• Initial waiting period: Usually 30 days for most illnesses (except accidents).
• Specific disease waiting period: Typically 1-2 years for certain listed illnesses.

• Pre-existing disease (PED) waiting period: Up to 3 years (max cap), as per IRDAI regulations.

• Day 1 coverage for hospitalisation expenses for covered illnesses
• Coverage for accidental hospitalisation immediately
• Coverage for pre-existing diseases in select plans, subject to underwriting and policy terms
• Cashless treatment at network hospitals
• Restoration of the sum insured in some plans
• No claim bonus in certain policies

• Undisclosed Conditions

• PED Waiting Period Still Applies to Most Policies

• Premium Load

• Individuals who are young and healthy with no PEDs who would prefer to be immediately protected against a potential future illness.
• Individuals with previously declared and medically reviewed PEDs who are willing to pay higher premiums for the same-day coverage they are seeking.
• Job changers and employees who lose group coverage may benefit from portability, which allows credit for waiting periods already served under IRDAI guidelines, subject to policy terms.
• Seniors whose conditions are entirely disclosed and accepted by the insurer at the time of policy issuance.

• Do zero waiting periods apply to your specific pre-existing conditions after they have been underwritten?
• If it's found out after claims processing that the pre-existing condition wasn't disclosed, what then?
• Are there any sub-limits, co-payments, or caps on specific diseases or treatments covered by the policy, especially in the first year?
• How strong is the network of hospitals providing cashless treatment in your city?