Which item is commonly excluded from life insurance policies?

• A. Suicide within the contestability period
• B. Disability income benefits
• C. Death due to accidental causes
• D. Inflation rider

Answer: (B)

Disability income benefits are not part of a standard life insurance contract because life insurance is meant to pay a death benefit to beneficiaries, not to replace the insured’s earned income during a disability. Disability coverage is provided by separate disability income insurance, or at most a rider like a waiver of premium that keeps the policy in force if the insured becomes disabled; it won’t deliver ongoing monthly income. That separation is why disability income benefits are commonly excluded from life policies.

The other items aren’t considered exclusions in the same way. Suicide within the contestability period is an exception in many policies, limited to returning premiums or paying a reduced amount if that occurs early on. Death from accidental causes can be covered, often with an accidental death rider, but isn’t a general exclusion. Inflation riders are optional features you can add to increase the benefit; they aren’t exclusions.