Everything You Need to Know About Dental Insurance Waiting Periods

When you sign up for dental insurance, you may find that there are quite a few terms that you’re not completely sure you understand. For example, many insurance plans come with a waiting period. What exactly does this mean, and how will it affect the amount you pay for certain procedures? Below is a quick overview of what you need to know about dental insurance waiting periods before committing to a plan.

What Exactly is a Waiting Period, and Why Do Dental Insurance Plans Have Them?

Simply put, when it comes to dental insurance, the waiting period is a given length of time that you will need to wait before your coverage for certain procedures kicks in. In other words, until the waiting period is over, you will not be able to use your dental insurance benefits to help pay for specific services.

Many insurance companies include waiting periods as part of their plans as a precaution. The idea is to discourage potential customers from buying dental insurance solely to pay for a single procedure only to drop the plan afterward.

What Dental Services Will a Waiting Period Apply To?

It should be noted that under most dental insurance plans, only certain treatments will be subject to a waiting period. It typically depends on whether the service in question is classified as “preventative,” “basic,” or “major.”

• Preventative services such as dental checkups and cleanings often do not have any waiting periods. In many cases, you can start using your benefits to help pay for these types of procedures right away.
• Basic services such as dental fillings often come with a waiting period of about three to six months.
• Major services such as dental crowns can have waiting periods that may last anywhere from six months to a full year.

Note that some procedures may be classified as “basic” under certain plans and “major” under others. On top of that, the exact length of the waiting period can vary depending on what insurance carrier you have. Be sure to double-check your plan so that you can be sure that you fully understand the details of your coverage.

Are There Dental Insurance Plans Without Waiting Periods?

There are indeed certain companies that offer dental insurance plans that don’t come with any waiting periods. It’s worth taking the time to explore your options carefully so that you can pick a plan that’s right for you.

On top of that, if you have dental insurance through your place of work, there may not be any waiting periods involved.  Speak with your employer to clarify the details of your coverage; you don’t want to be caught off-guard later down the line.

In short, if your dental insurance plan comes with a waiting period, it’s essential to know how long it lasts and which procedures are included. Remember that you can always talk to the helpful team members at your dental practice if you have any insurance-related questions.

About the Author

Dr. Bradford Plasha studied at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. He always puts the safety and comfort of his patients first while he’s helping them improve their smiles. His practice, The Dental Spot of Collegeville, is in-network with many different providers, with Cigna, MetLife, Ameritas, and Guardian being just a few examples. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Plasha, visit his website or call (484) 854-6900.