What are "exclusions" in health insurance policies?

In health insurance policies, exclusions refer to specific conditions, treatments, or services that are not covered by the insurance plan. This means that if a policyholder requires care related to an excluded item, they will be responsible for the full cost of that care since it is not included under the terms of their policy. Understanding exclusions is crucial for individuals when selecting a health insurance plan, as it helps them know what medical expenses they may have to pay out of pocket.

While options like benefits included in a plan or additional benefits from riders pertain to coverage, they do not define exclusions. Similarly, medical services requiring prior authorization relate to approval processes rather than exclusions, which specifically highlight what is omitted from coverage. Recognizing exclusions helps policyholders avoid unexpected costs related to uncovered medical expenses.