Final answer:
The insurance company is usually responsible for paying the cost of an autopsy or examination under an individual health insurance policy, according to the physical examination and autopsy provision.
Step-by-step explanation:
For individual health insurance policies, the cost of an autopsy or examination of an insured individual is generally the responsibility of the insurer, according to the physical examination and autopsy provision. This provision allows the insurance company to require an autopsy in the event of a claim, except where prohibited by law. The purpose of this is often to verify the cause of death or to gather more information relevant to the insurance claim.
Insurance plans include different types of cost-sharing mechanisms. A deductible is an initial amount the policyholder pays before the insurance kicks in. Thereafter, coverage might involve a co-payment, a fixed amount paid for a specific service, or co-insurance, where the policyholder and insurer share the costs at a certain rate, such as 80% by the insurer and 20% by the insured.
In summary, the insurance company typically covers the costs associated with an autopsy under the terms of the health insurance policy's physical examination and autopsy provision, with consideration to state laws and regulations.