The length of time after your policy starts before a particular type of claim is actually covered.
The length of time after your policy starts before a particular type of claim is actually covered. Every policy has them. They typically range from a short wait (0–7 days) for accidents, and a longer one (2–4 weeks) for illness, with some specific conditions like cruciate ligament injuries having their own longer wait (often around 90 days to 6 months).
Waiting periods exist so people can't take out a policy the day after an injury happens and claim immediately. Shorter waiting periods mean full policy cover kicks in sooner. Some insurers let you waive a condition-specific wait early with a vet-certified pre-policy exam; others don't offer that option at all.