What is the maximum waiting period for individual health insurance policies in Colorado?

In Colorado, the maximum waiting period for individual health insurance policies is 90 days. This regulation is put in place to ensure that consumers have timely access to health coverage without excessive delays. A waiting period refers to the time between when the individual applies for coverage and when the coverage becomes effective. Limiting this period to 90 days helps to protect individuals from prolonged uncertainties about their health care coverage, particularly in cases of urgent medical needs.

The option of 90 days aligns with state laws that support consumer protections while still allowing insurers some flexibility in managing risk. Shorter waiting periods may create challenges for insurance providers, especially when assessing eligibility and pre-existing conditions. The other options, while they represent various potential waiting period lengths, do not conform to the state’s regulatory stance toward individual health insurance policies, which is designed to balance consumer needs with the realities of health insurance underwriting.