Why Do Waiting Periods Exist
If there were no waiting periods, people could take advantage of the system.
For example, they could immediately take out private health insurance, or upgrade their existing health insurance plan, as soon as they knew they needed an expensive treatment.
Major Dental Malocclusion
They could also do the same if they had a lot of dental procedures that they knew they needed performed that they wanted to get covered under insurance, and then later just cancel their insurance policy.
Either way, this misuse of our private healthcare system would lead to you and I paying much higher premiums for our private health insurance so, in a way, waiting periods are there to actually protect us from paying more in the long-term.
Can I Use Dental Insurance Right Away
In most cases, you can use dental insurance right away for preventive services, like cleanings and x-rays. However, depending on the policy, some basic services and major dental work such as fillings, extractions, or root canals will not be covered until after your dental insurance waiting period is complete. The waiting period is usually between six months to a year, although more expensive procedures may have a waiting period that’s even longer.
Can I Visit The Dentist During My Waiting Period
You can visit the dentist at any time, but if you do so during your waiting period, it might cost you. Many preventive dental procedures are covered from day one of coverage, even if your policy has a waiting period. But if you have a dental procedure done that isnt covered by your insurance during your waiting period, youll be responsible for the full cost.
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Summary Of Dental Plans With No Waiting Period
Thankfully, there are many possibilities if you are looking for dental insurance plans with no waiting period. In fact, most plans have no waiting period for preventive services, and there are even some plans that don’t have a waiting period for major restorative services.
Other plans will waive waiting periods on major services if you’ve had dental insurance with a different provider for at least 12 consecutive months before switching over.
Have a look at the table below for a summary of the best dental insurance plans with no waiting period:
Company |
Find a plan |
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I was looking for a Delta Dental Premier plan like I used to have at work and found one so I could keep using the same dentist that Ive seen for years.
I needed dental and vision combo and signed up for Delta Dental with VSP vision. Easy steps to sign up and got my confirmation email immediately.
Sarah A.
Needed dental implants and found out they are expensive. I found a plan with Renaissance Dental to help offset my costs to get implants.
Alex B.
I called and spoke with EasyDental and the rep helped direct me to the best plan for me. Very nice to work with and got a plan with Delta Premier.
Lauren C.
I needed a new dental plan. This website made it simple to sign up for a Delta plan like I used to have at work.
Preston R.
I wanted a plan with no waiting periods and found one with Renaissance Dental to help pay for my root canal and other major work.
Kristi A.
I dont understand insurance very well, but their customer service helped explain the plans and I got one with Delta Dental that includes my dentist.
Jennifer S.
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What Is Dental Insurance With No Waiting Period
Many dental insurance policies impose a waiting period of months or even years before certain services are covered, meaning you might have to choose between putting off essential procedures or paying the full cost out of pocket. Dental insurance with no waiting period begins coverage on day one so you dont have to wait.
Unitedhealthcare: Best For Major Services
UnitedHealthcare has four dental Premier plans: Premier Choice, Premier Elite, Premier Plus and Premier Max. The Premier Choice plan features a lower premium and offers immediate coverage with no waiting period, as well as discounts in-network for preventive care, and basic and major services.
The Premier Elite plan has a higher premium but it pays more for major services. Just like with the Choice plan, there is no waiting period for preventive care or basic services, but for major services, there is a 6-month waiting period.
The Premier Plus plan includes orthodontic care for dependents and coverage for dental implants, and the Premier Max plan has an annual maximum of $3,000 and no waiting period or deductible for preventive care, although there is a 12-month waiting period for major services.
Have a look at the highlights of the Premier Choice plan, the only plan from UnitedHealthcare with no waiting period for any services:
Preventive services:
- 1 oral exam every 6 months
- 1 routine cleaning every 6 months
- 1 set of bitewing x-rays per year
- 1 fluoride treatment per year for patients under 14
Basic restorative services:
- Dentures every 7 years
- Bridges every 7 years
If you’d like to enroll in one of these plans, just go to dentalinsurance.com. They make it easy to search for dental plans with no waiting periods.
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Dental Insurance No Waiting Period For Major Services
A dental insurance waiting period is the length of time after purchasing your dental benefits plan that you must wait before you can use your full coverage.
During the dental plan waiting period, the dental insurance company will not pay for certain procedures. A dental benefits waiting period may last anywhere from a few months to a full year, depending on the type of plan you have purchased and the insurance benefits wording.
The details of what is covered in the plan immediately versus what coverages are subject to a waiting period will be clearly outlined in your plan contract.
After the waiting period is over, then full benefits become accessible to you.
