Waiting Period in Health Insurance

​The waiting period in health insurance policies is the period during which you cannot claim some or all of the benefits of health insurance from your insurance provider. Simply put, you must wait for a specified amount of time before you make a claim.

The duration of the waiting period and its terms and conditions vary from company to company. Thus, it is important to understand your policy’s waiting period to avoid claim rejections and financial burdens. Let us understand the term in depth here.

What is the Waiting Period in Health Insurance?

The waiting period in health insurance is the period during which the insured person cannot apply for a claim even if the illnesses are covered by their insurance. We set this period, which will vary depending on the type of insurance and coverage required.

For example, if you choose a policy that covers pre-existing health conditions, the waiting period will be different from that for a standard health insurance policy.

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI) sets an initial initial waiting period at 30 days from the day of commencement. Thus, to successfully claim your insurance, you must be aware of the types of waiting periods in health insurance and the duration of each.

Types of Waiting Periods in Health Insurance

1. Initial Waiting Period

The initial waiting period in health insurance, also known as the cooling period, is applicable at the start of any type of health insurance policy. Until this period cools off, you cannot claim your health insurance benefits.

The maximum limit is set by the IRDAI and is the same among all insurance providers. We offer a short initial waiting period of 15 to 30 days so that you can reap the benefits of your Reliance General Health Insurance plan sooner.

2. Pre-Existing Disease Waiting Period

Diseases diagnosed within 48 months before buying a health insurance policy are known as pre-existing diseases, and the waiting period for these is known as a pre-existing disease waiting period.

This period usually ranges from 1 year to 4 years of continuous policy coverage and depends on your medical status. However, with our competitive health cover waiting periods for pre-existing diseases, you can be assured of receiving the required healthcare quicker.

Moreover, with our Change in Pre-Existing Waiting Period add-on cover under our plans like the Reliance Health Infinity Insurance plan or the Reliance Health Gain plan, you can reduce the pre-existing disease waiting period to as low as 12 months.

3. Maternity Benefit Waiting Period

Reliance General Health Insurance offers maternity cover as an add-on feature to support expenses related to childbirth and pre- and postnatal care. A maternity benefit waiting period applies before you can avail yourself of these benefits.

However, with us, you can opt for the maternity insurance waiting period ranging from 1 year to 2 years. With a lower waiting period, you can take care of your maternity expenses stress-free.

4. Specific Ailments Waiting Period

This is a specific waiting period between 1-2 years for particular conditions like ENT disorders, tumours, hernias and osteoporosis. The waiting period varies depending on the choice of health insurance plan and is mentioned explicitly in our policy documents.

For example, our reliance Health Infinity Insurance has a waiting period of 2 years. However, you can purchase an add-on cover to reduce the waiting time to 1 year.

5. Waiting Period for Health Checkups

Most of our health insurance policies also offer coverage for annual health check-ups under preventive care coverage. Under this, you can avail yourself of preventive health check-ups up to a predetermined amount at the end of every policy year and before the start of the next policy year.

6. Waiting Period for Critical Illnesses

Critical illness insurance has a separate waiting period during which coverage benefits cannot be claimed. The waiting period for Reliance Critical Illness Insurance is only three months from the inception of the policy. This waiting period ensures that all genuine claims can benefit from our policy offerings as soon as possible.

7. Waiting Period for Accidental Hospitalisation

Unlike other types of claims, there is no health cover waiting period for accidental hospitalisations. We offer immediate coverage for accidents upon policy activation, as accidents are unforeseen events and require immediate medical attention.

8. Waiting Period for Covid-19

The COVID-19 outbreak took the world by storm. To fight the pandemic, all our health insurance plans, including our two specially designed plans, offer coverage for COVID-19 treatment. The waiting period before you can utilise the plans’ benefits is 15 days from the date of policy commencement.

9. Waiting Period for Senior Citizens’s Health Insurance Plans

Health insurance plans for senior citizens offer coverage specific to their coverage needs. We offer health insurance for senior citizens through multiple plans, such as Reliance Health Infinity and Reliance Health Gain.

Thus, the health cover waiting period for these plans will depend on your choice of health insurance plans and the add-on options that are offered.

10. Waiting Period for Group Mediclaim Insurance Policies

Group mediclaim insurance policies cover multiple individuals under one policy. There is a stipulated initial waiting period of 30 days and a waiting period of 48 months for pre-existing diseases.

To offer early coverage benefits to our group health insurance policyholders, we offer zero initial waiting periods and zero waiting periods for the treatment of pre-existing diseases (as an add-on cover).

How Does Waiting Period in Health Insurance Work?

The waiting period must be completed before you can claim coverage for specific benefits, such as pre-existing conditions or critical illnesses. During this period, if you seek treatment for conditions covered under the waiting period clause, the expenses for the same are not covered.

