If you are about to get dental insurance after some time away from the dental office, you are likely excited to get back on track with your routine cleanings and checkups. This way, you can have any issues resolved and ensure that your oral health is in good shape. However, there is sometimes a waiting period for insurance. Continue reading to learn more about dental insurance and how waiting periods work.
What Is a Dental Insurance Waiting Period?
When it comes to dental insurance, the waiting period is the length of time before your full 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 signing up for coverage. The treatments and procedures that are and aren’t covered during the waiting period vary from plan to plan. For example, many plans cover routine care during the waiting period, but not more complete procedures. On the other hand, mot every plan has a waiting period.
What Is the Purple 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 money, this drives up the cost of insurance for everyone. A waiting period helps to encourage 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 premium and coverage lower for everyone.
Can I See My Dentist During the Waiting Period?
In most cases, dental insurance companies apply the waiting period to major 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 scheduled, the waiting period might not apply to it, so you should be able to attend without any issue. Just remember to double-check your plan beforehand so you don’t run into surprises.
Dental insurance is a valuable tool, but it can be confusing at first. If you have any questions about your plan, don’t hesitate to give your dental office a call. You will be back on track with excellent dental health in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Erin Prach earned her dental doctorate from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. Since then, she has been committed to continuing education to keep her knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, she is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the Wyoming Dental Association. For more information or to schedule an appointment at her office in Casper, visit her website or call (307) 337-4770.