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There are many types of waiting periods in health insurance, If you do not pay attention while buying, then you may have to bear the loss
Siddhi Jain | May 21, 2025 4:15 PM CST

Health insurance is not only a companion in your difficult times, but also a security cover for your savings. But while buying health insurance, it is very important to pay attention to its waiting period. Ignoring it can prove to be costly. Know how many types of waiting periods there are in health insurance.

In the last few years, people have become very aware about health insurance. Health insurance is very important in today's time. It is not only a companion in your difficult times, but also a security cover for your savings. Whenever you face a health emergency, this insurance does not let your savings get spent. In such a situation, your savings remain safe. But while buying health insurance, it is very important to pay attention to its waiting period. Many times people do not pay attention to this. In such a situation, if any problem arises during the waiting period and the cost of treatment is not covered in the meantime, then there is regret. There are many types of waiting periods. Know about it here and what is the way to reduce it.

Buying a health insurance policy does not mean that the insurance company will start covering all your problems from the next day itself. You will have to wait for a few days to claim insurance. The period from the time you buy the policy till the time you can claim any benefit from the insurance company is called the waiting period. Waiting periods can be for different periods.

Standard cooling-off

This is the initial waiting period of any insurance policy. Usually its duration is 15 to 30 days. Meanwhile, if you are admitted to the hospital due to any disease, then you will not be able to claim for its expenses. However, a claim can be made if you are admitted due to an accident.

Waiting period for pre-existing diseases

If you have any pre-existing disease, you have to tell about it while buying an insurance policy. There is a waiting period for pre-existing diseases as well. This waiting period can be from two to four years. That is, during this waiting period, that disease of yours is not covered in the insurance.

Waiting period for special diseases

Waiting period is also imposed by the insurance company for all major problems like hernia, cataract and joint replacement, cancer surgery. This waiting period can be from two to four years. These are clearly mentioned in the policy document.

Waiting period for maternity

Health insurance does not give you the benefit of maternity, and the maternity benefits come with a waiting period. The waiting period can range from 9 months to 3 years. Apart from this, there is also a waiting period for mental illnesses. This period can be up to two years.

How can the waiting period be reduced?

While buying any insurance plan, you must pay attention to the waiting period. For this, before buying an insurance plan, find out the plans of many companies because every company has its own waiting period. Only after this, buy a plan with a short waiting period. Apart from this, if you feel that the waiting period for a particular disease is too long, then you can also reduce it by paying a little extra from your pocket.


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