You’re reviewing your dental insurance plan when suddenly you come across terminology you don’t recognize. What is a “waiting period?” When enrolling, you were under the impression that you had immediate access to your benefits as long as you paid your monthly premium. But now, you must wait? Don’t let confusion cause you distress. Learn what waiting periods are all about and why they’re included in certain plans.
What is a Waiting Period?
If you are a new member who recently enrolled in a dental insurance plan, you may find there is a waiting period that is required. This is when certain services (i.e., restorative treatments and complex care) may not be covered for a specified period.
Some waiting periods may only last a few months, while others can extend to a full year.
What Services Are Included & Not Included?
Generally, preventive dental services, such as regular checkups and cleanings, are not included in your waiting period. You are covered right away, especially since they are designed to prevent more serious oral health issues.
However, if you recently enrolled and learn that you need a dental filling, dental crown, or tooth extraction, you will need to wait. Other similar services that fall under the necessary waiting period include:
- Root canals
- Oral surgery
- Dentures
- Inlays and onlays
Why Are Waiting Periods Necessary?
It’s important to remember that not all dental insurance companies include waiting periods in their plans. It is up to the individual provider to decide.
Those that do include them often do so for a few reasons:
- To keep new enrollees from undergoing multiple dental procedures to receive coverage, only to drop their policy once everything is finished.
- To keep premiums low for policyholders. Encouraging individuals to pay for coverage even when the likelihood of an insurance payout remains low reduces the overall monthly cost of accessing these benefits. The idea is that if individuals only paid for dental insurance when they need it, the industry would be in serious trouble.
You may not like the idea of having to abide by a dental insurance waiting period, but companies have their reasons, and ultimately, they’re for your benefit. If you have questions about your plan or need help to learn what you can do to save on more extensive dental care, don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist at your next appointment.
About the Author
Dr. Shefat Rabbi understands how costly dental care can be. He and our team at One Dental New Jersey want to make services affordable for all patients, which is why he is pleased to be in-network with a variety of dental insurance providers. If you want to learn how to save on essential oral care, visit our website or call (908) 409-0881 to speak to a member of our trusted team.