No Previous Cover or Break in Cover for More Than 13 Weeks
If you haven't had a health insurance contract before you will need to serve waiting periods after joining. You are covered immediately for Accidents or Injuries; however, a waiting period of 26 weeks will apply for any new condition and 5 years for any illness or medical condition you already have.
There is also a waiting period of 1 year that would apply for any maternity claim.
Switching From One Provider to Irish Life Health through 123.ie
If you are switching from another health insurance provider no waiting periods will apply for the same level of cover if these have already been served. If you are currently within your waiting period with your previous provider, you will not lose the time you have served.
If you are upgrading your level of cover when you switch to Irish Life Health, a waiting period of 2 years will apply for the upgraded benefits in respect of any pre-existing conditions.
Pre-Existing Conditions
A pre-existing condition is an ailment, illness or condition, the signs, or symptoms of which existed at any time since birth before you took out health insurance for the first time or before you took out health insurance after your health insurance had lapsed for more than 13 weeks.
Upgrade Waiting Periods
An upgrade waiting period will apply when you upgrade your cover (i.e., you purchase a plan with more comprehensive cover than your previous plan). This may happen if you change your plan with us or when coming to Irish Life Health from another health insurer. We will apply an upgrade waiting period to claims where your treatment relates to a pre-existing condition. Where an upgrade waiting period applies, we will cover you up to the level that was available under the benefit that you are claiming off your previous plan. Where the benefit you are claiming was not available on your previous plan, you will not be covered.
