What is the waiting period for a deductible?

Asked by: Kurt Kohler  |  Last update: December 8, 2025
Score: 5/5 (59 votes)

A waiting period deductible is sometimes used in business interruption and other time element policies, in lieu of a dollar amount deductible. It establishes that the insurer is not responsible for loss suffered during a specified period (such as 72 hours) immediately following a direct damage loss.

How does a time deductible work?

Time-Based Deductible

Instead of a dollar amount, this deductible is measured in time. For example, business income coverage often has a 72-hour deductible, meaning the coverage begins 72 hours after the loss occurs. During this waiting period, no benefits are paid.

What is a waiting period in insurance?

The time that must pass before coverage can become effective for an employee or dependent who is otherwise eligible for coverage under a job-based health plan.

How do insurance deductibles work?

The amount you pay for covered health care services before your insurance plan starts to pay. With a $2,000 deductible, for example, you pay the first $2,000 of covered services yourself. A fixed amount ($20, for example) you pay for a covered health care service after you've paid your deductible.

What is the quickest way to meet your deductible?

How to Meet Your Deductible
  1. Order a 90-day supply of your prescription medicine. Spend a bit of extra money now to meet your deductible and ensure you have enough medication to start the new year off right.
  2. See an out-of-network doctor. ...
  3. Pursue alternative treatment. ...
  4. Get your eyes examined.

How does a health insurance Deductible work?

18 related questions found

Is it better to have a $500 deductible or $1000?

Remember that filing small claims may affect how much you have to pay for insurance later. Switching from a $500 deductible to a $1,000 deductible can save as much as 20 percent on the cost of your insurance premium payments.

Do you have to pay deductible right away?

The answer to when you pay is relatively simple. You have to pay a deductible any time you make a claim for your car insurance. The deductible is an agreed-upon amount that you have to pay out of pocket whenever you make an insurance claim before the insurer will cover the cost of damages.

What is the downside of having a deductible?

Disadvantages of Deductibles

If you have a high health insurance deductible, you may hesitate to seek medical care until you've met your deductible. It can lead to delayed care, which can be harmful if you have a serious or urgent medical condition.

Does a deductible have to be paid upfront?

But in general, network contracts between insurers and medical providers will prohibit the medical providers from requiring payment of deductibles before medical services are provided. They can certainly ask for it, and patients have the option to pay some or all of their deductible upfront.

What is the waiting period deductible?

In disability income policies and under workers compensation statutes, a waiting period deductible is a deductible mechanism that establishes a period that must pass following an accident or illness causing disability before salary continuation benefits are payable.

What is the waiting period rule?

A Waiting Period is a certain pre-mentioned time where the Insured has to wait for a specific duration in order to make a claim under the Health Insurance Policy. However, this Waiting Period will not apply to accidental /traumatic injuries requiring more than 24 hours of hospitalisation.

How do waiting periods work?

A waiting period is an initial period of health insurer membership during which no benefit is payable for certain procedures or services. Waiting periods can also apply to any additional benefits when you change (upgrade) your health insurance policy.

Do you pay 100% before deductible?

Let's say your plan's deductible is $2,600. That means for most services, you'll pay 100 percent of your medical and pharmacy bills until the amount you pay reaches $2,600.

Will my insurance go up if I use my deductible?

A high deductible will lower your overall insurance rate, however it will increase your out-of-pocket costs if you file a claim.

How do deductible expenses work?

A deduction is an amount you subtract from your income when you file so you don't pay tax on it. By lowering your income, deductions lower your tax. You need documents to show expenses or losses you want to deduct. Your tax software will calculate deductions for you and enter them in the right forms.

What is too high of a deductible?

For individuals, a health plan can qualify as high deductible if the deductible is at least $1,350, and the max out-of-pocket cost (the most you'd pay in a year for medical expenses, with insurance covering everything else) is at least $6,750.

Is a $0 deductible good?

A no-deductible plan can be a good choice for your family if you want immediate coverage without needing to meet a deductible first, especially if multiple family members need regular care. However, these plans often have higher premiums, so consider your budget.

What doesn't go towards deductible?

If you receive care that isn't covered by your health plan, it often won't count toward your deductible. This might include such things as cosmetic procedures or seeing a provider who isn't in your health plan's network.

How long does it take to reach a deductible?

The length of time to pay your deductible for insurance will vary based on the amount of your deductible and how much you spend at a doctor's visit, among other factors. For example, if your deductible is $1,000, it might take you several months' worth of doctor's visits and tests to meet your deductible.

Is it better to have a 500 or 1000 deductible?

If you choose a $500 deductible, your rate will be higher than if you choose a $1,000 deductible. If you were to file a claim with a $500 deductible, however, your out-of-pocket cost would be $500 less than if you filed a claim with a $1,000 deductible.

Do you have to pay upfront for an ER visit?

You'll be charged afterwards, whether you can pay or not. The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), a federal law passed in 1986, requires anyone coming to a hospital emergency room to be stabilized and treated, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.

How to get deductible waived?

Fault determination: Most insurers require you to be not at fault for the accident. Some auto companies may require you to be 100 percent fault-free to have the deductible waived, while others may waive a percent of your deductible based on your percentage of fault.

Can the color of your car affect your insurance premium?

The color of your car doesn't affect your insurance rate. Instead, your insurance company uses other information, like your car's age, location, usage, and your driving record, to help determine insurance rates. Learn more about the factors that impact auto insurance pricing.

What is a good amount for deductible?

There aren't any hard statistics on this, but industry sources say a $500 deductible is considered “standard.” There are good reasons to opt for a higher deductible, though…