Gap cover waiting periods explained
What waiting periods apply to gap cover?
Gap cover usually applies a short general waiting period at the start, often around three months, plus a longer waiting period, often around 12 months, for pre-existing conditions and sometimes for specific events like childbirth. Accidents are commonly covered immediately. Waiting periods vary between insurers, so check them before you buy, especially if you have a known condition.
Key takeaways
- A short general waiting period, often around three months, is common at the start.
- Pre-existing conditions usually carry a longer wait, often around 12 months.
- Specific events like childbirth may have their own waiting period.
- Accidents are commonly covered from day one.
- Waiting periods vary by insurer, so check them before you buy.
The general waiting period
Most gap cover policies apply a general waiting period at the start, commonly around three months, during which non-accident claims are not paid. This protects the insurer against people taking cover only when they already need a procedure. Accidental injury is usually covered from day one, so the general waiting period mainly affects planned or illness-related treatment early on.
Pre-existing conditions
Conditions you already have when you take out the policy usually carry a longer waiting period, often around 12 months, before claims relating to them are paid. This is standard across gap cover. If you have a known condition, check exactly how the policy treats it, because that waiting period decides when you would be covered for related in-hospital costs.
Condition-specific waiting periods
Some events have their own waiting period regardless of pre-existing status. Childbirth is a common example, where a policy may apply a specific wait so cover cannot be taken out only for an imminent birth. Check for these condition-specific periods if you are planning a family or a known procedure, as they affect when the cover applies.
What to check and how to avoid gaps
Before buying, confirm the general waiting period, the pre-existing condition period, and any condition-specific waits, and check whether switching from another gap cover policy reduces them. Taking cover before you need it, rather than when a procedure is looming, is the way to avoid being caught by a waiting period. Compare quotes and read the terms. This is general information, not medical advice.