What are Long-Term Disability Exclusions?

Unfortunately, many long-term disability insurance policies have exclusions and limitations that may prevent you from collecting long-term disability benefits. If you read the fine print in your long-term disability policy, you will no doubt notice a provision entitled “exclusions”.   Anybody who owns or is considering purchasing it should be aware of its exclusions. What are some of the typical disability insurance exclusions found in long-term disability policies?

• Alcohol and Substance Abuse – many policies many policies do not have coverage for absenteeism because of substance abuse.
• Self Inflicted injuries or illness – if you have hurt yourself or caused yourself to be sick you may be declined long-term disability insurance.
• Medical or surgical care that is not necessary – if you “elect” surgical care that is not vital to receive, you can be denied long-term disability benefits.
• Committing or attempting to commit an assault – assault will more likely than not void will cause you to be declined benefits.
• Being involved in or committing a criminal act – will probably void coverage.