What is a Waiting Period?

A waiting period is the time you might have to wait after enrolling in a dental insurance plan before you can receive coverage for certain procedures. This period can range from a few months to a year, depending on the insurance company and the type of service.

Sometimes, waiting periods might be waived; for example, if you had qualifying dental coverage prior to enrolling or if you obtained dental coverage through your employer.  

Examples:

• Preventive care, such as exams and cleanings, often does not require a waiting period.
• Some plans offer waiting period waivers for certain services or if you had previous dental coverage.

FAQs

• Why do insurance companies have waiting periods? Waiting periods prevent people from signing up for insurance only when they need expensive procedures and then canceling their coverage.
• Can waiting periods be waived? Waiting periods may be waived if you had qualifying dental coverage prior to enrolling.

Examples of Waiting Periods

Here are two examples of the types of waiting periods required or waived by Delta Dental of Arkansas.

Individual Dental Insurance

Group Dental Insurance for Small Businesses

 

Are you interested in our dental coverage plans so you don’t have to pay the full dentist bill yourself? Check out our insurance options for individuals and families, and small, mid-size and large groups.

And while you’re browsing, take a look at our vision insurance, too.

 

More Dental Insurance Terms Explained

1. What is a premium?
2. What is a waiting period?
3. What is a network dentist?
4. What is a benefit period?
5. What are preventive/diagnostic, basic and major dental procedures?
6. What is a deductible?
7. What is a copay?
8. What is co-insurance?
9. What is an annual maximum?
10. What is a claim?
11. What is an explanation of benefits (EOB)?
12. What is a pre-determination of benefits?
13. What are out-of-pocket expenses?

Back to Dental Insurance Terms Explained: A Quick Guide

 

Are there additional dental insurance terms you’d like us to add to this series?

Email your requests to marketing@deltadentalar.com.