There are only two possible outcomes for the term life insurance claim: the insurer either pays the claim in full or denies the claim in its entirety. As long as the cause of death is not excluded from the life policy, most insurers pay out the full proceeds at the death of the insured. Assuming that no further exclusions apply, the only reason that insurers might deny a claim is when the policyholder commits suicide shortly (typically within 1 year) after the policy is in force. In fact, suicide is a common exclusion. But each insurer follows a different set of standards and definitions.  To get a better grasp of your insurance policy, read it with care.