What medical conditions and circumstances are typically excluded from Income Protection?

Income Protection policies contain various exclusions that prevent you from claiming for certain conditions or circumstances. Standard exclusions typically include: intentional self-inflicted injuries, participation in criminal activities, injuries from war or civil unrest, normal pregnancy and childbirth (though complications may be covered), cosmetic surgery unless medically necessary, and injuries sustained while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Pre-existing conditions are handled differently - rather than being excluded entirely, they're usually subject to a 'pre-existing condition limitation' that prevents claims for conditions you had symptoms of, received treatment for, or should reasonably have been aware of before the policy started, typically for a period of 12-24 months. After this exclusion period, the condition may be covered if you've been symptom-free and treatment-free. Some policies may impose specific exclusions based on your medical history, such as excluding all back conditions if you've had previous back problems. Leisure activities like skiing, scuba diving, or aviation may be excluded or require additional premiums. Always read the Product Disclosure Statement carefully and disclose all medical conditions honestly during the application process, as non-disclosure can void your policy when you need it most.