Who is responsible for covering the costs of an autopsy when it is ordered by an insurer?

The correct answer is that the insurer is responsible for covering the costs of an autopsy when it is ordered by them. This often occurs when an insurer requires an autopsy to verify the cause of death, especially in relation to a claim for life insurance benefits. The insurer has a vested interest in ensuring that all claims are legitimate, and ordering an autopsy can be part of their due diligence process.

In many insurance policies, there are provisions that allow the insurer to request additional investigations, including autopsies, to help determine the conditions under which a policyholder passed away. The costs associated with these ordered autopsies typically fall under the insurer’s financial responsibilities, especially if it's for the purpose of processing a claim.

The other options do not align with the standard practices governing autopsies ordered in insurance contexts. For instance, while the family might have other responsibilities regarding burials or funeral costs, they wouldn't typically be liable for an autopsy ordered by the insurance company. Similarly, government involvement in funding personal autopsies is not customary, and third-party insurers would typically not be involved unless they have a specific stake in the case, making those options less relevant.