Health

What a 'waiting period' in health insurance means

Some claims aren't paid in the first months or years of a policy. Here's how to read that clause.

What a 'waiting period' in health insurance means

Photo: Unsplash · Unsplash License

Most health insurance policies don't cover everything from day one. The waiting period is the time before certain claims are paid.

The initial waiting period

Many policies don't pay for illnesses that start in the first weeks, though accidents are usually covered straight away.

Specific illnesses

Some planned treatments, such as certain surgeries, can have their own longer waiting periods.

Pre-existing conditions

Conditions you already had when you bought the policy often have the longest wait. Declare them honestly.

Read the schedule

The policy wording lists every waiting period. General information only, not advice for your situation.

Share this story
Sources and corrections. This article draws on the sources listed here. Spotted a mistake? and we will correct it.
  1. 1 Sample source: background reference Reference
  2. 2 Sample source: official or primary document Reference
  3. 3 Sample source: explainer from another publisher (facts only) Reference