Dental insurance can be a valuable tool for protecting your child’s smile, but many parents are surprised to learn about dental insurance waiting periods. A waiting period is the amount of time you must wait after enrolling in a dental insurance plan before certain services are covered—but beyond this, what is their purpose, and how do they benefit you and your child? Here’s what you need to know.
What Does the Waiting Period Start?
Most dental insurance plans have a waiting period; insurance companies use these to prevent patients from enrolling only when they immediately need dental care. Many dental plans cover preventive services, such as exams, cleanings, and X-rays, right away. But basic treatments like fillings or simple extractions may have a waiting period of a few months, and major services or other complex procedures often require longer waiting periods that can last even up to six months or so.
Can Waiting Periods Be Waived?
These waiting periods typically begin on the effective date of your dental insurance policy, and while you and your family still can receive dental care during this time, your insurance company may not contribute to the cost of certain treatments until the period has been completed. It’s also worth knowing that in some instances, your new dental insurer may waive your waiting period, such as:
- If you can continue coverage with the same insurer after you change employers.
- If you choose to roll off your employer-sponsored plan and purchase individual insurance with the same insurer.
- If you change insurers, but don’t have a break in your coverage, some new insurers will waive the initial waiting period.
Understanding your plan’s waiting periods allows you to plan ahead for your child’s dental needs and budget accordingly. If you have questions about your coverage, your pediatric dental team is more than happy to review your benefits and explain what to expect so there are no surprises.
About the Practice
Our team here at Trinity Pediatric Dentistry has served the needs of families in Fort Worth and all across the DFW metroplex for several years under the leadership of Dr. Meghan Thorburn. We offer a wide variety of pediatric dental services and are proudly dental insurance-friendly and committed to helping you make the most of your coverage. If you have any questions about the blog or need to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one, call or reach out online for more information. Telephone: (682) 327-1133.