Specific conditions listed in an insurance policy for which the insurance company will not pay.
Specific hazards, perils or conditions listed in an insurance or medical care coverage policy for which the policy will not provide benefit payments. Common exclusions may include preexisting conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension or a pregnancy which began before the policy was in effect. Because of such exclusions, persons who have a serious condition or disease are often unable to secure insurance coverage, either for the particular disease or in general. Sometimes excluded conditions are excluded only for a defined period after coverage begins, such as nine months for pregnancy or one year for all exclusions. Exclusions are often permanent in individual health insurance, temporary (e.g., one year) for small groups in group insurance, and uncommon for large groups capable of absorbing the extra risk involved.