Can I claim Income Protection for pregnancy-related complications?

Normal pregnancy and childbirth are excluded from all Income Protection policies in Australia - you cannot claim simply because you've taken maternity leave or are unable to work due to a normal, healthy pregnancy. However, pregnancy-related complications are typically covered if they meet the policy's disability definition. Covered complications might include: severe morning sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum), pregnancy-induced hypertension or pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes with serious complications, placenta complications requiring bed rest, premature labor requiring hospitalization, or serious complications following childbirth such as postpartum hemorrhage or severe infections. The key is that the condition must render you unable to perform your occupation according to the policy's disability definition, not just that you're pregnant or on maternity leave. You'll need substantial medical evidence from your obstetrician or treating specialists documenting the complication and why it prevents you from working. Some policies have specific pregnancy exclusions or limitations in addition to the standard exclusion of normal pregnancy, so review your policy carefully. If you develop a pregnancy complication, notify your insurer promptly and maintain detailed medical records. Mental health conditions related to pregnancy, such as severe postnatal depression, may be covered but will be subject to the policy's mental health limitations (typically 2 years maximum benefit). It's also worth noting that if you purchase Income Protection while pregnant, pre-existing condition exclusions may apply to pregnancy-related claims.