Key Takeaways

  • Wyoming requires a 10-day free look period for life insurance policies
  • Life insurance policies must include a 2-year incontestability clause
  • Suicide exclusion is limited to 2 years from policy issue date
  • Wyoming requires a 31-day grace period for premium payments
  • Wyoming Department of Insurance regulates insurance
Last updated: January 2026

Wyoming Life Insurance Policy Requirements

Wyoming law imposes specific requirements on life insurance policies sold in the state under Title 26 of the Wyoming Statutes. The Wyoming Department of Insurance oversees insurance regulation.

Free Look Period

Wyoming provides a free look period for life insurance:

Policy TypeFree Look Period
Standard Life Policy10 days
Annuities10 days
Long-Term Care30 days

During the free look period, the policyholder can:

  • Review the policy thoroughly
  • Return it for a full refund of premiums paid
  • No questions asked, no penalty

Incontestability Clause

Wyoming requires a 2-year incontestability clause in all life insurance policies:

  • After 2 years from issue, the insurer cannot contest the policy based on misstatements
  • Exceptions: Fraud, non-payment of premiums
  • If policy is reinstated, a new contestability period may apply
  • Protects beneficiaries from denied claims due to application errors

Suicide Clause

Wyoming limits the suicide exclusion:

  • Suicide exclusion cannot exceed 2 years from policy issue
  • After 2 years, death by suicide is covered
  • If policy is reinstated, new period may apply

Grace Period Requirements

Wyoming mandates grace periods for premium payments:

Premium FrequencyGrace Period
Annual/Semi-Annual31 days
Quarterly31 days
Monthly31 days

During the grace period:

  • Policy remains in full force
  • Death benefits are payable (minus unpaid premium)
  • Policy lapses at end of grace period if premium not paid

Beneficiary Protections

Wyoming has specific beneficiary protection laws:

Creditor Protection

Under Wyoming law:

  • Life insurance proceeds payable to a named beneficiary are protected from the insured's creditors
  • Cash surrender values have protection under certain circumstances
  • Proceeds payable to the estate are subject to creditor claims

Beneficiary Designation

  • Policyowner has the right to change beneficiary unless irrevocably designated
  • Changes must be made in writing
  • Change is effective when received by the insurer

Required Policy Provisions

Under Wyoming law, life insurance policies must include:

ProvisionRequirement
Grace PeriodMinimum 31 days
Incontestability2 years
Entire ContractPolicy and application
Misstatement of AgeAdjustment provision
ReinstatementWithin specified period
Test Your Knowledge

How long is the free look period for a standard life insurance policy in Wyoming?

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Test Your Knowledge

Which agency regulates insurance in Wyoming?

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