It depends on how long a policy has been in place. In general, if a policy has been in place for less than two years, insurers WILL NOT pay for a death by suicide, and will only return paid premiums.
If a policy has been in place for at least two years, insurers will typically treat suicide cases like any other death and WILL pay the death claim.
It is important to know that insurers investigate most claims and will try to determine if misrepresentations were made when getting the policy. For example, if a policyholder had a history of depression or mental instability and did not reported it, the insurer may decide not to pay the claim.