Health Insurance Waiting Period Explained

Health Insurance Waiting Periods: What You Need to Know

The initial waiting period for most health insurance plans is typically 30 days. During this time, the provider does not accept any medical claims except for those related to accidents. The waiting period can vary depending on the specific type of illness.

Types of Waiting Periods 

Here are details about all the types of waiting periods: 

• Pre-existing Diseases Waiting Period : In your health insurance, any health problems that you already have, like diabetes or high blood pressure, are called pre-existing conditions. Most health insurance plans cover these conditions, but one has to wait 2 to 3 years before making a claim. 
• Waiting Periods for Certain Diseases/Procedures: Health policies usually require a waiting period of up to 3 years for certain conditions and procedures, such as hernias, osteoporosis, cataracts and more. You can only get coverage for medical expenses related to these conditions after the waiting period ends.
• Critical Illnesses Waiting Period: Most standard health insurance plans cover critical illnesses. However, there is a 90-day waiting period before this coverage starts. If you claim a critical illness during this waiting period, the insurer will deny it. To ensure you are eligible for coverage, wait until the waiting period is over before seeking treatment or filing any claims.
• Maternity Benefit Waiting Period: Health insurance policies provide maternity coverage and newborn baby protection. Maternal care facilities are available only after a waiting period ranging between 3 and 48 months.

Important Aspects to Consider Regarding the Waiting Period 

Following are certain aspects of the waiting period that one must consider: 

• If you are diagnosed with a new illness during the waiting period, it will not be considered a pre-existing condition. In this case, your policy will cover that illness. 
• Different health insurance plans for senior citizens eliminate waiting periods by including a co-payment clause. A co-payment means that policyholders must pay a certain percentage of the medical claim while the insurer pays the rest.

Waiting period is a crucial aspect to consider when it comes to health insurance. It is important to thoroughly review the policy's terms and conditions before purchasing a health insurance plan. Look for health insurance policies that have a short waiting period, allowing you to access coverage for specific illnesses more easily.

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