What is the longest waiting period for health insurance?

Asked by: Eugene Runolfsson  |  Last update: January 11, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (17 votes)

90-day Waiting Period Limitation. PHS Act section 2708 provides that a group health plan or health insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage shall not apply any waiting period that exceeds 90 days.

What is the average waiting period for health insurance?

How Long Are Health Insurance Waiting Periods? Typical waiting periods for health insurance are 30, 60 or 90 days, though some plans don't have any.

What is the 90-day waiting period rule?

As we mentioned earlier, employers who offer group health insurance plans must offer their eligible employees access within the first 90 days on the job. If the period goes past 90 days, an employer has technically broken the rule.

How soon can you get health insurance after starting a new job?

  • Immediate: Some employers offer health insurance starting on your first day of work.
  • 30 to 90 Days: The most common waiting period is between 30 and 90 days from your start date.

Can I buy health insurance and use it immediately?

Many, but not all, short term health insurance plans can take effect the day after your application is received.

Everything you should know about Waiting Period in Health Insurance

36 related questions found

What is the fastest way to get health insurance?

To secure health insurance quickly, options like the Special Enrollment Period, Medicaid or CHIP, or Short-Term Health plans could be a good fit.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover urgent care?

BlueCross BlueShield covers a variety of urgent care services, including treatment for minor injuries, illnesses, lab tests, and preventive care.

Can waiting periods be waived?

Sometimes insurers will waive some waiting periods as part of a promotion to attract new members. Usually, they only waive some of the waiting periods for general treatment services. Always check which waiting periods will still apply.

How much is cobra insurance?

How much does COBRA insurance cost? COBRA insurance typically costs 102% of the total health plan premium. This includes both the employee and employer contributions, along with a 2% administrative fee.

Why do jobs make you wait 3 months for insurance?

Some businesses offer benefits to new employees immediately, others after 90 days. Why do employers have a waiting period for benefits? It allows time to ensure that a given employee is a good fit for the company and will likely be sticking around for the longer term.

How strict is 90 day rule?

The 90 Day Rule Europe lets you stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This means you can travel, work, or explore for three months, but you must leave the Schengen Area for the next three months before you can return.

How long does it take for health benefits to start?

Coverage will usually start on the first day of the month following plan selection (for example, if you selected a plan on Dec. 31, your coverage would start on Jan. 1).

What is the probationary period in health insurance?

The waiting – or probationary – period is the period of time set by an employer before coverage becomes effective for a new employee enrolling into the group's health benefit coverage. Group health plans and health insurance carriers that offer group coverage may not apply a probationary period that exceeds 90 days.

How long does it take to get on a new health insurance?

Once you've enrolled and made your first payment it can take about 3 weeks, for your application to be processed. If you applied for major medical health insurance and your enrollment was received in the first fifteen days of the month, your coverage will typically begin on the first day of the following month.

How long do new hires have to enroll in benefits?

Employers can set different guidelines for a new hire enrollment period, but 30 days is typical. This 30-day window, known as the initial enrollment period, begins on the initial employment date. Open enrollment communication is critical to making your staff fully aware of how long they have to consider their benefits.

What are the three biggest mistakes you should avoid making when applying for an insurance policy?

Avoid these big mistakes to save money and get the coverage you need.
  • Setting your deductible too high or too low. ...
  • Not having enough home or auto insurance. ...
  • Knowing when to drop your car's comprehensive or gap coverage. ...
  • Not knowing about health care networks and referrals. ...
  • Not telling your family about your life insurance.

Does COBRA coverage begin immediately?

Assuming one pays all required premiums, COBRA coverage starts on the date of the qualifying event, and the length of the period of COBRA coverage will depend on the type of qualifying event which caused the qualified beneficiary to lose group health plan coverage.

Is COBRA cheaper than marketplace?

Both COBRA and ACA Marketplace plans have their advantages. COBRA lets you keep your exact employer-based plan but is often more expensive. ACA plans may be more affordable, especially with subsidies, but require choosing a new plan. The best choice depends on your financial situation and healthcare needs.

How soon after buying health insurance can you use it?

Often, health insurance has an initial waiting period of 30 – 90 days, with 90 days being the government-mandated limit. However, certain conditions and procedures may have waiting periods with longer time requirements before coverage kicks in.

What pre-existing conditions are not covered?

Is there health insurance for pre-existing conditions? Choosing a health plan is no longer based on the concept of a pre-existing condition. A health insurer cannot deny you coverage or raise rates for plans if you have a medical condition at the time of enrollment.

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.

Is it cheaper to go to urgent care or ER without insurance?

An urgent care visit is between $100 and $200 – about ten times less than the average ER visit. If you have insurance, it should only be the cost of your co-pay. Most urgent care clinics are open 7 days a week. And, on average, wait times are 30 minutes or less.

Is Blue Shield Promise PPO or HMO?

As a mixed-model health maintenance organization (HMO), Blue Shield Promise contracts directly with individual physicians and other healthcare provider types under flexible reimbursement arrangements and with independent physician associations (IPAs) and medical groups on a capitated basis.

Where is the best place to go when sick?

Your best option

If you can't get in to see your doctor and you want to be seen in person, a convenience clinic (such as the ones inside retail stores, supermarkets or pharmacies), or an urgent care clinic (usually near your primary care clinic) is your next best option.