What defines the deferred period in PAS policies?

The deferred period in Personal Accident and Sickness (PAS) policies specifically refers to the time during which the insured must wait to receive benefits after filing a claim. This is known as the waiting period or elimination period and varies between different policies. During this period, although the insured may have filed a claim due to their incapacity or injury, no benefits are paid until this time has elapsed.

The rationale for including a deferred period is to ensure that short-term absences from work do not lead to claims being made unnecessarily, and it helps insurers manage their risk. Once the deferred period is completed, the insured becomes eligible to start receiving their benefits as stipulated in the policy terms.