If you’ve recently acquired dental insurance, you’re probably eager to schedule your or your child’s first checkup, especially if it’s been a little while since your last appointment. Before you contact your pediatric dentist, however, it’s important to be aware of all of the terms and conditions of your policy. Many insurance plans include waiting periods so you might not be able to get your checkup immediately. If you’re unsure what this is or why it’s necessary, keep reading to learn more about it!
What Are Dental Insurance Waiting Periods?
A dental insurance waiting period simply refers to a designated amount of time you must wait once you purchase your policy before the benefits begin. Not all plans are the same, though. Some don’t have a waiting period while others allow preventative care appointments but not other treatments, for example. Therefore, it’s important to check the details of your coverage before you schedule an appointment.
Waiting period lengths also vary. Some companies require that you wait a few months while others don’t provide benefits until a full year has passed.
Why Is There a Waiting Period for Dental Insurance?
It may not be immediately evident, but having a waiting period can benefit both the insurance organization as well as the purchasers. The intent is to keep insurance costs low for everyone involved, in the long run. Many waiting periods are set up to encourage regular checkups that help prevent more complicated, costly procedures down the road, for example.
If people start purchasing dental insurance just to help cover certain expensive treatments and then drop their policy, the rates will climb for everyone subscribing to them. By including a waiting period, insurance companies help ensure that the premiums and coverage can remain low across the board.
What Services Do Dental Insurance Waiting Periods Apply To?
Often, waiting periods apply only to certain procedures but allow you to have basic examinations and cleanings. More involved solutions like dental crowns, bridges, and implants are likely to be covered only after the designated period passes. The specifics of your policy will be listed in the details of your coverage. If you can’t find the information and are not sure what’s included, you can always call the insurance provider to inquire.
If you have a dental issue and are looking for a new insurance policy, you might want to seek options that don’t include a waiting period or exclude the particular service that you know you need.
Then, once a certain amount of time has gone by, you’ll be able to enjoy the full benefits provided in your insurance policy!
About the Author
Dr. Melissa Bailey enjoys helping improve her patients’ lives by providing transformative dental and orthodontic services for still-developing smiles. She earned degrees in piano performance and business administration at UCLA before she attended dental school there. She has since received advanced training and orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Her practice accepts many dental insurance plans so that your child can get the high-quality care they deserve. If you have questions about your policy, her friendly staff are happy to walk you through the details. You can reach the office on the website or by calling (925) 575-8878.