As explained in the earlier section, the medical insurance waiting period varies for different conditions and starts from the commencement date. To benefit from your policy coverage and make the most of your health insurance, it is crucial to read your policy terms carefully and know the exact waiting period for each condition.

Why is There a Waiting Period in Health Insurance?

The medical insurance waiting period was introduced to prevent malpractice and misuse of insurance benefits. Often, individuals buy a health insurance policy simply to cover a recently diagnosed condition and its immediate treatment expenses.

In such cases, they misinform the insurance providers or hide their diagnoses to get coverage for them. Thus, to prevent fraudulent claims and ensure policyholders maintain long-term coverage for genuine healthcare needs, insurance companies exercise a waiting period.

How to Reduce Waiting Period in Health Insurance?

Choose Low Waiting Period Health Insurance Policies

Before choosing a policy, compare different policies on our website. Select the one that offers a low waiting period or provides access to such add-ons. For example, Reliance Health Gain Insurance offers a reduced waiting period for pre-existing diseases, which is ideal for such coverage requirements.

Choose Add-On Cover

We offer add-on options with certain health insurance plans, such as Reliance Health Infinity Insurance, to reduce waiting periods. These add-ons include Change In Pre-Existing Waiting Period and Reduction In Specific Illness Waiting Period. Opting for these add-ons can help you reduce secure low waiting periods in health insurance.

Buy a Policy at a Young Age

As health insurance policies covering pre-existing conditions or critical illness have waiting periods, buying them at a young age can help you complete them earlier. This way, you can benefit from the coverage right when you need it most.

Consider Group Mediclaim Policies

Since group health insurance policies have a shorter waiting period, you can opt for these plans or convert them into individual plans once you quit your place of employment.

Understanding Survival Period in Health Insurance

The term “survival period” is often associated with Reliance Critical Illness Policy. It refers to the duration that a policyholder must survive after being diagnosed with a critical illness to be eligible for the claim. With us, the survival period is between 30 to 60 days.

The survival period ensures that the insured person receives coverage benefits only if they survive the initial impact of the illness, thus aligning the policy with its purpose of providing financial support during prolonged treatments. The claim is not payable in case of the insured individual's death during the survival period.

Key Differences Between Waiting Period and Survival Period

Essential Tips for Health Cover Waiting Period

Know Your Policy

Since we offer a variety of policies to cover specific illnesses and offer distinguished coverage, the waiting periods for each may vary. Thus, it is important to know the policy you have opted for and understand its waiting period.

Plan Ahead

If you have a family history of certain health conditions or are aware of pre-existing conditions, consider buying respective health insurance policies earlier to complete the waiting period.

Take Advantage of Low Waiting Period Health Insurance and Add-Ons

We offer health insurance plans with reduced waiting periods and access to add-ons for the same. If you require immediate or early treatment, utilise them and reduce the waiting time.

Disclose your Pre-Existing Illnesses

It is important to inform your insurer if you have been diagnosed with any illness before purchasing a health insurance policy. This ensures you are offered coverage in your time of need, as non-disclosure of illnesses can lead to a rejection of your claim despite completing the necessary waiting period.

Conclusion

The waiting period in your health insurance policy is influenced by various factors like the type of health insurance (individual health insurance, group health insurance, etc.), medical history and age.

Thus, it is important to understand what is a waiting period in medical insurance and to pick a plan with a shorter waiting period. This will allow you to claim the benefits of your insurance as soon as possible instead of bearing medical expenses from your pocket due to a long waiting period clause.

We understand that each type of illness has varied coverage requirements, and we cater to them by offering separate health insurance plans and add-ons. For example, we offer Critical Illness Insurance with low waiting and survival periods and availability of longer policy term and continuity benefits, ensuring adequate coverage to support your treatment.

With our wide variety of health insurance plans, add-ons, attractive discounts and easy buying and claiming process, you can be assured of making the most of your insurance when in need.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are all health insurance claims filed during the waiting period denied?

   No, health insurance claims made under the Personal Accident Cover do not have a waiting period. This means that accidental injuries are covered from day 1 of the policy commencement date.

2. Can I eliminate the waiting period in my health insurance policy?

   You cannot eliminate the health cover waiting period in your health insurance policy. However, you can either choose a plan with a reduced waiting period or make use of our add-on options to reduce the waiting period.

3. What does a zero waiting period mean in health insurance policies?

   Zero medical insurance waiting period means that the particular policy does not have any waiting period, instead offering coverage from day 1. An example of such a policy is our Personal Accident Cover.

4. Why should you choose a health policy with a short waiting period?

   By choosing a low waiting period health insurance policy, you can access policy benefits within a shorter duration. This means that you can claim coverage earlier, saving money and securing peace of mind.

