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 Type | Free Look Period |
|---|---|
| Standard Life Policy | 10 days |
| Annuities | 10 days |
| Long-Term Care | 30 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 Frequency | Grace Period |
|---|---|
| Annual/Semi-Annual | 31 days |
| Quarterly | 31 days |
| Monthly | 31 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:
| Provision | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Grace Period | Minimum 31 days |
| Incontestability | 2 years |
| Entire Contract | Policy and application |
| Misstatement of Age | Adjustment provision |
| Reinstatement | Within specified period |
Test Your Knowledge
How long is the free look period for a standard life insurance policy in Wyoming?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Which agency regulates insurance in Wyoming?
A
B
C
D