How quickly can I get dental insurance?

Asked by: Jakob Ernser  |  Last update: June 20, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (52 votes)

Waiting periods vary and typically range from six months to one year, depending on the plan, insurance company, and the type of dental services needed.

Can you get dental insurance and use it right away?

Preventive: Most dental insurance plans do not require a waiting period for preventive care. That means you and your family may receive exams, cleanings, x-rays, and fluoride treatments as provided in your plan. Basic: Some basic procedures may have a three- to six-month waiting period.

What is the best dental insurance with no waiting period?

Aflac Dental Insurance Plans with Little to No Waiting Periods. At Aflac, we'll work with you to help you get the treatments you need on a timeline that works. Our network and employer-provided dental insurance have no waiting period for routine services and fair waits for more involved procedures.

How long does it take for insurance to approve dental work?

In most cases, major dental work, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures, has a waiting period of 6,12, or 24 months.

What is the insurance waiting period?

A waiting period is the amount of time an insured must wait before some or all of their coverage comes into effect. The insured may not receive benefits for claims filed during the waiting period. Waiting periods may also be known as elimination periods and qualifying periods.

How To Get Affordable Dental Care (without Dental Insurance)

22 related questions found

How soon after getting insurance can you use it?

Usually, this waiting period is a minimum of 30 days.

Does Cigna dental have a waiting period?

Dental plans apply waiting periods to covered basic (6 months) and major (12 months) dental care services. In ME, waiting periods are waived for Class II and Class III if under the age of 19. Waiting periods may vary by state. Refer to the policy or outline of coverage for details.

Do you have to pay dental bills right away?

Most dentists do require you to make a payment upfront on the day of your treatment, at least the estimated portion that you're responsible for. That is a very common financial policy for dental offices because payment is expected on the day of service. There is rarely an exception to that rule.

Does Aetna dental have a waiting period?

There's no waiting period for preventive services such as X-rays and cleanings for any of Aetna Dental Direct plans. There's also no waiting period for basic services, such as fillings or extractions, provided you had dental coverage for 90 days prior to enrolling.

Can I get dental insurance if my job doesn't offer it?

There are multiple ways to get dental insurance. Your employer may already include dental insurance in your benefits package. If your employer doesn't offer dental benefits, you can buy a stand-alone plan or supplemental dental coverage through the health care marketplace or directly with a private insurance company.

Which insurance is best for dental?

Investopedia found Delta Dental to be the best dental insurance company for people looking for standalone plans because of its great coverage and customer satisfaction. However, Physicians Mutual or Spirit may be a better fit if low costs are your main concern.

Does Blue Cross have dental insurance?

A healthy smile is an important part of your overall health. That's why BCBS FEP Dental offers the coverage you and your family need to keep your teeth healthy.

Is aflac dental worth it?

Dental insurance is worth it if you are looking for additional support for minor and major dental procedures. With an Aflac dental insurance plan, the costs of cleanings, crowns, bridges, and implants can be significantly minimized. For some of our basic and preventative services, there is little to no waiting period.

Does dental insurance cover cavities?

In general, a dental insurance policy will typically cover: Regular checkups and cleanings, usually twice a year (out-of-pocket copay may be required) Cavity fillings. Tooth extractions.

How long does it take for Aetna to approve?

Once your doctor sends a request for prior authorization, Aetna reviews the request. During our review, we look at the most recent and highest quality medical research and guidelines. We update your care provider throughout the review process to keep them informed on the status, and come to a decision within 14 days.

How long does it take for dental insurance to be active?

When you purchase a new dental insurance plan , the plan may include standard waiting periods of 3, 6 or 12 months before all dental procedures are covered, as dictated by the terms of the plan.

Does Aetna cover dental emergencies?

If you need emergency dental care for the palliative treatment (pain relieving, stabilizing) of a dental emergency, you are covered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When emergency services are provided by a participating PPO dentist, your copayment /coinsurance amount will be based on a negotiated fee schedule.

Is it cheaper to have dental insurance or pay cash?

If you only expect to go to the dentist for a couple of regular checkups throughout the year, you'll save money by just using cash to pay the dentist yourself rather than investing $360 a year in an insurance plan.

Will dentists let you make payments?

If you need extensive dental work, dental financing is a great solution. Like any financing, you'll pay over time with manageable payment options so you can get all of the dental care you need.

Does Aspen Dental make you pay upfront?

Dental financing at Aspen Dental is provided by third-party lenders to offer you a secure and flexible way to pay for your dental treatments. It provides access to the care you need without having to worry about costs upfront.

How long does it take to get approved for Cigna?

Typically, within 5-10 business days of receiving the prior authorization request, your insurance company will either: Approve your request. Deny your request.

Is there a maximum out-of-pocket for dental insurance?

Unlike medical insurance, which typically has an out-of-pocket maximum – a point at which you stop paying for care – dental insurance does not usually have a maximum out-of-pocket (plan details vary, so always check your coverage details). This means you'll be responsible for the full out-of-pocket costs.

How long does dental prior authorization take?

Keep in mind, pre-authorization can take time – between 5 and 30 days depending on the procedure being proposed and the dental insurance provider.