Waiting period

Deferred or elimination period — continuous absence/ incapacity before benefits start.

This is

A fixed period defined in policy wording (days or months)
Measured from Date of Absence or first day of incapacity — check your clause
Requires continuity evidence across the whole period

This is not

The same as symptom onset or your first sick note
Optional — most group IP policies have one
Automatically over because HR accepted absence

Policy angle — Also called deferred period or elimination period. Benefits usually start only after you satisfy this period without recovery gaps that reset the clock.

ClaimBuddy resources

Cross-links to Clinical Atlas, glossary, traps, and policy terms — hover for a quick summary.

Glossary Policy traps Policy terms

How do you know?

Practical signs that this term applies to your situation — not legal advice.

Your policy schedule states a deferred/elimination period (e.g. 3 months).
Benefits are not payable until that period of continuous incapacity ends.
Insurer correspondence references 'waiting period not yet satisfied'.

What triggers it?

Events or thresholds that typically activate this concept in a claim.

DOA or first incapacity day starts the clock — per your clause wording.
Any return to material duties may reset the period to zero.
End of waiting period + ongoing disability test = benefit commencement.

Check yourself

Highlighted words link to language-map explainers.

Is my waiting period measured from DOA or from first consultation ?
Did I work light duties at any point — even one day?
Do certificates cover the full period without gaps?

Date ladder

These dates are rarely the same day — capture each one separately in ClaimBuddy.

DOA / incapacity start Day one of the waiting period
Mid-period checks Any work or light duties may reset the clock
Waiting period end Benefits may start if disability test still met

How this links to other terms

Date of Absence

Clock usually starts at DOA or first incapacity day.

Incapacity

Continuous incapacity across the whole period.

Sickness

Short sickness spells do not satisfy a 3-month waiting period.

Disability

You must still meet disability test when waiting period ends.

Evidence

Policy schedule, absence register, medical certificates covering full period, employer statement

Often mixed with

3-month waiting period from DOA — insurer may dispute if you returned to light duties for one week mid-period.