What do you mean by waiting period in health insurance?

A waiting period is a time frame wherein you cannot make a claim against your health insurance policy. There are different kinds of waiting periods in health insurance. There is an initial waiting period which usually lasts for 30 days. During this period, no claim will be entertained except for those pertaining to accidental hospitalization.

The second kind of waiting period is applicable to pre-existing illnesses. Under this waiting period, if you are suffering from critical illness, or if you have undergone any surgery recently, and if you need hospitalization, you won't be covered for the same. This waiting period can last for 2 to 4 years. And lastly, there is an illness-specific waiting period which only applies to certain medical conditions and diseases.