Ignorance of a Waiting Period Can Result in Uncovered Dental Procedures
Many consumers don't understand insurance waiting periods until they try to schedule a major dental
service. A waiting period is the length of time from the effective date of an insurance policy until the
policy will cover a specific benefit. The effective date is the date on which the policy becomes active
(normally sometime after the insurance application is submitted and the first premium is paid).
What Is a Waiting Period?
Typically a waiting period applies to one or more dental benefits, but not all (though in theory, it
could apply to all). During a waiting period, the insurance company will not pay for any claims on
benefits subject to a waiting period. A waiting period is an attempt to avoid scenarios where consumers
wait to buy insurance until they need an expensive procedure. From the perspective of an insurance
company, there would be severe fiscal problems if consumers waited until they needed service to buy the
insurance and then discontinued coverage after they received it. As a result, waiting periods may
require continuous coverage (i.e. ongoing premium payments) for an extended period such as 6-months,
12-months, or longer.
Questions answered and ready to buy?
Do All Dental Plans Have Waiting Periods?
No. Waiting periods vary by plans. Some plans may have waiting periods for several covered benefits while other plans may have no waiting periods. To review a state-by-state list of plans without waiting periods, see the article "Dental Insurance No Waiting Periods."
Additionally, some forms of dental coverage, such as a Discount Dental Plan, are not normally associated with waiting periods.
Are Some Procedures More Likely to Have Waiting Periods
Yes. While waiting periods are not standardized in the dental insurance industry, expensive dental
procedures such as crowns, root canals, dentures, implants, or orthodontic work are more likely to have
a waiting period than a less expensive procedure such as a filling or preventive care such as cleaning
or x-ray. Preventive care, however, may have an annual limit of two cleanings that must be spaced at
least 6-months apart.
What Happens if I Get a Dental Procedure During Its Waiting Period?
If you receive a dental service during its waiting period then your dental plan is not obligated to pay
the claim. Consequently, you will be responsible for the total cost without the aid of insurance.
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Are Waiting Periods Legal?
Yes, waiting periods are legal for dental plans.
How Can I Know if a Specific Benefit Has a Waiting Period?
When you enrolled in your dental insurance, you should have received documentation that describes what is
covered by the insurance plan and under what conditions. This document is often called a Summary of
Benefits and should explain the various benefits within the dental plan as well as waiting periods if
any apply.
What Can I Do If I Need a Dental Procedure Immediately But My Insurance Has an Unexpired Waiting Period
A waiting period can be extremely frustrating when you need dental care. If you need a dental procedure
that is restricted by an active waiting period, you can:
Shop for another dental plan that does not have a waiting period and can be effective in time for
your dental procedure
Join a Discount Dental Program, which is not insurance but does offer reduced rates on dental care
Investigate whether there is a dental school in your area that offers reduced-cost care
Are Dental Plans the Only Type of Insurance that Has Waiting Periods?
No. Dental insurance is not the only form of health benefit that may impose a waiting period before
coverage becomes available for the benefit enrollee. Group health plans may impose waiting periods of no
more than 90 days for health benefits. Auto insurance and other property/casualty insurance may have
waiting periods.
More from DentalInsurance.com
Waiting periods are just one of the ways consumers need to be careful when buying a dental plan. No one wants to pay 100 percent of dental care bill when a little homework can make certain the insurance company contributes its fair share of the cost. In order to avoid a scenario where you receive a dental service but your insurance company won’t pay, answer the following questions before you buy your insurance plan:
Does this insurance plan cover the dental procedure I need?
Online resources like this website as well as the plan’s Summary of Benefits can inform you on what procedures are covered versus uncovered
Can safely I wait until after the dental plan becomes active (i.e. its Effective Date) before getting the procedure I need?
Can I get my procedure without being delayed by a waiting period?
Does my dentist/dental specialist accept this insurance plan?
PPO plans with large networks increase the prospect that your dentist will be in-network
Can I still afford the out-of-pocket costs for the procedure?
Out-of-pocket costs refer to the copayment of coinsurance fee you pay alongside the insurance policy’s contribution to dental care costs
Remember that a deductible should be counted toward out-of-pocket costs
If your dentist is out-of-network, out-of-pocket costs are higher in the case of a PPO plan or completely uncovered in the case of a HMO plan
Is the cost of the procedure within the limits of the plan’s maximum benefit limit?
HMO plans and dental discount programs do not have maximum limits
If you answered “no” to any of the above questions, it’s best to keep shopping and find a plan better fitted to your requirements. If you don’t do your homework when buying coverage, you may receive a surprise bill you could have avoided.
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coverage that matches your needs as well as your budget.