Why Waiting Periods Matter: What You Need to Know Before You Buy Health Insurance
(Plus: The One Question You Should Always Ask Before Signing Any Policy)
You’ve finally decided to get health insurance, great move!
But before you hit sign up, there’s something most people miss that could cost you later:
Waiting periods.
Yes, that fine print that no one likes to read?
It matters more than you think especially when you’re buying insurance for maternity, chronic conditions, or planned surgery.
Let’s break it down.
What is a Waiting Period in Health Insurance?
A waiting period is the time you must wait after purchasing a policy before certain benefits become active.
In simple terms:
You’re covered, but not for everything from day one.
For example, if you bought cover today and get admitted for surgery next week, your insurance might not pay if that treatment falls within a waiting period.
Common Waiting Periods You Should Know
| Service Type | Typical Waiting Period |
|---|---|
| Maternity | 9 to 12 months |
| Pre-existing conditions | 12 months or more |
| Chronic conditions (e.g. diabetes) | 6 to 12 months |
| Major surgeries | 30 to 90 days |
| General outpatient cover | Sometimes 30 days |
So yes, buying a maternity plan in your second trimester and hoping it will pay for delivery?
That won’t work. you need to get in early.
Why It’s Done (And It’s Not Just Fine Print)
Insurance companies introduce waiting periods to prevent what’s known as “adverse selection”, when people buy insurance only after falling ill or discovering they need expensive treatment.
Health insurance is designed to cover the unexpected, not the already-planned or already-known.
Real Talk: What You Should Do Before You Buy Any Health Policy
If there’s one thing you must ask before signing a health insurance policy, it’s this:
“What are the waiting periods, and what’s not covered in the first year?”
This one question will save you confusion, shock, or frustration later.
Quick Checklist: What to Ask Before You Buy Health Insurance
✅ What’s the waiting period for maternity and surgeries?
✅ Are pre-existing conditions covered? If yes, when?
✅ When does my outpatient/inpatient cover start?
✅ Are there exclusions in the first year?
✅ Can I upgrade my cover later, and how does that affect waiting periods?
Print this. Screenshot it. Ask it every time.
So, When Should You Buy Health Insurance?
Now. Before you need it.
Waiting periods mean you need to plan ahead.
Don’t wait until you’re pregnant or facing a diagnosis to try and sign up.
Buy early, get through the waiting period, and be protected when it counts.
Jubilee Health, Has You Covered — With Full Transparency
At Jubilee Health Insurance, we’re upfront about:
- What’s covered
- What has a waiting period
- And how to pick the right cover for your stage of life
Whether it’s maternity, surgery, or managing a condition like hypertension, we have plans designed with your future in mind.
👉 Check out our health plans today:
Explore Jubilee Health Cover Options here https://jubileeinsurance.com/ke/health/
📱 Or SMS “HEALTH” to 40643 and we’ll guide you through.