Waiting Periods

A number of coverage benefits offered by an international health insurance policy will be attached to a waiting period. This is largely to stop policyholders claiming for pre-existing conditions, or to stop policyholders from making extravagant claims shortly after purchasing a policy.

The plans offered by Worldwide Health Options will usually have waiting periods attached to two primary coverage benefits. These are:

Maternity
A maternity health insurance benefit will typically be attached to a waiting period. This is to stop women who are already pregnant from purchasing a policy and making immediate claims. Maternity waiting periods are instituted in two ways.

The first is “from the start of the plan”. This means that you will have to wait a specific time (usually 10 months) from when you initially purchased the plan to be eligible to receive the maternity benefits. It is important to note that you will only be able to claim for maternity treatment received after the waiting period has expired.

The second type of waiting period is “until conception”. Under this type of waiting period you will have to wait a specific time (usually 12 months) until you are able to conceive. If you conceive before reaching the end of the waiting period then you will not be eligible to receive the benefits of the maternity coverage.

Dental
A dental health insurance benefit may cover pre-existing dental conditions. As such many insurance companies will place a waiting period on this type of coverage. The majority of insurers will typically institute a dental health insurance waiting period of 6 – 12 months.

It is advisable that you consider the healthcare benefits that you will require well in advance of purchasing a policy. As an international health insurance policyholder you should understand any applicable waiting periods and plan your future accordingly.

Should you have any further questions about international medical insurance waiting periods, Worldwide Health Options, or if you would like to obtain a free quote, please contact one of our dedicated advisors today.