When a death occurs overseas, insurers often claim they need additional time to investigate the circumstances. In practice, this frequently turns into prolonged delay or outright denial. Common insurer justifications include difficulty verifying foreign records, uncertainty about the cause of death, or alleged violations of travel related policy provisions.
These justifications are often exaggerated or unsupported by the policy language.
Common Grounds Cited for Foreign Death Denials
Insurance companies typically rely on one or more of the following arguments when denying claims involving deaths abroad:
Foreign Death Exclusions
Some policies contain narrow exclusions tied to specific activities, regions, or circumstances. Many policies do not exclude foreign travel at all. Insurers often misapply exclusions that do not actually exist in the contract.War, Terrorism, or Civil Unrest Clauses
Insurers may argue that a death occurred during war, terrorism, or civil disturbance. These exclusions are narrowly defined and frequently misused. Mere presence in a foreign country does not trigger these provisions.Lack of Acceptable Documentation
Insurers often reject foreign death certificates, autopsy reports, or police records even when they are valid under international standards. This is commonly used as a delay tactic rather than a legitimate basis for denial.Cause of Death Disputes
Insurers may claim the cause of death cannot be confirmed or was suspicious due to differences in foreign investigative practices. Lack of a United States style autopsy does not automatically invalidate a claim.Alleged Policy Violations Related to Travel
Some insurers assert that travel to certain countries voids coverage. Unless the policy explicitly states this, such arguments are often incorrect.
Foreign Death Does Not Void Coverage by Default
Most individual life insurance policies cover death anywhere in the world. There is no general rule allowing insurers to deny claims simply because the insured died outside the United States. Any denial must be tied to a specific, enforceable policy provision.
If the policy is silent on foreign travel, coverage typically remains intact.
Delays Are Common and Often Unreasonable
Foreign death claims are frequently subjected to extended investigations lasting months or longer. Insurers may repeatedly request duplicate records, demand certified translations, or claim that foreign authorities are uncooperative.
Unreasonable delay can constitute breach of contract or bad faith, even if the insurer claims it is still investigating.
Group Life Insurance and ERISA Considerations
When the policy is employer provided, foreign death claims may be governed by ERISA. ERISA cases have strict procedural rules and limited appeal rights. Insurers often deny these claims based on administrative technicalities rather than actual policy exclusions.
Failure to properly investigate or explain a foreign death denial can violate ERISA regulations.
What Beneficiaries Should Review After a Foreign Death Denial
If a claim is denied or delayed due to a death abroad, beneficiaries should immediately examine:
The exact policy language regarding foreign travel
Any exclusions tied to geography, war, or terrorism
The insurer’s stated reason for denial in writing
Whether the insurer accepted similar documentation for domestic claims
The length and justification for any investigation delay
Many denials collapse when the policy is read carefully.
These Denials Are Often Reversed
Foreign country death denials are frequently overturned through appeal or litigation. Insurers rely heavily on beneficiary confusion, unfamiliarity with international documentation, and emotional exhaustion.
When challenged, insurers are often unable to point to a valid exclusion that actually bars coverage.
Legal Help Is Critical in Foreign Death Claims
Deaths occurring overseas involve complex factual and legal issues, including international records, policy interpretation, and jurisdictional rules. Insurers take advantage of these complexities to avoid payment.
An experienced life insurance attorney can force the insurer to justify the denial under the actual contract terms and applicable law.
Denied After a Death Abroad? We Can Help.
If your loved one died outside the United States and the life insurance company has denied or delayed payment, do not assume the insurer is correct. Many of these denials are improper and legally unsupportable.
Our firm focuses exclusively on denied life insurance claims nationwide, including complex foreign death cases. We know how insurers misuse travel related arguments, and we know how to force payment. Contact us for a free case review before responding to the insurance company.