What Is a Waiting Period?
A waiting period (Wartezeit) is the time between your private health insurance (private Krankenversicherung, PKV) policy starting and certain benefits becoming claimable. It exists so that people cannot take out cover only once they already need expensive treatment. Crucially, not all benefits have a waiting period, and where one applies it can often be waived.
Good news: acute illness and accident treatment are generally covered from day one. Waiting periods mainly affect planned, predictable benefits such as dentures, orthodontics, psychotherapy and childbirth.
General vs Special Waiting Periods
German PKV distinguishes two types:
- General waiting period (allgemeine Wartezeit) — typically three months, applying to most benefits before the policy fully responds
- Special waiting periods (besondere Wartezeiten) — usually eight months, applying to specific high-cost areas such as dentures, orthodontics, psychotherapy and pregnancy/childbirth
| Benefit area | Typical waiting period |
|---|---|
| Acute illness / accidents | None — covered immediately |
| General benefits | ~3 months |
| Dentures, orthodontics | ~8 months |
| Psychotherapy, childbirth | ~8 months |
How Waiting Periods Are Waived
The most common way to remove waiting periods is to undergo a medical examination (ärztliche Untersuchung) when you apply. If the insurer is satisfied about your health, it will usually waive both the general and special waiting periods, so your cover responds in full from the start. Many applicants do this precisely to access dental or maternity benefits sooner.
Waiting periods are also typically waived when you switch directly from statutory insurance (GKV) or another PKV policy without a gap, because you were already continuously insured. Continuity of cover is recognised, so you do not start the clock again.
Why It Matters for Planning
If you are planning a family or anticipating major dental work, the eight-month special waiting period matters. Take out cover — or arrange a waiver via medical exam — well in advance, because childbirth and dentures begun during the waiting period will not be reimbursed. Forward planning here directly affects what you can claim.
Key Takeaways
- Emergencies and acute illness are covered from day one
- Planned, high-cost benefits carry special waiting periods of around eight months
- A medical exam at application usually waives all waiting periods
- Switching without a gap from GKV or another insurer generally avoids them
Understanding Wartezeiten lets you time your cover so that the benefits you need are available exactly when you need them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Compare PKV Tariffs for Your Situation
Our independent advisors help expats and professionals find the right private health insurance — personalised to your age, health, and budget.
Get My Free Quote