What is a Disease-specific waiting period?
A disease-specific waiting period is a fixed period (often around two years) before the policy covers certain named conditions and planned surgeries such as cataract, hernia, some joint replacements, and specified ENT or gynaecological procedures, even if the condition is not pre-existing.
How it works
Insurers list specific ailments and elective procedures that are commonly planned rather than emergencies, and apply a waiting period to them regardless of whether you had the condition before.
The exact list and duration are in your policy. These procedures are payable once the named waiting period ends and you have held the policy continuously.
Example
A cataract that develops in year one may fall under a two-year named-ailment waiting period and be excluded until that period ends, separate from any cataract sub-limit that applies afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
Which conditions have specific waiting periods?
Commonly cataract, hernia, piles, some joint replacements, and specified ENT and gynaecological procedures. Your policy lists the exact conditions and periods.