that's what we call it in America

Insurance Waiting Periods
Waiting Periods
The idea of a waiting period in the world of health insurance may seem simple enough: It's the period of time specified in a health insurance policy which must pass before some or all of your health care coverage can begin.

Nos planos de saúde o prazo de carência é o período, previsto em contrato, entre a assinatura do contrato e a efetiva possibilidade de uso dos serviços pelo segurado. Nesse intervalo, o consumidor paga as mensalidades, mas não tem direito de usufruir de todos os benefícios contratados junto ao plano de saúde.

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Definition: A period of time set forth in a policy which must pass before some or all coverages begin.
Examples: Sometimes, after an agent prepares a quote for a customer the customer may decide to complete an application to begin insurance. When the customer has completed the application for insurance there may be a waiting period before the policy is in force or begins. If an accident happens within this waiting period, the customer may not be covered for a loss.