Updated on August 3, 2024
3 min read

Dental Insurance No Waiting Period

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Some dental insurance plans offer immediate coverage, allowing you to schedule those cleanings, fillings, or other treatments immediately. This can be a game-changer, especially for families with children who might need unexpected dental care.

However, before you jump on the no-waiting-period bandwagon, let’s explore the pros and cons and top options available to make the best decision for your smile.

Can Dental insurance have No Waiting Periods?

Yes, some insurances provide immediate access to dental care, allowing you to start using your insurance benefits the moment it becomes active. This means you don’t have to wait months for cleanings, fillings, and other necessary treatments.

These insurances are particularly helpful for families with children, as kids’ teeth often have unexpected issues that need immediate attention. However, while the allure of immediate coverage is appealing, it’s important to understand that it has some cons to consider.

Limitations of No Waiting Period Dental Insurance

Some insurances may have limitations on coverage amounts or exclusions for certain procedures. Here’s a quick rundown of what to look out for:

  • Annual maximums — Some no-waiting-period plans might have lower annual maximums. This means the insurance company will only pay up to a certain amount each year. 
  • Coverage percentages — While preventive care is often fully covered from day one, the percentage covered for other procedures might be lower and increase over time.
  • Pre-existing conditions — Some plans might exclude or limit coverage for these, especially during the first year.
  • Network restrictions — These plans typically require choosing a dentist from their network to receive the full benefits.

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Best Dental Insurance Companies With No Waiting Period

If you’re looking for a dental insurance plan with no waiting period, here are some of our recommendations:

InsuranceDescriptionAnnual Maximums
Spirit DentalIt offers eight policies with no waiting period and has more than 111,000 providers. This makes it easier for you to find affordable dental care.Up to $5,000 per person.
HumanaYou can receive up to 50% coverage for major services like oral surgery, dentures, and crowns.$1,000 per person.
AmeritasAmeritas has more than 425,000 participating providers that specialize in orthodontics. Their policy starts at 85% but drops to 50% after a year.$1,750 per person.
Denali DentalOffers great coverage for preventive care. Their policy includes four cleanings and two exams a year.$6000 per person.
UnitedHealthcareOffers affordable monthly premiums, and plans are available in most states. However, features vary depending on your zip code.Ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 per person, depending on your plan.

How to Find Dental Insurance Without Waiting Periods?

If you want dental insurance that offers immediate dental benefits, try looking at the following options:

  • DHMO Plans — Most Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) plans don’t involve waiting periods. This type of plan usually has no maximum and no deductible.
  • Veterans Affairs Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) — Allows providers to offer veterans special dental insurance plans with no waiting periods.
  • Employer-Provided Dental Insurance Plan — Some employers offer Dental insurance plans without waiting periods.

Whether or not you’re eligible for this type of dental insurance depends on the plan and company. Some companies might waive waiting periods for certain services if you have had an existing dental insurance plan for 12 or more consecutive months. 

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Choosing the Right No-Waiting-Period Dental Plan

Choosing the right dental plan with no waiting periods depends on various factors that you need to consider. This includes:

  • Cost — This includes things like monthly premiums, deductibles, annual maximums, copays, and coinsurance.
  • Coverage Pay attention to what basic and major services your plan covers. If you have kids, you might want to consider a plan that includes preventive care and orthodontics.
  • Network of providers A larger network offers more flexibility when choosing a dentist for you and your family. Additionally, some plans let you choose any dentist (PPO), while others require you to stay within their network (HMO).
  • Additional benefits Some plans offer extra benefits like vision coverage or discounts on other health services.

By exploring the top insurance companies, weighing the costs and benefits, and considering your individual needs, you can find a plan that ensures your smile gets the attention it deserves without delay.

Remember, your oral health is an investment, and a no-waiting-period plan might just be the key to a healthier, happier smile.

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Last updated on August 3, 2024
6 Sources Cited
Last updated on August 3, 2024
All NewMouth content is medically reviewed and fact-checked by a licensed dentist or orthodontist to ensure the information is factual, current, and relevant.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only cite from current scientific research, such as scholarly articles, dentistry textbooks, government agencies, and medical journals. This also includes information provided by the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
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