Pre-existing disease (PED)
Also called PED
A health condition diagnosed or treated in the 36 months before a health policy starts, covered only after a waiting period.
A pre-existing disease, or PED, is a condition you already had when the policy began: one diagnosed or treated in the 36 months before cover starts. It is covered, but only after a waiting period of at most 36 months, and only if you disclosed it. Buying cover for older parents? Read health insurance for parents, and see how waiting credits move with you in health insurance portability.
Questions people ask
What is a pre-existing disease in health insurance?
Under IRDAI's Insurance Products Regulations, 2024, it is any condition, ailment, injury or disease that a doctor diagnosed, or for which medical advice or treatment was recommended or received, in the 36 months before the policy starts.
What is the maximum waiting period for a pre-existing disease?
36 months of continuous cover. IRDAI's 2024 rules set that as the upper limit, and insurers may offer shorter waits. The clock keeps running only if you renew without a break, and it carries over if you port or migrate the policy.
Should I tell the insurer about a pre-existing disease?
Yes. IRDAI advises buyers to disclose every pre-existing health problem, because hiding one can lead to a claim being rejected or the policy being cancelled. Disclosed conditions are covered once the waiting period ends.
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