What is the difference between consecutive and aggregate waiting periods?

The waiting period structure - consecutive versus aggregate - determines how your waiting period is calculated and can significantly impact when benefits begin. A consecutive waiting period (also called continuous) requires you to be continuously, totally disabled for the entire waiting period before benefits commence. If you have a 30-day consecutive waiting period and return to work even briefly during those 30 days, the waiting period restarts from the beginning. This structure favors the insurer and is less generous to claimants, but usually results in slightly lower premiums. An aggregate waiting period (also called cumulative or non-consecutive) counts any days of disability toward your waiting period, even if they're not continuous. For example, with a 30-day aggregate waiting period, if you're off work for 10 days, return for a week, then off again for 20 days due to the same or related condition, you've accumulated 30 days and benefits would commence. The aggregation typically applies within a defined period, such as accumulating 30 days within any 60-day or 90-day period. Aggregate waiting periods are more generous and better protect against conditions that fluctuate or recur, such as chronic back pain, mental health conditions, or conditions requiring staged treatments. They're particularly valuable for partial disability situations where you might work intermittently. Most modern policies offer aggregate waiting periods as standard or as an option, though premiums are slightly higher than consecutive waiting periods. If you have a choice, aggregate waiting periods provide superior protection and are worth the marginal additional cost, particularly if your health condition or occupation makes intermittent disability likely.