You’ve just bought a health insurance plan in the UAE, thinking you’re fully protected from the first day. But when a serious illness happens, or you need maternity care, you find out that you can’t make a claim yet. It feels frustrating, right? This is where understanding the survival period and waiting period in health insurance becomes important. These two terms may sound confusing, but they are key to knowing when and how your insurance will start covering you in times of need.
In this guide, we’ll look at the difference between waiting period and survival period in health insurance, how they work, and why they’re important for anyone getting insurance in the UAE. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to deal with these periods and make the most of your health insurance when you need it the most.
Waiting period in insurance – An overview
A waiting period is the time you have to wait after your policy starts before you can use some of its benefits. It applies to all health insurance plans in the UAE, and there are different types of waiting periods:
- Start-up waiting period—Usually, there is a 30-day waiting period before you can begin using your health insurance benefits.
- Pre-existing condition waiting period – For health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, you may need to wait up to 4 years before they are covered.
- Condition-specific waiting period – For certain health issues like endometriosis, cataracts, or mental health disorders, the waiting period can last between 1-2 years.
- Maternity coverage waiting period – The waiting time typically ranges from 1 to 4 years for maternity-related benefits.
These waiting times can vary between insurance companies. However, there is no waiting period in case of accidents, meaning emergency hospitalisations for accidents are covered right away.
Survival period in insurance – An overview
A survival period is different from a waiting period and is only part of critical illness insurance plans. It’s the amount of time you need to stay alive after being diagnosed with a serious illness like cancer, kidney failure, or heart disease. Depending on the illness and your insurance provider, this time can range from 14 to 90 days.
You can only receive the lump sum payment from your insurer after you survive this period, which starts from the day you are first diagnosed. This survival period is in addition to any regular waiting period.
The money you get after the survival period can be used for medical treatment or personal expenses.
If the insured person dies before completing the survival period, the insurance company does not need to pay because this type of plan does not have a death benefit.
Difference between waiting period and survival period in health insurance in the UAE:
Now that we understand what waiting and survival periods are let’s explore the difference between waiting period v/s survival period in more detail.
| Aspect | Waiting period | Survival period |
| Where does it apply? | This applies to all health insurance policies, including critical illness plans | This applies to critical illness insurance plans |
| What does it mean? | The time you need to wait before you can claim some or all benefits of the insurance | The time you need to survive after being diagnosed with a serious illness before you get the payout |
| Duration | The initial waiting period is 30 days, and for pre-existing or specific conditions, it can be 2-4 years | The survival period lasts between 14 to 90 days |
| What affects the duration? | The waiting period depends on the illness and the insurance company | The survival period depends on the illness and the insurance company |
These differences are important because they show how insurance companies use these periods to manage risks and make sure payouts are given only under certain conditions. Understanding these periods helps you know when you can make a claim and what to expect from your insurance policy.
Why are these periods important in UAE insurance?
Understanding the difference between the waiting period and the survival period is very important for insurance holders in the UAE because it affects how and when they can make claims and receive benefits.
- Protection for insurers: These periods help insurance companies manage risks and costs by stopping immediate claims.
- Making informed choices: Knowing about these periods helps you pick the right insurance policy that fits your needs and ensures you get the coverage you expect.
- Better financial planning: Understanding these terms helps you plan better, especially if you face health issues or critical illnesses.
How do these periods affect health insurance in the UAE?
In the UAE, health insurance is required for all residents, and there are many different plans with various waiting and survival periods. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Abu Dhabi Health Insurance Law ensure residents have access to healthcare through insurance. However, knowing about waiting periods is especially important for people with pre-existing conditions, expecting mothers, or those looking for critical illness coverage.
For example, many UAE residents choose health insurance that includes maternity coverage. But they may not know about the required waiting period for maternity benefits, which can be anywhere from 6 to 12 months. In the same way, if you’re considering critical illness insurance, it’s important to understand the survival period before buying the plan.
What’s the bottom line?
Understanding the difference between waiting period and survival period in health insurance is very important for making smart choices in the UAE. These periods have different roles but are key for protecting the insurance company and you. Knowing how they affect your policy helps you plan better and ensure you’re covered when needed.
Keep these points in mind to understand your insurance policy fully. This will help you make better decisions that fit your health and financial needs. If you’re looking to explore your options or gain further clarity, platforms like InsuranceMarket.ae offer guidance and support in finding the right insurance plan without the hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. Can I claim during the waiting period if I have an accident?
Most health insurance policies cover emergency hospital visits due to accidents, even during waiting.
Q. If I don’t live through the survival period, can my family get the insurance money?
No, you must survive the survival period for the critical illness claim to be paid.
Q. Why do insurance companies have waiting periods for pre-existing conditions?
Waiting periods help insurance companies reduce their risk by delaying claims for existing conditions, which could otherwise lead to big financial losses.
Q. Are there health insurance plans without waiting periods?
Yes, but they are uncommon and usually cost more. Some policies let you reduce or skip the waiting period if you pay extra.
Q. Does every insurance policy have a survival period?
Survival periods only apply to critical illness insurance, not regular health insurance plans.
