Waiting period

The period of time between the effective date of the patient's contract and the date when benefits are available. It may be 240 days or 270 days and may apply to only certain specified conditions. There are usually two kinds of waiting periods; insurance company -imposed -i.e. maternity benefits may not be available for 240 days after the effective date of the patient's contract and pre-existing condition -i.e. care for back conditions may not be available for 240 days from the effective date of the patient's contract when there is evidence of previous care for this condition.