If you're shopping for a life insurance policy you may be wondering what it is life insurance covers you for.

Actually, a life insurance policy pays out a death benefit to your beneficiary upon your death, subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions stated in your life insurance contract.

A covered cause of death may include natural causes, accidents and suicide, if the suicide occurs after the suicide exclusion period - usually 2 years, but one year in some states.

Learn more about what life insurance covers you for.