Zero Waiting Period in Health Insurance Plans

What is Zero Waiting Period in Health Insurance?

Zero waiting period in health insurance provides medical coverage from day 1 of the policy without having to serve any waiting period. It enables you to file a claim and avail your policy coverage as soon as you buy the policy. It allows you to seek financial assistance from your insurance company during a medical emergency, regardless of when the policy was purchased.

All accidental hospitalization claims come with zero waiting period in health insurance. This means you do not have to serve the initial waiting period of 30 days if you have suffered an injury or illness due to an accident. Thus, accident claims are covered under health insurance from day 1.

Health Insurance Plans with No Waiting Period for Pre-existing Diseases

Although most health plans come with an in-built waiting period, many insurers have now introduced no waiting period in health insurance, especially when it comes to pre-existing diseases (PED). Usually, pre-existing diseases are covered under medical insurance after serving a waiting period ranging from 2 years to 4 years. However, with zero waiting period in health insurance, many plans cover pre-existing diseases from day 1 of the policy.

Moreover, several health insurance companies in India offer an optional cover to waive off the waiting period for pre-existing diseases. All you may need to do is pay a little extra premium to buy this optional cover when you buy the policy.

People also read: Pre-existing Disease (PED) Cover from Day 1

List of Health Insurance Plans with No Waiting Period

Take a look at some of the best health insurance plans with zero waiting period available in India below:

Health Insurance Plans with No Waiting Period	Sum Insured	Pre-Existing Diseases (PED) with Zero Waiting Period
Aditya Birla Activ Health Platinum Plan	Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 crore	Diabetes High blood pressure High cholesterol Asthma
Care Supreme Plan with Instant Cover	Rs 5 lakh, 7 lakh, 10 lakh and 15 lakh	Diabetes Asthma High blood pressure Hyperlipidemia
HDFC ERGO Energy Health Insurance Plan	Rs 2 lakh to Rs 50 lakh	Type 1 diabetes Type 2 diabetes mellitus High blood pressure Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG) Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT)
Niva Bupa ReAssure 2.0 Plan with Smart Health+	Rs 3 lakh to Rs 1 crore	High blood pressure Diabetes
Star Diabetes Safe Insurance Plan	Rs 3 lakh, 4 lakh, 5 lakh and 10 lakh	Diabetes
Universal Sompo A Plus Plan - Diamond	Rs 3 lakh to Rs 1 crore	Diabetes High blood pressure

How Does Zero Waiting Period in Health Insurance Work?

The waiting period in health insurance starts from the policy commencement date, and you can only file a claim if your waiting period is over. However, in the case of a zero waiting period, you can file a claim even on day 1 of the policy, as no waiting period is considered.

Moreover, the zero waiting period benefit may be available for only one type of waiting period and not all types of waiting periods in a health insurance policy. For eg: PED coverage may be available from day 1, but specific disease initial waiting period may apply for cataract surgery.

FAQs

Q1. Which health insurance has no waiting period?

Ans: All health insurance plans have zero waiting period for accidental hospitalization claims. Additionally, some health plans also cover pre-existing diseases with no waiting periods, including Niva Bupa ReAssure 2.0 plan with Smart Health+, Care Supreme plan with Instant Cover, HDFC ERGO Energy Health Insurance plan, Star Diabetes Safe plan, Aditya Birla Activ Health Platinum plan and Universal Sompo A Plus – Diamond plan.
Q2. Can I buy health insurance and claim immediately?

Ans: Yes. You can buy health insurance plans with no waiting period and raise a claim as soon as your policy gets activated. Besides, you can file a claim for accidental hospitalization expenses immediately after buying your policy.
Q3. What is the zero day waiting period?

Ans: Zero day waiting period or zero waiting period allows policyholders to avail the policy coverage from day 1 of the policy without serving any waiting period. All accidental hospitalization claims have a zero day waiting period.
Q4. How can I reduce my waiting period for health insurance?

Ans: You can reduce your health insurance waiting period by opting for a reduction of waiting period cover available on payment of an additional premium amount. Several health plans offer a reduction of the waiting period as an optional cover. Alternatively, you can buy health insurance plans with no waiting period.
Q5. How soon after taking out health insurance can I claim?

Ans: Usually, you can file a health insurance claim after an initial waiting period of 30 days. Accidental hospitalization claims can be filed as soon as you purchase the policy. If you have a health insurance policy with zero waiting period, you can raise a claim from day 1 of the policy.
Q6. Is there health insurance with no waiting period for pre-existing diseases?

Ans: Yes. Several health insurance plans cover pre-existing diseases with no waiting period. They include Care Supreme plan with Instant Cover, Niva Bupa ReAssure 2.0 plan with Smart Health+, Star Diabetes Safe plan, HDFC ERGO Energy Health Insurance plan, Aditya Birla Activ Health Platinum plan and Universal Sompo A Plus – Diamond plan.
Q7. Are all health insurance plans eligible for a zero waiting period?

Ans: Yes. All health insurance plans offer a zero waiting period for accidental hospitalization claims.
Q8. Can I claim health insurance after 1 month?

Ans: Yes. You can claim your health insurance policy after 1 month once your initial waiting period is over. However, pre-existing diseases and listed diseases can be claimed after 1 month only if you have a zero waiting period health plan.
Q9. Why should I consider a health insurance plan with zero waiting period?

Ans: You should consider buying a health plan with zero waiting period to avail your policy coverage when you face a medical emergency. You will not have to wait for your waiting period to get over to file a claim with your insurance company.
Q10. Can we claim health insurance immediately?

Ans: Yes, you can use your health insurance policy immediately after buying to claim accidental hospitalization expenses. All other types of medical expenses can be claimed immediately only in the case of a zero waiting period health policy.