humana dental preventive plus ppo :: Article CreatorThe Best Dental Insurance With No Waiting Period
Waiting periods for dental insurance can vary drastically from provider to plan but one thing is for certain, finding an insurance provider that offers no-waiting periods or short waiting periods before you can use your insurance plan can be the difference between paying less than $100 out of pocket for treatments vs thousands.
Waiting periods for dental insurance for preventative care are often non-existent but for larger treatments can range from 6 months to 1 year. We scored top dental insurance companies and plans and found that Humana came out on top for most access to benefits in short periods.
Key takeaways:
Just because you sign up for dental insurance doesn't mean your care is covered right away. In fact, most plans have a required waiting period before certain coverage kicks in. Waiting periods typically (but not always) apply to basic and major dental work. Most plans have no waiting period for preventive care services. It's important that you choose carefully, as plans with no waiting period may have less coverage than other plans, or they may not cover certain types of dental care at all. An insurance plan may waive your waiting period if you've had other dental insurance for the previous 12 months. What is a Dental Plan Waiting Period?
A dental plan waiting period is a certain amount of time you must wait before you can receive coverage for some or all of the care your new plan covers. Waiting period durations can be anywhere from 30 days to over a year, and each will vary according to your individual plan.
The waiting period will often be shorter for basic services (like fillings and nonsurgical extractions), and longer for major services (like root canals, crowns or bridges). Most plans have no waiting period for preventive care. This type of care includes services like routine cleanings, exams, X-rays and fluoride treatments.
Why Dental Plans Have Waiting Periods
Waiting periods prevent people from signing up for a plan, getting coverage for a necessary procedure and then dropping coverage. Insurance companies also claim that the waiting period provisions help keep premiums lower for everyone.
1. Humana Dental Insurance
As one of the largest insurers in the United States, Humana's dental plans don't disappoint, especially if you're wanting dental care ASAP. Humana currently offers seven dental plans: one HMO, five PPOs and one discount plan (which technically isn't insurance). Out of those plans, four have no waiting period:
Plan name Plan type Deductible Annual maximum benefit Routine cleanings and X-rays Dental Value HMO None None 100% covered (in network) Preventative Value PPO $50 (lifetime) None 100% covered (in network) Loyalty Plus PPO $150 (one time) $1,000-$1,500
Cleanings: 100% covered
X-rays: 40%–70% covered
Dental Savings Plus Discount N/A N/A 20%–40% discount
Humana's three other dental insurance plans have no waiting period for preventive services, including routine cleanings, exams and X-rays. However, the waiting periods vary for other services:
Plan name Plan type Waiting period Deductible Annual maximum benefit Routine cleanings and X-rays Complete Dental PPO
Preventive: None
Basic: 6 months
Major: 12 months
$0-$50 $1,250-$1,500 100% covered Bright Plus PPO
Preventive: None
Basic: 90 days
Major: Not covered
$150 $1,250 100% covered Bright Plus for Veterans PPO
Preventive: None
Basic: 90 days
Major: Not covered
$150 $1,250 100% covered 2. Spirit Dental Insurance
Spirit Dental is another company that offers a variety of plans with no waiting period for preventive, basic or major services. An additional benefit is that you can use any dentist you like, and the coverage will be the same. This means that there are no networks you need to worry about. Plus, some of the plans include orthodontics for children, which will save you money if you have a family. On the downside, the monthly premiums are pricey compared to other dental insurers.
Plan name Premium Deductible Annual maximum
Preventive
care
Basic care Major care Network 1200 $35.85 $100 $1,200 100%
Year 1: 50%
Year 2: 65%
Year 3: 80%
Year 1: 25%
Year 2: 50%
Year 3: 50%
Choice 1200 $54.29 $100 $1,200 100%
Year 1: 50%
Year 2: 65%
Year 3: 80%
Year 1: 25%
Year 2: 50%
Year 3: 50%
Network 3500 $51.07 $100 $3,500 100%
Year 1: 65%
Year 2: 80%
Year 3: 90%
Year 1: 10%
Year 2: 50%
Year 3: 65%
Choice 3500 $81.70 $100 $3,500 100%
Year 1: 65%
Year 2: 80%
Year 3: 90%
Year 1: 10%
Year 2: 25%
Year 3: 50%
Other Dental Insurance Providers with No Waiting Period
While Humana and Spirit Dental probably have the most plans with no waiting period, you should still do your own research and compare companies. Here are a few other insurance companies that offer dental plans with no waiting period for preventive, basic or major dental work:
Insurance company Plan name Deductible Annual maximum benefit
Preventive
care
Basic care Major care UnitedHealthcare Premier Plus Dental $50 $2,000 100%
Day 1: 35%
Year 1: 65%
Year 2: 80%
Day 1: 10%
Year 1: 40%
Year 2: 50%
UnitedHealthcare Premier Choice Dental $50 $1,500 100%
Day 1: 50%
Year 1: 65%
Year 2: 80%
Day 1: 10%
Year 1: 40%
Year 2: 50%
Blue Cross Blue Shield Dental Blue PPO Preventive Plan $0–$250 $5,000 100% Plan covers at least 30% Plan covers at least 30% How to Find the Best Dental Insurance With No Waiting Period
Many insurance companies offer at least one dental plan with no waiting period. But you still must choose carefully, as some plans focus on preventive and basic care (like the Preventative Value and Bright Plus plans listed below) and don't include any coverage at all for major services. Technically, that means you don't have to wait to get major work if you need it, but the flip side is that since that care isn't covered, you're solely responsible for paying for it.