The Basics
To find out more about dental insurance no waiting period for major services contact Woodyâs Insurance.
What Does Dental Insurance Typically Cover
Most plans cover 100% of preventative care and a portion of basic services like fillings and major services like root canals and implants. Some plans also cover orthodontic services. Because plans vary so much in terms of what they cover, its important to do your research before selecting a carrier.
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What To Consider When Choosing Dental Insurance
Waiting periods are just one thing seniors should think about before choosing a dental insurance provider. Individual providers can set their own rules about the types of care they cover, the copays and deductibles they apply and which dental surgeries are in their network. The best dental insurance providers give customers flexibility when it comes to choosing their dentists and provide cover for preventative care and basic dental work as well as dentures, implants and other more major care.
Before choosing a provider, read the terms carefully. Make sure it works with the dentist you like and that its flexible when it comes to emergency dental care. Some providers refuse to cover care at an out-of-network dental surgery, even in an emergency.
Waiting Out A Waiting Period
Sometimes theres no getting around waiting periods, especially if youve decided a DPPO plan would be a better fit for your needs or if youve already committed to a certain provider.
Heres how to take good care of your teeth during your waiting period so you maybe avoid needing any basic or major procedures before your insurance kicks in:
-
Brush your teeth twice each day with fluoride toothpaste
-
Clean between your teeth daily, using floss or another interdental cleaner
-
Eat a healthy diet that limits sugary beverages and snacks
-
Visit your dentist twice a year for prevention and treatment of oral disease
Of course, these suggestions are important whether you currently have full dental insurance coverage or not. Its always better to prevent oral health issues than to treat them.
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What Types Of Dental Cover Are There
Dental cover can be found in a health funds hospital cover and extras cover. Hospital and extras are the two main types of private health insurance in Australia.
Hospital cover generally includes coverage for in-hospital doctor and specialist fees and hospital accommodation costs. For example, if you are removing your wisdom teeth in hospital, your hospital cover may contribute towards the costs of your hospital accommodation and some doctor charges, such as for an anaesthetist, although it may not cover fees for dentists or oral surgeons.
Extras cover, also called general treatment or ancillary cover, typically encompasses treatments that are classified as out-of-hospital care. It may also help cover some in-hospital costs, such as fees for dentists and oral surgeons fees for tooth extractions. Common types of extras include dental, optical, psychology and physiotherapy.
Health insurers tend to split dental services into two categories: general dental and major dental. General dental usually covers common procedures such as teeth cleanings, check-ups and fillings, while major dental typically covers complex and expensive procedures such as wisdom teeth removal, root canals and braces.
Depending on the extras policy you choose, you may be covered for both general and major dental services.
Dental Insurance With No Waiting Period Makes Life Easier
If youre in the market for dental insurance, you want coverage now, not in six months or next year. You expect your plan to cover your dental services when you need them.With Spirit Dental, all plans offer protection* as soon as the plan becomes active. Other dental insurance carriers impose an initial waiting period for plan coverage to take effect. These details may be buried in the fine print, but the impact on your coverage is clear.
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How Do Dental Savings Plans Work
When you join a dental savings plan, you gain access to a network of dentists who have agreed toprovide discounted rates to plan members. You pay the discounted rate directly tothe dentist after receiving dental care.
- Save 10-60% on dental care, with reduced rates from 140,000+ dentists.
- Use whenever needed: no maximum annual or lifetime spending limits.
- Discounts on all included dental treatments within 72-hours of joining.
- Everyone is accepted, there are no background checks.
- Many plans include savings on prescriptions, vision and hearing care and otherhealthcare services.
- Have dental health problems, or dental work already in progress? Good news youstill save with a dental plan.
Getting Dental Insurance Thats Ready When You Need It
One of the obstacles to getting dental care at the time it’s needed is the date on which a dental plan will begin to pay dentists. The two main reasons for delays in coverage are:
- The dental policy’s effective date
- Attaching waiting periods to various benefits
This article will educate you on the conditions delaying insurance coverage and then list plans that lack waiting periods.
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Spirit Dental Offers Coverage When You Need It Most
With Spirit Dental, we keep things simple, with no surprises. Once you’re enrolled in a plan, you’re covered immediately starting on the effective date, which can be as soon as the next day! No more waiting for that trip to the dentist.** We provide affordable dental insurance, no waiting period is required. You get the immediate dental insurance you need.
No Waiting Period Dental Insurance Advice & Insights
Material discussed is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only and it is not to be construed as tax, legal, investment or medical advice. This is not dental care advice and should not be substituted for regular consultation with your dentist. If you have any concerns about your dental health, please contact your dentist’s office.
