The exclusions in health policy are a vital thing that individuals should consider when purchasing their health insurance. The waiting period is an integral part of health insurance in Dubai. Most people think they will get the coverage benefits from the first day. However, that’s not true, as most insurers have a waiting period after which you will get the benefits.
Policyholders should refrain from making claims during the early stages of coverage. A waiting period in health insurance dubai refers to a period during which a policyholder must wait before filing his claim. After the waiting period, the claim becomes eligible for consideration and offers benefits included in the policy.
The lengths of waiting periods can differ from one insurance company in the UAE to another. This is because each of them has their terms and conditions. You won’t receive insurance coverage or payments from your insurer during the waiting period.
What are the Types of Waiting Periods in Health Insurance in the UAE?
Before purchasing a health insurance policy in the UAE, you should know the types of waiting periods.
Initial Waiting Period
Policyholders cannot make benefit claims when hospitalized during the first three months of their medical insurance coverage. It is recommended for the policyholder not to make any claims for the first waiting period, which usually lasts from one to three months. However, a special case here is the “accidental claim.” When significant injury demands urgent hospitalization, the insurance firm sanctions such claims.
Maternity Benefits Waiting Period
Various medical insurance companies in the UAE include maternity provisions as part of their policy conditions. However, it takes about three to four years before the benefits kick in. Those thinking of buying insurance should begin their planning from the very start. While some insurance companies have shortened waiting periods to match consumer needs, they might charge slightly higher premiums than others.
12-Month Waiting Period for Pre-Existing Ailments
There is a waiting period for illnesses revealed by the insured when acquiring the policy, known as pre-existing diseases. The waiting period for pre-existing diseases is usually one to four years of continuous insurance coverage. The period of this waiting is calculated depending on the health state of the policyholder.
Disease-specific Waiting Period
There is a waiting period of 1 to 2 years for specific diseases like osteoporosis, hernias, tumors, ENT disorders, etc. The waiting periods for each ailment in the policy documentation of insurance companies in the UAE are defined. Different health insurance providers in Dubai can have differing waiting periods for specific conditions.
Free Annual Waiting Period for Health Checkup
Many health insurance companies operating in the UAE provide their policyholders with a complementary yearly medical checkup. However, most customers must wait for at least a year before enjoying this benefit. Customers will be entitled to use this annual health checkup allowance from the second year of their medical cover plan.
There is a need for waiting periods in medical insurance because people will not likely resort to false claims and malpractice. Factors determining waiting periods include the type of insurance plan one has, how old a policyholder is, etc. It is essential to compare health insurance in Abu dhabi plans in online portals to know about the waiting period.