How Does the Waiting Period Work in Dental Insurance?

There is an old Spanish saying: “You only remember Saint Barbara when it thunders.” It refers to people who only seek solutions when problems arise. This can also happen to those who think they can purchase dental insurance only when they have a toothache and immediately get coverage for treatment. The reality is that this doesn’t always work, and here’s why.

Many dental insurance policies include a clause called a waiting period, designed to prevent customers from purchasing insurance only when they need urgent treatment. The goal is to promote preventive dental care.

Types of Dental Treatments

Before diving into details, it’s important to understand that dental treatments fall into the following categories:

• Preventive care: Includes exams, cleanings, X-rays, and fluoride treatments.
• Basic procedures: Covers fillings and non-surgical extractions.
• Major dental work: Includes crowns, bridges, implants, and surgical treatments.

Typical Coverage Breakdown

Most dental insurance policies cover:
✅ 100% of preventive care costs
✅ 80% of basic treatments
✅ 50% of major dental work

What Does a Waiting Period Mean?

When a new customer purchases dental insurance, the policy often includes a waiting period, which works as follows:

✅ Preventive care is typically covered immediately from the policy’s start date.
✅ Basic treatments usually require a waiting period of 3 to 6 months.
✅ Major dental procedures often require a 6 to 12-month waiting period, depending on the policy.

In other words, a new insurance holder can get a basic cleaning right away, but if they need a tooth extraction or a crown, they may have to pay out of pocket if the waiting period has not yet ended.

However, the insurance market is broad, and there are multiple companies offering dental plans with no waiting periods, allowing policyholders to access full benefits immediately. The downside? These plans typically come with higher premiums.

Choose the Right Dental Insurance for You

If you’re considering dental insurance, it’s crucial to evaluate the pros and cons before signing up to avoid surprises—especially if you only think about insurance when problems arise.

The good news? You can talk to one of our specialized Univista Insurance agents, who will help you find the best dental insurance plan to fit your needs and budget.