What is a waiting period?

The main types

• Initial waiting period: a short period right after purchase when most illness-related claims aren’t payable. Accidents are usually exempt.
• Specific-disease waiting period: certain conditions or procedures, such as cataract, hernia or joint replacement, are covered only after a set time.
• Pre-existing disease waiting period: conditions you already had at the time of buying are covered only after this period ends.
• Maternity waiting period: maternity benefits usually begin only after a stated period on the policy.

How long are they?

It varies by insurer and product, and regulations set upper limits. Some policies allow you to reduce waiting periods by paying more. Always check the exact number of months or years in the policy wording rather than relying on a brochure headline.

Why timing matters

Waiting periods start counting only from when you buy. Someone who buys at 28 may have cleared most waiting periods by the time they’re needed; someone who buys after a diagnosis will wait for that condition. This is why many advisers suggest buying early, and continuing without breaks.

Do they restart if I switch insurers?

Through portability, you can generally move to another insurer at renewal and carry over credit for waiting periods already served, up to the previous sum insured. Additional cover on the new policy may have fresh waiting periods.