Why Do Life Insurance Policies Lapse? 
Usually insurance policies lapse because premium is n't paid towards the policy . Without premium , the policy goes into `` lapse '' which depending on which state you reside in can last between 30 to 60 days . State insurance laws dictate the when a policy ends . You can be `` reinstated '' by paying the premiums due within that time period . If too much time passes you may have to reprove your good health to regain your policy . 