Life insurance claims process with Direct Cover

Losing a loved one is never easy, and the thought of having to deal with making a life insurance claim can be stressful at an already difficult time.  

In this guide, we’ll take you through each step of the process and answer your questions, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.

How do I start the process? 

To start the process, the first thing you’ll need to do is contact your life insurance provider as soon as possible. You can do this through email, phone, or through their website. 

When you reach out, let them know that you want to make a life insurance claim. Our claims team have been specially trained to handle all claims with care, so you can trust you'll be in good hands. They’ll guide you through the next steps, provide any forms you need, and explain what documents you’ll need to submit.

What are the steps involved? 

Different insurance companies may have different approaches, but once you’ve contacted the life insurance provider, a typical claim process involves: 

1. Gathering relevant documents 
2. Submitting the claim 
3. The insurer will review the documents and may contact you for more information 
4. The insurer will verify the claim and, if valid, will approve the claim 
5. The benefit will be paid out

What documents do I need to provide? 

It’s important to have all the necessary paperwork ready to make the process as easy as possible.  

Your insurer may look for any of the following: 

• Death certificate (mandatory) 
• Policy details or proof of coverage 
• Medical records (if required) – your insurer will usually request them directly from the relevant doctor or hospital with permission from the beneficiary or next of kin 
• Identification documents of the beneficiary and claimant 
• Bank details of the beneficiary/estate 

How long after death can life insurance be claimed? 

There’s no required waiting period to make a life insurance claim. You can usually claim life insurance any time after the policyholder’s death, once you have the relevant paperwork in place. To speed up the process, it’s best to get in touch with the life insurance provider as soon as possible.

How long does the entire process take? 

There’s no one answer to this, and the time it takes to process a life insurance claim depends on a few things: 

• If you’ve provided all the necessary documentation to your insurer 
• The type of life insurance policy and the cause of death – some claims might need extra verification 
• Disputes among multiple beneficiaries can delay the claim being paid out 

You can expect the process to take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months. Insurers usually aim to make the entire experience as smooth and as fast as possible, especially when the payout is needed to cover funeral expenses.  

One of the best ways to help speed up the claims process is to make sure your family knows about your policy, including where to find important documents like identification, policy details, and contact information for your insurer.  

Do I need to fill out any forms? 

Yes, most insurers will require you to fill out a life insurance claim form. This will ask for details like the deceased’s policy information, the date and cause of death, and the details of the beneficiary or beneficiaries. 

You’ll be able to submit this form online or by post. Filling it out accurately and quickly can help prevent any delays with your claim being approved. 

How is the benefit paid? 

Once the insurer approves the claim, the payout will be transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account.  

Most life insurance benefits are paid out to the beneficiary in a lump sum, making them ideal for paying outstanding bills, covering mortgage payments, or leaving a gift behind for your loved ones.  

Will I have it in time to pay funeral expenses? 

Funeral expenses often need to be paid quickly, and in many cases, a life insurance policy won’t be paid in time to cover these costs. This is because payouts can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to months to finalise. 

What many families do is choose to cover the initial funeral expenses themselves. They can then recoup these costs once the life insurance benefit is paid out. 

Starting the claims process as soon as possible, submitting documents promptly, and ensuring your family knows where to find your policy information can all help speed things up and reduce delays. 

Get in touch 

At Direct Cover, we aim to keep the claims process as simple and supportive as possible. Your loved ones can contact us after your passing, and we’ll guide them through every step.  

If you’re diagnosed with a terminal illness, you may also be able to make a claim yourself, giving you access to your benefit amount to help with medical costs or to support your everyday expenses while you focus on spending time with those who matter most.¹