Term
Waiting Period
Waiting period is the time after buying a policy during which some illnesses are not covered yet.
What it means
Right after you buy a policy, certain conditions cannot be claimed for a set time. Illnesses you already have and some treatments like maternity or cataract usually have their own waiting periods — often 1 to 4 years. Claim during that window and the insurer can say no.
Why it matters
- A shorter waiting period means you can use the cover sooner, but it may cost a bit more.
- The wait is different for each illness and each insurer, so it is worth checking.
Practical tips
- If you already have a health condition, look for plans with a shorter wait for it.
- When you switch insurers, ask if your completed waiting period carries over.
- Buying early, while you are healthy, gets the waiting periods out of the way sooner.