2 Types of Dental Insurance With No Waiting Period + 1 Option

Did you know you can get dental insurance with no waiting period?

If you need to see a dentist but worry about the cost of paying out of pocket, you’re not alone.

An estimated 33.6 of adults don’t have dental benefits to help pay for routine exams, cleanings, or more expensive dental work like root canals, dentures, crowns or getting a tooth pulled.¹

But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can get dental insurance with no waiting period. This type of dental insurance gives you quick access to benefits for a wide range of dental services.

There are a couple different types of dental insurance with no waiting period, along with one other option to help you afford the cost of dental care.

We’ll get to those in just a minute…

First, let’s look at traditional dental insurance.

The traditional dental insurance model

Traditional dental insurance plans offer coverage designed to keep your teeth healthy and help make the cost of dental care more affordable.

But there’re two things about traditional dental insurance you need to know:⁵

1. Waiting-periods. Root canals, crowns, oral surgeries, fillings, and dentures frequently require a waiting period of 6 to 12 months.
2. Out-of-pocket costs. If you obtain a service prior to the completion of its applicable waiting period, you will be responsible for 100% of the bill.

So, what if you don’t have dental insurance or you’re new to a plan?

A lot of people put off getting the dental care they need. In fact, an estimated 34.5% of adults haven’t been to the dentist in the past 12 months.²

Here’s the thing…

• You can get dental insurance with no waiting period, make an appointment, and see a dentist within a few days or weeks, instead of 6 to 12 months.
• Supplemental dental insurance with no waiting period delivers prompt coverage for a range of services so that you won’t have to wait or pay the full expense out-of-pocket.

There are a couple different types of dental insurance with no waiting periods, along with one other option to help you afford the cost of dental care.

1. Dental Preferred Provider Organization Plan (DPPO)

A DPPO gives you the ability to visit the dentist of your choice.

However, using an in-network provider will cost less out-of-pocket. In-network dentists in a DPPO perform specific dental services for a set price or discounted fees.

If you need to see a dentist now, this kind of dental insurance. if it has no waiting period, may be right for you. While some DPPO plans require a waiting period, many insurers also have no-waiting period options.

So how much will your dental care cost with this type of insurance?

A typical DPPO plan looks like this:³

• 100% coverage for preventive care, cleanings and exams
• $50 annual deductible (doesn’t include orthodontics or preventive care)
• 80% coverage for basic restorative services like fillings and extractions
• 50% coverage for major restorative services like root canals, complete and partial dentures, crowns
• 50% coverage for orthodontics with a lifetime maximum of $1,500
• $1,500 maximum for all services, except orthodontics

2. Dental Health Maintenance Organization Plan (DHMO)

This kind of dental insurance with no waiting period works a little differently than DPPOs.⁴

• You’ll need to choose a contracted dentist who is part of the DHMO.
• Your DHMO plan pays the dentist a fixed price to perform specific types of services.
• And there’s typically no waiting period on services included in the contract.

If you’re looking for a discount dental care plan with no waiting period, there’s one other way you can save money.

One More Option: Discount Dental Plans

If you need help with dental expenses with no waiting period, a discount dental plan may work for you.⁴

Technically, discount dental plans aren’t insurance. Here’s what you can expect:

• You pay all the costs at the discounted contract rate for services
• You won’t have to submit a dental claim form

Instead, you’ll be able to pick from a list of participating dentists who agree to provide specific dental services at fixed prices and discounted rates.

Here’s how it works:  You just make an appointment with a dentist who is part of the plan, get the dental care you need, and pay the discounted rate.

Looking for dental insurance with no waiting period?

While many dental plans don’t cover certain services until you’ve been part of the plan for 6 months to a year, you can find dental insurance with no waiting period. And we can help.

Contact a licensed insurance agent in your area or call (800) 827-9990 for more information.

NOTE: This information is compiled by HealthMarkets and does not diagnose problems or recommend specific treatment. Services and dental technologies referenced herein may not be covered under your plan. Please consult directly with your dental care provider if you need dental advice.