Private disability insurance policies vary significantly from policy to policy, as do the coverage exclusions that apply to insureds.

Whether certain coverage exclusions apply to your policy—and the limitations imposed by those exclusions—is often heavily dependent on how “premium” the disability insurance policy is. More expensive policies tend to feature fewer limitations and more generous benefits.

Despite these variations, there are certain exclusions more commonly encountered than others in the long-term disability insurance. These include, but are not necessarily limited, to exclusions that disqualify coverage to those who have been: 

• Disabled through intentional or self-inflicted injuries 

• Disabled pursuant to military service 

• Disabled in an “extreme” and “risky” scenario, as defined by the insurance policy (e.g., skydiving, bungee jumping) 

• Disabled during the commission of a criminal offense 

• Disabled due to some specific condition (the insurance policy may define a range of conditions that will not qualify) 

• Disabled due to a mental health condition (though most disability insurance policies simply limit the time period of eligibility for such conditions) 

Related Article: How to Talk to Insurance Claims Adjusters About Your Long-Term Disability Case