Links to external sites are provided for your convenience in locating related information and services. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents and employees expressly disclaim any responsibility for and do not maintain, control, recommend, or endorse third-party sites, organizations, products, or services and make no representation as to the completeness, suitability, or quality thereof.
1. https://www.nadp.org/Dental\_Benefits\_Basics/Dental\_BB\_1.aspx, 2017
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Types Of Dental Insurance Plans
The three types of dental plans on the market today are dental preferred provider organization plans, dental health maintenance organization plans and fee-for-service plans:
Dental preferred provider organization
DPPO plans have a wider network of dentists, and patients have more flexibility when choosing their doctors. You can see providers both in-network and out of network, but youll find the best rates within the dental provider network.
This flexibility comes with a higher price tag premiums for DPPO plans are more expensive and have higher out-of-pocket costs.
Dental health maintenance organization
A DHMO plan works within a dental provider network. Theres a fixed copayment for each visit, premiums are more affordable and there are no annual maximum limits.
Members of a DHMO plan have a smaller provider network to choose from, and theyll also need to select a primary care dentist from the plans network. Lastly, theres no out-of-network coverage, and seeing a specialist requires a referral.
Fee-for-service plans
Fee-for-service plans pay a flat rate for eligible services. This plan type allows greater flexibility because patients can visit the provider of their choice.
On the downside, out-of-pocket expenses are higher. Patients can either make a copayment at the dentists office or pay upfront and then file a claim for reimbursement with their insurance provider.
Dental discount plans
What To Look For In A Dental Insurance Provider
How can you a dental insurance provider thats right for you? Look for these 3 key features when you shop for dental insurance:
- High maximum benefits: Dental insurance companies can put both a yearly and lifetime cap on the amount theyll payout for your dental care needs. Look for an insurance provider with a high maximum benefit limit to get the most out of your coverage.
- Availability in your area: Not every dental insurance is licensed to offer plans in all 50 states. Enter your ZIP code and be sure that your dental insurance provider services your area before you buy a plan.
- A low deductible: Your plans deductible is a set dollar amount you need to spend on your dental care costs before the insurance covers your care. Look for a plan with a deductible that you can afford otherwise, you might end up overpaying for insurance you cant use.
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Can My Dental Insurance Carrier Waive A Waiting Period
Insurance carriers and/or employers can waive your waiting period at any time, but that is at the carriers/employers discretion. Collect as much documentation as possible, contact the carrier or your employers insurance department and seek a waiver. Your dentist may even write a letter stating that your treatment is medically necessary and simply cannot wait.
Major Services Typically Include 12 Month Waiting Periods
Many dental plans impose a 12 month waiting period for major dental work. If you receive a major service prior to fulfilling its applicable waiting period, you will be responsible for the entire bill for that service. Without dental insurance, major dental services can cost in the hundreds or even thousand
There are many benefits of dental insurance with no waiting period for major dental services:
- You receive prompt coverage so that you dont have to wait for needed dental care
- Access to quick dental insurance benefits can greatly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses
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What Is The Waiting Period For Dental Benefits
It is common for health insurers to apply a waiting period before you can claim for general dental care.
Across the insurers in Canstars database, at the time of writing, the average waiting period for general dental tends to be two months. The minimum is no waiting period.
If you need dental surgery or more expensive work, the waiting period can be longer.
According to Canstars database, on average there is a 12-month waiting period before you can use major dental treatment benefits. The minimum major dental waiting period offered by insurers in our database is two months.
Why Do Some Dental Insurance Plans Have A Waiting Period
Insurance is meant to be purchased before you need it not as a quick fix right after something major happens. Many insurance companies have waiting periods to make sure people dont sign up for dental insurance just to get a quick discount on major services, only to cancel the policy once the problem has been taken care of.
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What Do Dental Plans Cover
Depending on the plan you choose, our dental insurance benefits can include:
Preventive care |
Covers routine cleanings for all covered persons and fluoride treatments for those under the age of 16 on the plan, often with no deductible or waiting period. |
---|---|
Basic services |
This often includes simple fillings or emergency treatment for dental pain. |
Major services |
This can include retainers and root canals. These are often subject to the plans deductible and waiting periods. |
Access to a wide dental network |
Including dental offices in both private and retail settings. |
Direct payment to in-network dentists |
No need to submit claim forms. |
No age restrictions |
Find coverage for every member of your family and every stage of life.2 Even if you are on Medicare, which doesnt include dental benefits, we have plans designed specifically for seniors. |