What is an exclusion on a protection policy?
An exclusion is something the policy specifically will not pay for. Some apply to everyone, such as self-inflicted injury in the early years of a life policy. Others are personal, added because of your medical history, job or hobbies. Exclusions are listed in your policy documents, and any personal ones should have been explained when the policy started.
General exclusions
These are standard terms that apply to every policyholder, for example certain causes of death, or claims arising from war or criminal acts. They vary between insurers and products.
Personal exclusions
If you had a previous back problem, the insurer might exclude back-related claims on an income protection policy. If you take part in a dangerous sport, claims arising from it might be excluded. The rest of the policy still applies.
Can an exclusion be removed?
Sometimes. If the condition has fully resolved or you have stopped the activity, you can ask the insurer to review it. They may ask for medical evidence and will tell you whether the exclusion can be lifted.
This article is general information about UK protection insurance, not personalised financial advice. Policy terms vary between insurers and products, so always check your own policy documents.
Last updated 27 October 2026