[Evaluation of suicide in legal accident insurance and private insurance]

The thesis, that suicides are chiefly understood to be terminal stage developments and indemnified through compliance with prerequisites of the insurance law norm, is critically explained with regard to the scientific-theoretical evolution. Recent interdisciplinary investigations (epidemiology, statistics, sociology, psychology, psychiatry) as well as the changing approach of a large section of the population towards suicidal behaviour (self-determination and the responsibility of the individual, human dignity, breaking away from handed down moral judgements) show that the estimation held with cogency in many quarters with respect to suicide as being a reliable symptom of a disease, cannot be maintained. This result is further supported by the record number of individuals, within the sphere of the private insurance, finding themselves in financial and political "marginal situations" (class and social problems, material safeguard for families and the like) and committing suicide after reasonably pondering their dilemma; a condition which in many aspects comes close to "balance suicide". From an insurance medical angle the relevant statutory provisions and the supreme court jurisdiction of the last years are put forward to the medical experts with the requirements derived hereunder.