1. In individual or group health insurance, time between enrollment and the date an individual is eligible for insurance coverage. Usually WPs last from 14 to 30 days after issue of a policy and apply to medical expenses from illness, not from accidents. 2. For a hospital indemnity policy, the time in which benefits may not be paid for the first several days of hospitalization. Elimination periods vary from policy to policy and from company to company. The longer the WP, the lower the cost of insurance. 3. For disability income insurance, the initial period of time when a disabled individual is not eligible to receive benefits even though unable to work. 4. For workers’ compensation, the days that must elapse before workers’ compensation weekly income benefits become payable. Also called eligibility waiting period, elimination period , or probationary period . 5. Time between when an individual signs up with a Medigap insurance company or Medicare health plan and when the coverage starts. 6. In a group health plan, it is the time that must pass before a new employee becomes eligible for plan benefits. The WP usually begins on the date of hire.