A waiting period is a period during which the guarantee does not work. The waiting period starts on the effective date of the contract and its duration is specified in the general conditions.

For example, if the contract takes effect on January 1st, and has, for some guarantees, a three months waiting period, the concerned guarantees will be granted as of April 1st.

Waiting periods are generally applied to certain benefits such as maternity, orthodontics or psychiatry. It is a way for the insurer to avoid subscriptions by « opportunism ».