People who are shopping for health insurance quotes may note that each policy has a listed waiting period. Insurance companies are not always upfront about what the waiting period is but, essentially, it is a period of usually a few months after an individual has purchased a policy in which a claim cannot be filed. Waiting periods are a part of standard long term plans, but that does not make them any easier on consumers who may feel anxious that they are not covered during them. However, in some cases, it is possible to eliminate the waiting period.

Insurance policies have waiting periods to protect insurance companies against fraud. If an individual purchased an insurance policy, filed a large claim, and then canceled the policy right after the claim was processed, insurance companies would lose money. This way, insurance companies are protected against loss because individuals have to wait a period of several months before they can file a claim.

Waiting periods may be longer for consumers who are considered "high risk" or who have a preexisting condition. In other words, if a company expects that there is a high risk of an individual defrauding the company through placing numerous claims and not fulfilling the long-term policy, then the company will make them wait longer before allowing them to file a claim. People who are switching insurance policies or who were previously covered under other long term plans but are being forced to adopt a different group policy because of a job change may be able to avoid the waiting period.

Individuals may be frustrated by waiting periods because they mean that the person is, essentially, uninsured during that waiting period. Accidents and sickness can happen at any time, and individuals may become anxious that they are not covered. To avoid this anxiousness, consumers need to carefully study the health insurance quotes they are offered. Quotes will often list the features of the plan, including any waiting periods. Individuals who do not want long waiting periods can use the quotes to compare plans to determine which offers the shortest waiting period or if one offers no waiting period at all. If consumers are truly anxious about the waiting period, they can opt for a plan without it. However, individuals should be cautioned: They may not be able to get the plan they most desire along with a limited or nonexistent waiting period. Often, they must choose between the two amenities.

Waiting periods are annoying, but they are there to prevent fraud. However, consumers who are anxious about them may be able to use health insurance quotes to find a plan that does not require waiting periods.