During the Waiting Period, an insurance company will not pay any claims. There is a waiting period for specific diseases or procedures, which are pre-existing at the time of the first policy and certain listed illnesses. There is an initial waiting period of 30 days, except for accident cases. Waiting Period for Critical Illnesses are 90 days and for maternity benefits range from 9 – 36 months. This is why it is important to start Health Insurance early in life so that the waiting period countdown starts ticking as early as possible.