What does “any cause” death benefit mean in international life insurance?
An “any cause” death benefit means the sum assured is payable on the death of the life assured regardless of how that death occurs. Whether death results from illness, accident, or natural causes, the claim is assessed on whether you died during the policy term, not on the nature or circumstances of your death.
What the “any cause” benefit means for expats
For people living overseas, an any cause death benefit means your family does not need to establish a specific type or cause of death in order to make a valid claim. It provides a clear and straightforward basis for the policy to pay out, which is particularly relevant given the range of environments, occupations, and activities that form part of expat life.
Death benefit exclusions
A small number of specific exclusions apply. The death benefit will not be paid where death results directly or indirectly from:
- Active participation in any war, civil war, insurrection, riot, terrorist act, mutiny, piracy, or other acts of violence originating from political or civil unrest
- Breach of any criminal law by the policyholder or the life assured
- Travel in any aircraft other than as a fare-paying passenger on a commercially licensed passenger aircraft, or descent from any aircraft in flight
- Suicide within the first two years of the policy start date, or the date of reinstatement of a lapsed policy – in this circumstance, premiums paid from the start date are refunded rather than the full sum assured being paid
Outside of these circumstances, the death benefit is payable on death from any cause during the policy term.
Accurate disclosure at application
All international life insurance policies require honest and complete disclosure at the point of application. Any fraud, concealment, or deliberate misstatement of fact can render the policy null and void. Completing your life insurance application accurately ensures a claim is valid when it is needed.
Expatriate Group international life insurance provides any cause death benefit cover with clearly defined terms, so your family knows exactly where they stand.
