IRDAI defines pre-existing disease as a) any condition, ailment, injury or disease which is diagnosed by a physician within 48 months prior to the effective date of the policy issued by the insurer or its reinstatement or b) for which medical advice or treatment was recommended by, or received from, a physician within 48 months prior to the effective date of the policy issued by the insurer or its reinstatement.IRDAI has mandated that all existing health insurance products that are not in compliance with this definition shall not be offered and promoted from 01st October, 2020 onwards.Waiting period for pre-existing diseasesGenerally, most health insurance policies cover pre-existing diseases after a specified period called as the 'waiting.