What is the period between the effective date of a health insurance policy and when coverage begins called?

The period between the effective date of a health insurance policy and when coverage actually begins is referred to as the probationary period. During this time, the policyholder may have the insurance in place, but certain benefits or coverages are not yet operational. The probationary period is commonly applied in health insurance policies to manage the risk of pre-existing conditions or to ensure that policyholders do not file claims immediately upon obtaining the policy.

In contrast, a waiting period typically refers to the time an insured must wait before benefits for specific services or conditions are paid. The grace period is a different concept altogether, as it refers to the time after a premium due date during which the policyholder can still make a payment without losing coverage. The coverage period generally indicates the time frame during which the policyholder is protected and can access the benefits of the policy. Hence, the correct terminology for the initial duration before benefits are accessible is indeed the probationary period.