Yes, waiting periods are common for pretty much all expat health insurance plans. Each insurer sets its own waiting periods; to learn how they work, simply consult the terms and conditions of the respective plan.
In general, waiting periods differ in accordance with the type of expense. They are rare for routine medical expenses, but almost always apply for hospital, optical, dental, and maternity-related expenses.
However, waiting periods do not apply in the event of an accident, and are often waived for infectious diseases contracted after the start date of your subscription.
Some insurers may also waive waiting periods under certain conditions. In general, the insured person must be able to prove that they were previously insured with (at least) the same amount of coverage, e.g., under a company insurance plan. It's up to the insurer whether or not to grant these waivers.
The insured person will be required to provide the insurer with a detailed chart of their previous coverage, as well as a document specifying the termination date of their previous plan. In order for a waiting period to be waived, the new plan must have been purchased immediately after this termination date (e.g., within 30 days).
Some expatriate insurance providers do not waive waiting periods, regardless of your previous coverage.
Feel free to contact an International Santé advisor for more detailed information on specific waiting periods, potential waivers, and the right plan for your expat health insurance needs.
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