When it comes to estate planning, it's important to understand the implications of a life insurance policy. In general, a life insurance policy is not considered part of an estate unless the policyholder has specifically designated their estate as the beneficiary. Instead, the proceeds of the life insurance policy typically go directly to the named beneficiaries, bypassing the probate process and the estate altogether. This can have significant implications for inheritance and estate distribution. It's important to review and update beneficiary designations regularly to ensure that the intended beneficiaries receive the policy proceeds. Additionally, consulting with a qualified estate planning attorney or financial advisor can provide personalized guidance on how life insurance fits into an individual's overall estate plan.