5. Can I claim my health insurance for a disease diagnosed during the policy term?

   Yes, the disease diagnosed during the policy term is permissible, as it was diagnosed after you purchased the policy. However, we advise you to ensure that the illness is covered in your existing health insurance plan.
   

6. Can I buy a health policy and use it immediately in India?

   Almost all health insurance policies have a waiting period, except for accident covers. There is at least a 30-day initial waiting period applicable to them and longer if it is for a specific illness or pre-existing conditions like BP, diabetes, etc.

   The initial waiting period is only waived in cases of medical emergencies arising out of accidents.

7. What happens if a claim is filed during the waiting period?

   If you file a claim before completing your plan’s waiting period, your claim is not valid and will be denied.​
   

8. What is the current GST rate on health insurance premiums?

   During the 56th GST Council Meeting in New Delhi, the Indian Government revealed a groundbreaking decision to exempt all health insurance policies from GST, starting September 22, 2025. The GST rate on health insurance premiums has been lowered to zero. Previously, premiums faced an 18% GST, which greatly raised the total cost.With this exemption, only the base premium is charged - making health insurance more affordable and accessible for individuals.

9. How does the GST exemption impact my health insurance premium?

   With Zero GST, your premium is now reduced by up to 18% compared to before.You won't have to pay tax on health insurance policies anymore.This change is effective for new purchases and renewals starting September 22, 2025.

   Example: A policy that earlier cost ₹15,000 (including ₹2,288 GST) will now cost approximately ₹12,712 - saving you nearly ₹2,300

10. Will my existing health insurance policy benefit from the GST exemption?

    Yes, renewals made on or after September 22, 2025 will benefit from Zero GST.If your policy was issued before this date, GST still applies.The exemption is tied to the policy issuance and renewal date, not just payment.Future renewals will reflect the GST-free pricing, reducing your premium cost.

11. Do I need to pay GST on health insurance purchased before September 22, 2025?

    Yes, policies purchased or issued before September 22, 2025 still include 18% GST.The Zero GST exemption applies only to policies issued or renewed on or after that date.Future renewals will reflect the GST-free pricing.

12. What does the new GST regulation effective 22nd September mean for Health Insurance premiums?

    Starting 22nd September 2025, the GST (Goods and Services Tax) on individual health insurance premiums has been reduced to 0%, down from the earlier rate of 18%.
    

    What this means for you:
    Lower Premiums: You'll now pay only the base premium-no GST added.

13. Will my Health Infinity renewal premium reduce after the GST removal?

    Yes, Your Health Infinity renewal premium will decrease if the renewal takes place on or after September 22, 2025.

14. Does the GST regulation apply to both new purchases and renewals of Health Insurance?

    Yes, the new GST regulation effective from 22nd September 2025 applies to both new purchases and renewals of individual health insurance policies.

15. Does the GST change impact Health Gain, Health Infinity, Super Top-Up, and Hospi Care plans equally?

    Yes, The GST exemption starting from 22nd September 2025 is applicable to health insurance plans such as Health Gain, Health Infinity, Super Top-Up, and Hospi Care. Provided that the policy is issued and the risk begins on or after this date, there will be no 18% GST charged on premiums. This change makes these plans more budget-friendly for both new purchases and renewals.

16. I renewed my health policy before 22nd September with GST - am I eligible for adjustment?

    If your health insurance policy was renewed before September 22, 2025, and you paid GST, you are not eligible for any refunds or adjustments,The GST exemption applies only to transactions made on or after the effective date. Since your payment was completed earlier, the GST charged was valid under the previous tax rules and cannot be retrospectively refunded.​

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Disclaimer: *T&C Apply. For more details on risk factors, terms conditions, brochure, and exclusions, please read the policy wording and CIS carefully before concluding a sale.
The total no. of customers insured data is for FY24 and has been picked up from the number of lives insured for Health, Personal Accident, Overseas Travel, Domestic Travel, Workmen Compensation and Crop Insurance, Weather LOB & Fire LOB provided by IRDAI count that is master policy count. Other than these LOBs, we have also provided data for the number of certificates issued.
This is the overall claim settlement ratio for FY 2023-24 without claim outstanding at the start of the financial year as per public disclosure of Reliance General Insurance Co. Ltd.
The premium mentioned is excluding taxes for single person aged between 5 years to 20 years with individual health policy for Sum Insured of ₹3 lakhs considering no adverse health conditions/pre-existing disease/medical conditions with waiting period of 3 years. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings. Premium used is 2,919/year converted into a month which gives us Rs.243/month (2,919/12).
The details mentioned above are for Reliance Health Infinity Insurance UIN: RELHLIP23120V042223
​Maximum discount applicable for Reliance Health Infinity Insurance policy is up to 35%.