Reviewed by a licensed dentistTopic: CoverageQuestion: Waiting periods
What is a waiting period, and why am I in one?
The short answer
A waiting period is the time between joining a plan and when you can use certain benefits. Think of it as the plan's “getting to know you” phase. Preventive care often has no wait, while bigger work like crowns, bridges, or implants may have a wait of six months to a year.
More detail
How to check yours
- Your Summary of Benefits lists any waiting periods by type of service. They vary a lot from plan to plan, and some plans have none.
- Some plans shorten or waive the wait if you can show you had dental coverage right before joining. Ask member services.
If you need treatment during the wait
Talk with your dentist about which parts are urgent and which can safely wait. Sometimes urgent care, like treating an infection, can happen now, with the final work (like a crown) scheduled after the waiting period ends. Don't put off treatment your dentist says is urgent just to wait for coverage.
Questions to ask
- Which parts of my treatment are urgent, and which can safely wait?
- If we wait, what could change in the meantime?