If you’ve recently signed up for a new dental insurance policy, they might have explained that you have a waiting period. This is an amount of time you must wait before having full access to your dental benefits. You can still visit your dentist during your waiting period, but here are a few things you should know before scheduling an appointment.
How Dental Insurance Works
Your premiums give you access to comprehensive dental benefits that are designed to keep your mouth healthy. Although every plan differs, most include:
- 100% of preventive services
- 80% of basic dental work
- 50% of major dental services
Dental insurance focuses on prevention to stop common oral health issues from occurring in the first place, like cavities and gum disease. As a result, you lessen your risk of needing costly dental work later. You can visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup for only a co-pay.
If your dentist finds anything concerning, you don’t have to worry about a large bill. After meeting your annual deductible, your insurance can pay up to 80% of the expenses for medically necessary treatments until reaching your yearly limit. At the end of the year, your dental benefits reset and you’ll lose anything you have not used. Nothing will accumulate, and you aren’t reimbursed for your premiums or deductibles.
What are Insurance Waiting Periods?
Dental insurance waiting periods are designed to prevent people from only purchasing insurance when they require dental work. Not all dental insurance has waiting periods. It is most often implemented when purchasing a new policy. Waiting periods can range from 30 days to 1 year; however, the average time is about 63 days.
You Can Still See a Dentist
You can still see a dentist for cleanings and checkups during your waiting period. Additional services may also be covered, but at a much lower rate. The waiting period may be waived for basic dental services, like a filling. However, major dental work will need to wait until after your waiting period.
Your dentist will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize your coverage to lower the amount you pay out-of-pocket. Many dental practices also offer flexible financing solutions, like monthly installments with CareCredit.
Dental insurance is a great investment, even if you have to wait a few weeks to have access to all of your coverage. You can achieve optimal oral health for minimal out-of-pocket expenses.
About Dr. Lucia Perez Troisi
Dr. Lucia Perez Troisi earned her dental degree at NOVA Southeastern University and has continued her education in orthodontics and dental implants at the New York University College of Dental Medicine. She accepts many dental insurance plans to keep a healthy smile affordable. Request an appointment through her website or call her office at (757) 300-5799.