What period follows a covered accident or illness when no benefits are provided to the insured?

The period that follows a covered accident or illness during which no benefits are provided to the insured is known as the elimination period. This term is commonly used in health insurance policies, particularly in disability insurance and long-term care plans. The elimination period is essentially a waiting period during which the insured is responsible for their own expenses. It acts as a type of deductible; the insured must wait for a specified time frame before they begin to receive benefits for their claims.

Understanding this concept is crucial for policyholders, as it directly impacts financial planning and expectations regarding when benefits will begin after a qualifying event. The elimination period is meant to help insurance companies manage risk and ensure that benefits are utilized for genuine long-term needs rather than short-term incidents.