What aspect of a health insurance plan specifies when coverage begins?

The effective date of a health insurance plan is crucial as it specifies when the coverage begins. This date indicates when the insured can start receiving benefits under the terms of the policy. Understanding the effective date is important for both insurers and policyholders, as it outlines the specific moment the coverage kicks in, allowing for clarity regarding coverage and claims.

While renewal period refers to the timeframe in which a policy can be renewed, and exclusion period pertains to specific time frames during which certain conditions or services may not be covered, neither of these options deals directly with the initiation of coverage. Coverage provisions outline the specifics of what is included or excluded under the policy but do not state when the coverage itself begins. Therefore, the effective date is the key aspect in determining when the insured's health insurance coverage is active.