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GeoBaby.Com arrow Articles arrow Advertorial arrow Maternity and Family Insurance
Maternity and Family Insurance
Article Index
Maternity and Family Insurance
What Will Maternity Insurance Offer
Waiting Period
Newborn Coverage
Page 3 of 4


What is a Waiting Period, and how does it affect me?

International health insurance plans will usually have waiting periods attached to a number of coverage options. Maternity plans will always be attached to a waiting period. A waiting period is the pre-determined length of time from the start of a plan where the policyholder is barred from claiming a specific policy benefit. The waiting period for a maternity plan will usually be between 10 and 12 months long. This means that from the start of the policy, you will have to wait for at least 10 months before claiming on any maternity related expenses.

Insurance companies will always establish a waiting period on maternity cover to prevent women who are already pregnant from purchasing a plan and then submitting large claims. When you are having a baby it is important to think ahead and plan for the expenses in advance. A 10 month waiting period does not mean that you can’t conceive for 10 months. It simply means that you cannot claim for any maternity related expenses for the first 10 months of the plan.

If, for example, a person started a maternity plan on January 1st, they would be unable to claim for maternity related expenses until October. If, however, the policyholder becomes pregnant in February then they will be able to claim for any maternity expenses that occur after October 1st. The important issue with waiting periods is that only costs after the 10 month waiting period will be covered. It does not matter when you become pregnant while on a plan, you cannot claim for maternity related treatment that occurs before the waiting period has expired.

When choosing your maternity insurance plan, it is advisable to look at the waiting period attached to the coverage and understand how this may affect you and your pregnancy.
 
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