Exclusion

An exclusion limits the scope of a policy by stating that certain causes or circumstances are not covered. Some exclusions are standard and apply to everyone, while others are personal, added during underwriting to reflect a specific part of your health or lifestyle.

For example, an insurer might offer cover but exclude claims relating to a pre-existing back condition or a particular hazardous activity. The rest of the cover remains in place, so the policy still pays valid claims for anything not excluded.

Any personal exclusions appear on your policy schedule, so it is important to read your documents carefully when cover starts. If an exclusion would leave an important gap, an adviser may be able to find an insurer that takes a different view.