling. Aviva has partnered with trusted providers who meet their quality of care standards, and employees can easily access the support they need by calling the Aviva claims team.

The mental health pathway is designed to help prevent absenteeism, improve recovery rates, and increase successful returns to work. One of its key benefits is rapid access to treatment, allowing employees to seek support at the first signs of emotional distress. Employees can self-refer and don't need to wait to see their GP, as they can be directly connected to Aviva's third-party clinical provider for assessment and required treatment. The treatment options include talking therapies, counselling, and psychiatry, accessible via online modules, phone or video consultation, or clinic-based face-to-face therapy.

Aviva's mental health pathway also includes dedicated account management and a simple claims process. Employees only need to contact Aviva once, as the third-party provider takes care of everything else. The claims team includes dedicated case managers trained in mental health first aid, providing a single point of contact throughout the process. These case managers work closely with Aviva's in-house rehabilitation team, which comprises clinical experts in mental health support, including counsellors, psychologists, and psychiatric nurses.

Additionally, Aviva helps employees maximise their benefits by guiding them through the mental health support available through the Group Income Protection policy or other products they may hold. Aviva also connects employees with suitable organisations or charities that can provide additional support.

Aviva's mental health pathway has proven effective in helping employees remain at work or significantly improving their return-to-work outcomes. For example, Brian, a claims executive featured in Aviva's case study, successfully returned to his full-time role with improved mood and motivation after receiving tailored support through the mental health pathway.

Aviva's DigiCare+ app

The DigiCare+ app provides an annual health check to help identify potential health risks. This includes a test for 20 different health markers, such as diabetes, liver, kidney, bone, gout, proteins, and cholesterol. In addition, the app offers nutritional support, with advice on improving eating habits and up to six sessions a year with a nutritionist.

The app also provides 24/7 access to the Bupa Anytime HealthLine, where users can speak to a nurse by phone at any time. Mental health support is available through qualified therapists, with six sessions that can be shared between the policyholder, their partner, and children aged 16-18 or up to 21 if in full-time education.

Other benefits of the app include a second medical opinion service, bereavement support, physiotherapy consultations (for Aviva Income Protection+ policyholders), and digital GP consultations (for an additional cost).

It is important to note that the benefits of the DigiCare+ app are non-contractual and do not form part of the user's insurance cover. Aviva can change or remove these benefits at any time. While the app provides valuable health and wellbeing support, the main reason for taking out a policy with Aviva should be for the financial protection it offers.

Aviva's critical illness cover

Here's what you need to know about Aviva's critical illness cover:

Payout and Coverage

Children's Critical Illness Cover

Policy Length and Cost

The length of the critical illness cover policy can range from five to fifty years, up to the age of 75. The cost of the policy depends on factors such as the desired policy length, the desired cover amount, and the policyholder's medical history. According to figures from June 2024, Aviva's critical illness cover typically costs under £19 per month.

Additional Benefits

Eligibility

To be eligible for Aviva's Critical Illness cover, individuals must be aged between 18 and 64 and be permanent UK residents. Aviva will also consider the policyholder's medical history during the application process.

Comparison with Life Insurance and Terminal Illness Cover

Critical illness cover differs from life insurance as it provides financial support during the policyholder's lifetime if they are diagnosed with a specific condition. On the other hand, life insurance typically pays out only if the policyholder passes away during the term of the policy. Critical illness cover also differs from terminal illness cover as it does not require a terminal diagnosis to make a claim. With critical illness cover, policyholders can claim if they are diagnosed with any of the 52 covered conditions, whereas terminal illness cover requires confirmation from a doctor that the policyholder has an incurable illness and less than 12 months to live.

Aviva's income protection insurance

The income protection insurance offered by Aviva is flexible and long-term, allowing individuals to choose a policy duration of 5 to 52 years or until they reach 71 years of age. It provides essential financial support to help cover bills, mortgage or rent payments, and other living expenses during challenging times. The policy also includes additional benefits and support services, such as access to the Aviva DigiCare+ app, which connects users to services that aid in preventing, detecting, and managing health issues.

In 2023, Aviva paid out on 3,901 income protection claims, totalling more than £53 million. This demonstrates their commitment to supporting their customers when they need it most.

Aviva also offers Group Income Protection Insurance, which is designed to support businesses in providing financial support and rehabilitation services to their employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury. This policy helps businesses manage long-term absences and provides tailored rehabilitation plans and early intervention support.

Frequently asked questions