Natural Death

Updated: 11 May 2026

What Does Natural Death Mean?

Natural death is medically defined as death resulting from a disease or old age, rather than from external factors such as an accident or crime. If the deceased is insured, their beneficiary will receive a death benefit following the insured’s natural death. Older adults shopping for coverage often look at life insurance for seniors, since most claims at that age come from natural death.

Insuranceopedia Explains Natural Death

Natural deaths are covered by life insurance and are considered a common insurance risk. However, not every cause of death will result in a death benefit. For example, some life insurance policies do not pay out a death benefit if the insured takes their own life. Buyers can avoid surprises later by checking the exclusions list when comparing the best life insurance companies.