If you are just now getting dental insurance after some time away from the dental office, you are likely eager to get back on track with your routine cleaning and checkups to resolve any issues that are bothering you. However, there appears to be a waiting period on your insurance. What does this indicate? Continue reading to learn more about dental insurance and how waiting periods work.
What Is a Dental Insurance Waiting Period?
Regarding dental insurance, the waiting period is the length of time before your dull dental benefits begin. At this point, your dental plan may not cover certain dental services or procedures. Depending on which plan you have, the waiting period could last anywhere from a month to a year after you sign up for coverage. The treatments and procedures that are and aren’t covered during the waiting period vary from plan to plan. For instance, many plans cover routine care during the waiting period, but not more complex procedures. Alternatively, some plans don’t have waiting periods.
What Is the Purpose of a Waiting Period?
The idea behind the waiting period is to keep the cost of insurance lower in the long run. If people buy dental insurance coverage only when they need major restorative treatments as an effort to save some money, this drives up the overall cost of dental insurance for everyone. The waiting period encourages people to seek regular dental treatment, improving their oral health and preventing the need for restorative procedures in the future. If customers keep their dental insurance, even when their teeth are in good health, it keeps the cost of premiums and coverage lower for everyone.
Can I See My Dentist During the Waiting Period?
In most cases, dental insurance companies apply the waiting periods to majors procedures. If you have a waiting period, it will be listed on your benefits summary in addition to the length of time before you receive full coverage. It should also include which specific procedures the waiting period applies to. If you need a dental procedure that isn’t covered during the waiting period, you will be responsible for the cost. However, if you have a dental checkup schedule, the waiting period may not apply to it, so you should be able to attend that without issue. Just remember to double-check your plan ahead of time so you don’t run into any surprises.
Dental insurance is a valuable tool, but it can be confusing at first. If you have any questions regarding your plan, reach out to your dental team. You will be back on track with your dental visits in just a matter of time.
About the Author
Dr. Tracy Morales earned her dental doctorate from the Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry. Since then, she has been committed to continuing education to keep her knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, she is affiliated with the American Dental Association, American Academy of Clear Aligners, Academy of Laser Dentistry, and many more professional organizations. For more information or to schedule an appointment at her office in Fort Worth, visit her website or call (817) 214-3333.
