Exclusions
Exclusions as they apply to insurance are specific conditions and terms that the policy does not cover. There are always exclusions in an UK insurance policy. No policy can cover every possible event that might arise so insurers put insurance exclusions into a policy to limit their exposure to the risks being run so that they can measure and quantify the risks they are accepting.
For example a health insurance policy could provide a temporary income if an injury is sustained. But if that injury was received whilst under the influence of alcohol the insurers may refuse the claim as the policy excludes injuries suffered as a result of drinking or drug abuse. When the consumer agrees to a insurers product they enter into a legally binding contract with the insurer where the consumer agrees to the exclusions and any terms and conditions of the insurance policy irrespective of any blame.
Exclusions Example - UK Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is one of the most easy insurances to justify, if vacationing or working in foreign climes and beset by some difficulty how are the costs of unexpected travel, medical costs, etc, going to be paid. Insurers offer online a variety of policies to cover everything from a weekend away to twelve months backpacking around Europe.
However even travel insurance policies have exclusions, usually to protect the insurer against claims that arise from events that they could not control or possibly be responsible for.
Some general exclusions for travel insurance policies include,
Claims arising from or resulting from medical conditions which were known previous to the insurance being purchased.
Including travelling against medical advice, travelling to receive medical treatment, being on a list awaiting treatment or having been given a terminal diagnosis.
Any claim which arises out of the use of military power or the usurpation of a government.
Includes wars, invasions, insurrections, revolutions or terrorist acts.
Claims from the use of military or police force to intercept or prevent terrorist or criminal acts.
Includes loss or damage to property or self, caused by any public or local authority in pursuit of their mandate.
There could be several pages of exclusions for the travel insurance policy and travellers should ensure they are protected before taking part in any activity.
Insurance Information
Before setting off, always speak to the insurer or check their web site and make sure of cover for the intended destination, and check the small print for the exceptions. Customers should be aware of any general exceptions for their policy prior to leaving and should take care not to partake in any activities that might invalidate their travel insurance while away. Customers should also be aware of the claims procedure and the amounts of any excess.