Under what circumstance does an accident and health insurer have the right to request an autopsy?

• A. When not prohibited by state law
• B. When the insured consents
• C. When the policy is denied
• D. When the policy is issued

Answer: (A)

The key point is that an insurer’s right to request an autopsy is governed by state law and exists only when the law does not prohibit it. Laws vary by state, and if a state statute or regulation forbids autopsies in such cases, the insurer cannot request one. While consent from the deceased, family, or policyholder can come into play in practice, it isn’t the legal basis for the right itself. The fact whether a policy is issued or denied doesn’t create or remove this right; the determining factor is whether the state allows autopsies in these situations.