How to Find Dental Insurance With No Waiting Period

NEW YORK, July 19, 2021 (Newswire.com) - A dental insurance plan can include a waiting period for certain services. If any of these services are administered during the waiting period, the insurer won't cover the costs associated with them.

Depending on your area, dental plans may be available that require no waiting period. These plans provide instant coverage for preventative, basic, and/or major dental services. They are often ideal for individuals who require emergency dental care.

For those who are considering dental insurance options, it helps to evaluate plans with no waiting period. Now, let's answer key questions surrounding these plans.

What Is a Dental Insurance Waiting Period?

A dental insurance waiting period refers to the time frame in which an individual purchases coverage but cannot use certain aspects of it. For instance, a dental insurer may provide a policy that has a six-month waiting period in place for fillings. During this time, the policyholder can still receive fillings, but the fillings won't be covered under their policy.

There are two types of dental insurance waiting periods: employer and preexisting condition exclusion varieties. The former is implemented by a dental insurance policyholder's employer, while the latter is used by their insurer.

With an employer waiting period, an employer withholds certain dental benefits from their worker for a set amount of time. The period can last from a few days to an entire year.

Comparatively, a preexisting condition exclusion waiting period can be used to prevent individuals from signing up for insurance solely to cover a significant procedure or treat an oral health problem that was discovered before enrollment. This type of waiting period is commonly used for major procedures like crowns or dentures. Or it can be used for treatment of gum disease or other serious conditions.

How Long Does a Dental Insurance Waiting Period Last?

Dental insurance waiting periods vary based on the insurer, plan, and other factors. In many instances, a dental insurance company will have a six- or 12-month waiting period for non-surgical extractions or other restorative services. Meanwhile, most dental insurance companies have no waiting period on routine dental cleanings and other preventative or diagnostic services.  

Is It Possible to Get a Waiting Period Waived?

There may be times when a dental insurance company will waive a waiting period. For example, a dental insurer may waive a waiting period if an individual terminated a comparable plan 30 to 60 days prior to new coverage. In this scenario, the policyholder's new plan must be nearly identical to their prior coverage.

What Types of Dental Insurance Without Waiting Periods Are Available?

Two types of dental insurance are available: dental health maintenance organization (DHMO) and preferred provider organization (PPO). Dental insurance companies may offer one or both options without a waiting period.

DHMO plans can have low premiums and no annual deductibles. Policyholders may be responsible for co-payments each time they receive dental services. This can lead to high out-of-pocket costs for those who require extensive dental services.

PPO plans tend to have higher premiums and lower out-of-pocket costs than DHMO ones. In a PPO plan, a policyholder may pay an annual deductible as well.

Is Dental Insurance with No Waiting Period a Viable Option?

Dental insurance with no waiting period can be a viable option for those who require immediate dental care. Yet, the waiting period is one of several factors to consider relative to dental coverage.

In addition to the waiting period, here are other dental insurance factors to consider:

• In-Network Dentists: Find out what dentists are included in-network.
• Coverage: Determine what dental services are covered.
• Cost: Analyze a policy's premiums, deductibles, and other costs.

Purchasing dental insurance with or without a waiting period can be beneficial. To get started, review dental insurance plans on Healthcare.gov. From here, an individual can browse different plans and select one that delivers the right combination of quality, affordability, and convenience. This also enables an individual to have appropriate coverage in place before a dental emergency occurs.

Source: iQuanti, Inc.