What are the Waiting Periods in Health Insurance and its Types?

Health insurance has become increasingly important as stress and lifestyle-related illnesses continue to rise. It provides access to quality medical care while protecting individuals from financial strain due to unexpected healthcare expenses. However, before choosing a health insurance policy, it is essential to understand its key aspects, including the waiting period. The waiting period in health insurance refers to the initial timeframe during which policyholders cannot access certain benefits. The duration of this period varies depending on the specific plan, policy terms, and type of insurance coverage.

What is waiting period in health insurance?

A waiting period is the duration that you must wait after purchasing your health insurance plan before you can claim certain benefits. It is a period that an insurance company demands before offering full coverage. During this period, the insurance company does not pay for certain treatments or illnesses. You will have to wait for the waiting period to end before you can claim coverage for it.

What is survival period in health insurance?

Another concept that people often confuse with waiting period in health insurance is the survival period. The survival period is the minimum period that the insured must live after the diagnosis of specific medical conditions. This especially applies for critical illnesses. The insurer pays the sum insured in the policy only after the survival period gets over.

Different types of waiting period in health insurance

Here are different types of waiting period applied to health insurance:

Initial waiting period

When you purchase health insurance, there is an initial waiting period that lasts up to 30 days. During this period, the insurer will not compensate for any claims made by the policyholder. You can make the claims after completing the initial waiting period.

Waiting period for Pre-existing Diseases (PED)

Pre-existing diseases are diseases that you may have before buying health insurance. These include asthma, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, etc. It is important to disclose pre-existing diseases to the insurer when purchasing the plan. The insurance companies generally impose a waiting period of 2-4 years for specific diseases. The insurers start covering the medical expenses incurred for treatments of pre-existing diseases only after the waiting period gets over.

Waiting periods for specific ailments or procedures

Waiting periods also exist for specific illnesses or procedures, such as cataract surgery, bariatric surgery, or hernia, and work similarly. The waiting period for such treatments can vary from one insurance company to another. You should read the policy documents, and the terms and conditions stated on them carefully.

Waiting period for maternity benefit

Most health insurance plans have a waiting period of 9 months to 2 years for maternity benefits. Maternity insurance includes prenatal care, delivery and postnatal care, and other related expenses. You can claim coverage for these benefits only after serving the specified waiting period on the policy.

Waiting period for accidental hospitalisation

The waiting period for accidental hospitalisation in health insurance is generally brief, typically ranging from 24 to 48 hours. This enables policyholders to access coverage for accidental injuries shortly after obtaining the policy, ensuring timely financial support during medical emergencies.

Waiting period for health check-ups

Health insurance policies often include a waiting period before covering routine health check-ups, usually between 30 and 90 days. This period allows insurers to evaluate the insured’s health status and pre-existing conditions, ensuring fair and accurate coverage.

Covid-19 waiting period

Health insurance policies typically include a waiting period for Covid-19 coverage, usually ranging from 15 to 30 days. During this period, policyholders cannot make claims related to Covid-19 treatment. This measure helps insurers manage risks while ensuring fair coverage for policyholders.

Health conditions and their waiting periods

Different health conditions have varying waiting periods before coverage becomes applicable. Pre-existing diseases often have a waiting period of 2 to 4 years, while specific treatments, such as maternity benefits or certain surgeries, may have a waiting period ranging from a few months to a few years.

Here’s a quick look at the types of waiting period and its duration.