Life insurance claims can be denied if the insured underwent experimental medical treatments—such as gene therapy, stem cell therapy, immunotherapy, or off-label drug use—especially when those treatments were not disclosed on the application or contributed to the cause of death.
How Experimental Treatments Affect Life Insurance Claims
The documentary Don’t Die on Netflix highlights Bryan Johnson’s use of experimental anti-aging treatments, including overseas gene therapy. While these interventions may be medically cutting-edge, they expose a real danger for insured individuals: treatments that fall outside of standard care guidelines can lead insurers to question eligibility for a payout—particularly if the policyholder died shortly after undergoing such procedures.
Life insurance policies are based on risk disclosures. When a person omits information about undergoing regenerative therapies, participating in clinical trials, or using experimental drugs, the insurer may argue that the policy was issued under false pretenses. This can trigger a denial, especially if death occurs during the contestability period —the two-year window during which insurers are allowed to investigate and rescind policies based on misstatements.
What Counts as Experimental or Non-Disclosed Medical Treatment?
Insurers often cite the following as problematic or non-covered medical activity:
Gene therapy or gene editing procedures (including CRISPR techniques)
Stem cell therapies not approved by the FDA or performed overseas
Immunotherapy treatments for cancer or autoimmune diseases
Participation in clinical trials
Off-label drug use where the medication is used for a non-approved purpose
Unapproved medical tourism or treatments conducted abroad
If a treatment is considered investigational, unapproved, or non-standard, it may fall under a policy exclusion—even if the insured believed it was their best hope of recovery.
Why Off-Label Drug Use Can Trigger Denials
Doctors frequently prescribe drugs off-label when they believe it serves the patient’s best interest. However, insurers may dispute the safety or approval status of that treatment—especially if the drug was linked to complications. If the insured failed to disclose that off-label use during the application process, insurers may allege misrepresentation or concealment, voiding the policy.
What If the Treatment Didn’t Directly Cause the Death?
Unfortunately, even if the experimental therapy wasn’t the direct cause of death, insurers may still deny the claim on the basis of non-disclosure. For example, if someone underwent unreported stem cell therapy months earlier but died of unrelated organ failure, the insurer might still argue that the omission justifies rescission. In these situations, intent doesn't matter—only whether the insurer can claim they would have acted differently had they known.
Stem Cell Therapy and Life Insurance Exclusions
Stem cell therapy is often positioned at the boundary of innovation and controversy. Some procedures are FDA-approved, while others are not. Insurers may challenge whether the therapy was standard, especially if it was done internationally or resulted in complications such as infection or immune system failure. Beneficiaries are often blindsided by these exclusions after the insured has passed away.
Why Legal Help Is Critical in These Denied Claims
Insurers rely on complex medical terminology, vague exclusion clauses, and the insured's inability to clarify their intentions. These cases are rarely straightforward, and the burden to disprove the denial usually falls on the grieving family. This makes it critical to work with an attorney experienced in challenging life insurance denials based on experimental or undisclosed medical treatments.
Our law firm has helped families fight back when insurers try to avoid payment using questionable interpretations of policy exclusions or vague contestability accusations. Whether your loved one underwent stem cell therapy, traveled overseas for treatment, or used off-label medications, you may still have a valid claim. If you need a Wisconsin life insurance lawyer we can help.
FAQ: Life Insurance Claim Denials Involving Experimental Treatments
Can a life insurance company deny a claim because the insured used an experimental treatment?
Yes, insurers can deny a claim if the death was related to an experimental treatment—especially if it wasn’t disclosed or if the policy includes exclusions for unapproved therapies.
What counts as an “experimental” treatment?
Treatments that aren’t FDA-approved, are part of clinical trials, or are not considered standard medical care—such as gene editing, regenerative medicine, and stem cell therapy—may be classified as experimental.
Is off-label drug use considered experimental by insurers?
Often, yes. Even though off-label prescribing is legal, insurers may argue that it represents an unapproved or higher-risk treatment and deny claims linked to its use.
Do life insurance policies include exclusions for experimental procedures?
Many modern life insurance policies now include clauses that exclude coverage for deaths caused by or related to unapproved or investigational treatments. The wording varies, so legal interpretation is critical.
What if the insured traveled abroad for treatment and died there?
If the death resulted from a treatment administered in a foreign country, especially one not regulated like in the U.S., insurers may claim that it falls under an excluded risk.
Does it matter if the experimental treatment didn’t cause the death?
Yes, but only to a point. If the insurer believes the treatment contributed to the death or was omitted from the application, they may still deny the claim based on misrepresentation.
Can the contestability period affect claims involving experimental treatments?
Absolutely. During the contestability period (typically two years), insurers can scrutinize the medical history and deny claims for any undisclosed treatment—even if unrelated to the cause of death.
Are immunotherapy and gene therapy risks for life insurance claims?
They can be. These treatments are increasingly used but are still emerging fields. If complications arise or the treatments aren’t disclosed, the insurer might deny the claim.
Can you fight a denial related to experimental treatments?
Yes, with the help of a life insurance attorney. Many denials can be reversed, especially if the insurer failed to properly define exclusions or didn’t meet their burden of proof.
What should beneficiaries do if a claim is denied for medical reasons?
They should consult a life insurance lawyer immediately. An attorney can challenge vague policy language, dispute causation claims, and fight for rightful payout.