Pre‑Existing Disease Waiting Periods: Your Rights
What Is a Pre-Existing Disease (PED)?
Any illness, injury, or condition that existed before the start of your health insurance policy.
What Is a Waiting Period?
A specified duration during which the insurer does not cover treatment related to pre-existing diseases.
Typical Waiting Periods in India
- Usually 2 to 4 years depending on the insurer and policy.
- Some policies offer reduced waiting periods or waivers under certain conditions.
Your Rights as a Policyholder
| Right | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Right to Disclosure | You must disclose all pre-existing conditions truthfully during application. |
| Right to Policy Renewal | Insurers must renew policies even if you have pre-existing conditions. |
| Right to Know Waiting Period | Insurers must clearly state the waiting period in the policy document. |
| Right to Claim After Waiting | Once the waiting period ends, claims related to PED must be honored. |
Tips to Manage PED Waiting Periods
- Choose policies with shorter waiting periods.
- Maintain continuous coverage to reduce or waive waiting periods in some cases.
- Review the policy terms carefully before purchasing.
- Keep medical records ready to support claims after the waiting period.
What If Treatment Is Needed During Waiting?
- You may have to bear the cost out-of-pocket.
- Some insurers provide partial coverage or cashless benefits depending on the policy.
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