Specific conditions listed in an insurance or medical care policy that is not covered by benefit payments.
Common exclusions include pre-existing conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, or asthma, which began before the policy was in effect. Because of exclusions, persons who have a serious condition or disease are often unable to secure insurance coverage either for a particular disease or in general.
Sometimes conditions are excluded only for a defined period after coverage begins, such as nine months for pregnancy or one year for illnesses. Exclusions are often permanent in health insurance coverage for individuals and temporary (e.g. one year) for small group insurance.
