Category: Exclusions
Normal and uncomplicated pregnancy and childbirth are excluded from Income Protection across all 9 panel insurers, but complications of pregnancy or childbirth that meet the disability definition are claimable. Some insurers further define what does not count as a complication.
The distinction between normal pregnancy and pregnancy complications is the key concept. Maternity leave alone, without complications, is not a claim.
All 9 panel PDSs list 'normal and uncomplicated pregnancy, miscarriage, or childbirth' in the IP exclusions:
NEOS Protection's PDS is unusually explicit:
Other panel insurers apply similar logic without listing the exclusions as explicitly.
Where a pregnancy-related condition meets the policy's disability definition (you cannot perform the duties of your occupation), it can typically be claimed under IP. Common examples include:
Specific events may also trigger separate trauma-cover benefits depending on the policy. TAL includes Eclampsia of Pregnancy, Ectopic Pregnancy (fallopian tube), and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (pregnancy related) under Female Critical Illness Events (TAL PDS). Encompass includes a 'Specified Complications of Pregnancy' Event. Acenda includes a Pregnancy Complications Benefit. Futura covers a Pregnancy Complications Event.
OnePath OneCare adds an unusual provision (PDS): if the life insured is significantly disabled for more than three months from the date the pregnancy ends, and continues to be significantly disabled, OnePath pays benefits from the end of that three-month period. This effectively means OnePath does cover serious post-pregnancy disability beyond the standard exclusion window.
Postnatal depression and severe postnatal anxiety are mental illnesses and are covered under the same rules as other mental health conditions. See the FAQ on mental health for details on benefit-period caps that some insurers apply.
If you apply for IP while pregnant, the insurer may apply a temporary personal exclusion covering pregnancy-related claims, or may decline cover until after the pregnancy concludes. This is an underwriting matter and varies by insurer. Compare across panel insurers.
General advice only. Pregnancy complications are individually assessed against your policy's definition of disability and the current PDS exclusions.
Get indicative income protection quotes from leading Australian insurers
More about income protection