Can Death Row Inmates Get Life Insurance? 
No . Insurance companies typically will not issue a life insurance policy to anyone who is incarcerated at the time of the application . Please note , some may think that a `` guaranteed issue '' policy could be issued , however , these types of policies are cited as guaranteed issue in reference to a person 's medical history not being a factor in the underwriting process . Guaranteed issue policies also featurea 2 or 3 year `` graded '' period on the policy . A graded period means if death occurs in the first two years of the policy , then the carrier returns the premiums paid into the policy -LRB- unless death occurs under accidental means , then the full face amount is paid out -RRB- . If death occurs after the graded period has expired , then the full death benefit is paid out . 