A set time at the start of a policy before certain benefits can be claimed.
Also called a qualifying period or deferment period. Some benefits — commonly therapies, mental health cover or dental and optical add-ons — cannot be claimed for a defined period after the policy starts. It is separate from the moratorium on pre-existing conditions and is set out in the policy wording. Checking both before you buy avoids an unwelcome surprise on a first claim.
Questions about your own cover?
A PremierPMI specialist can talk it through. No pressure, no obligation.
Keep reading
Critical illness cover is worth it when a serious illness would cost your household more than it could absorb — for example, with dependants, a mortgage, little sick…
Read the guide
Yes. Standalone critical illness cover pays a lump sum on a qualifying diagnosis and nothing on death. Combined life and critical illness policies usually pay once, then end.…
Read the guide
Income protection is worth it if losing your earnings for months would put your home or family at risk and sick pay, savings or employer cover would not…
Read the guide
No. Income protection pays when illness or injury stops you working, not when you lose your job. An existing claim may continue after redundancy if you still meet…
Read the guide
It depends who pays. Personal policies get no tax relief on premiums, but benefits are generally tax-free. Sole traders usually cannot claim premiums as a business expense. A…
Read the guide
Yes, some insurers offer private health insurance for a child on their own, with a parent or guardian as the policyholder; others only cover children alongside an adult.…
Read the guideFree tools
