14 January, 2021

Quora Answer: What Constitutes “Not of Sound Mind” Regarding Life Insurance?

The following is my answer to a Quora question: “What constitutes ‘not of sound mind’ regarding life insurance? 

You are referring to the Latin legal phrase, “non compos mentis”, which translates to “not of sound mind”, or “of unsound mind”.  This phrase originated in the 13th century as part of English common law to refer to people who were not born unsound, but were afflicted by loss of their full faculties by reason of insanity, or intoxication, or some other reason. 

Within the context of an insurance contract, this sets out the limits of coverage and claim, and varies according to the policy contract.  Mental conditions that impair the faculties, leading to self-harm and even suicide would classify the person non compos mentis.  An impairment brought about by any form of intoxication, whether by intent or through adverse reaction to legal substances, or even poisoning, deliberate or otherwise, would fall under this category.



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