InsuranceFinancial Glossary
Pre-Existing Disease (PED)
Definition
Any medical condition that existed before the health insurance policy start date. This includes diagnosed conditions, conditions for which treatment was taken, and conditions showing signs/symptoms even if not formally diagnosed. IRDAI mandates a maximum 4-year waiting period for PED coverage.
Why It Matters
PED waiting periods are the single biggest reason for health insurance claim rejections in India. If you develop diabetes and then buy health insurance, diabetes-related hospitalization will not be covered for 2-4 years (depending on the policy). This makes buying health insurance early — before conditions develop — critically important.