Navigating your dental insurance can seem like a challenging feat, especially when there are terms that you may not be entirely familiar with. It’s important you understand them, so you can use your coverage confidently and get the most out of your benefits. One phrase that you might see popping up is a “waiting period.” This is an important part of your plan, so here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.
So, What’s a Waiting Period for Dental Insurance?
In short, a waiting period is how long you will need to wait between the day you buy your plan and the day your benefits actually start to kick in. Your dental insurance provider won’t pay for specific dental treatments, so you will be responsible for them during this time. Depending on your plan, this wait can be 30 days or a year in some cases.
What’s the Point of a Dental Insurance Waiting Period?
The main reason for waiting periods is to discourage patients from buying dental insurance for a specific procedure and then cancelling it right after. By making sure that people stay with their plan, it helps reduce the cost of premiums and coverage. This is good news for you and your provider as well.
How Long Is My Waiting Period?
With that being said, you may wonder how long your waiting period will be. The only way to know is by looking at your plan and seeing what it says. Every policy is different, but it can range from different types of services.
For instance, there often isn’t a waiting period for preventive care, so you can start using your benefits for your routine checkups and cleanings right away. Basic dental work may range from three to six months, while major procedures can be up to a year. However, what is considered a “basic” or “major” treatment will all be laid out in your plan. If you have any questions, you can reach out to your insurance company to get a better understanding.
What If I Need Dental Treatment During My Waiting Period?
Unfortunately, dental emergencies can happen at any moment, so that means during your waiting period as well. If you do need any type of oral care during this time, your insurance won’t pay for a portion of your treatments. However, your dentist may offer third-party financing with options like CareCredit, which can help break down payments into smaller, monthly installments.
In the end, you should learn as much as you can about your dental insurance. Doing so will help you feel confident using it for your dental health. While it may be hard to understand the jargon, your dentist’s front desk team is another asset you can use to help break down your plan.
About the Practice
At Anderson Dental, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Karl Anderson and Dr. Austin McCullough. We are here to help you through your oral healthcare journey, offering a wide range of treatments under one roof. By accepting dental insurance and CareCredit financing, you can feel your best paying for the treatments you need. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call our office at (605) 721-1219.