What is generally required before a sickness can be covered under the policy?

The requirement that a sickness must manifest after the policy is in force is central to many health insurance policies. This provision ensures that coverage applies to conditions that arise during the policy period, rather than pre-existing conditions that could have previously existed before the coverage was active. This is a common stipulation in insurance contracts to protect insurers from having to cover costs for conditions that were already present, which could lead to adverse selection where individuals only seek insurance after they develop health issues.

The other options typically do not align with standard insurance practices. A diagnosis before the policy starts would indicate a pre-existing condition, which most health insurance providers do not cover. Hospitalization is not a requirement for all sickness coverage, as many illnesses do not necessitate a hospital stay yet may still need medical attention. Lastly, while timeliness in reporting is crucial, the specification of a 15-day window can vary by policy and is not a generalized requirement for coverage.