Will Dental Insurance Companies Waive Waiting Periods?
If you already have dental coverage and are simply looking for a new plan, there may be good news. Some plans will waive waiting periods in certain situations. For example, Humana will waive the waiting period for its Complete Dental plan if you can provide proof of your having dental insurance for the previous 12 months.
You already know that preventive dental care is the best and most cost-effective way to keep your teeth healthy, but it's also a fact that nearly everyone will need either basic or major dental work at some point. If you're looking for a dental plan and already know you need work done, it makes the most financial sense to opt for a plan with no waiting period.
Best Dental Insurance Companies For August 2024
Company Annual Max Benefit, Year One (Sample Plan) Deductible (Sample Plan) Delta Dental Best Overall $2,000 $50 Physicians Mutual Best Overall Cost Unlimited $0 MetLife (HMO) Best for No Annual Maximum Unlimited $0 DentaQuest Best for Customer Satisfaction $1,250 $100 Anthem BCBS Best for No Waiting Period $2,500 $50 Spirit Best for Low Premiums $750 $100 (lifetime)
Sample plans in most cases are the lowest-premium PPO that covers preventive, basic, and major care. For no waiting period, the plan also has to have no waiting periods for any level of care. For no annual maximum, we looked at the lowest-premium HMO or PPO that covers preventive, basic, and major care, and has no annual coverage limits.
What Is Dental Insurance and How Does It Work? Dental insurance is a policy that you pay for to cover costs related to work on your teeth. When you go to the dentist for teeth cleanings, a filling, or maybe braces, your dental insurance will help pay for it. Different dental insurance plans offer various coverage. Some may cover one annual cleaning while others may cover two annual cleanings. Some dental plans do not cover certain procedures. Most dental plans cover 100% of preventive care, such as teeth cleanings, 80% for basic procedures, and 50% for major procedures. After signing up for a dental insurance plan, look for participating dentists and professionals in your network to begin using the benefits offered through your policy. With just about every dental insurance plan, you'll have four major components to review and understand before moving forward: Deductible: Your deductible is typically an annual amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in to cover some or all of the cost of the procedure. Most dental insurance deductibles are less than $100. Coinsurance: After paying your deductible, you'll split the cost with the dental insurance company. This is known as coinsurance. For example, dental insurance may only cover 50% of a major procedure, so you'd have to pay the rest. Copayments: You might have to pay a copayment when you visit the dentist. You typically don't pay a copayment for a preventive care visit. Annual maximum limits: Your dental insurance policy may only cover up to a certain amount per year, known as your annual maximum. You may also have an annual max for different types of dental care. Some dental insurance policies have no annual maximum. How to Get Dental Insurance You can get dental insurance through your employer's benefits or you can find a plan and pay for an individual dental insurance plan on your own via the health care Marketplace. If you are married, you may be able to get dental insurance through your partner's plan. And, if you are under a certain age, you may be covered by your parent's dental insurance. To get dental insurance, you need to first pick a plan. Review different plans' coverage, costs, and networks to see what fits into your budget and lifestyle—no one wants to pay more than needed or drive an hour to see a dentist. Once you have selected the right plan, you'll need to finish signing up with your personal information and provide payment information. If you sign up for a plan through your employer, you may be able to pay for the dental insurance directly out of your paycheck before taxes. Steps to Get Dental Insurance Check your employer benefits or your spouse's benefits to see if dental insurance is offered through work. If you have access to a plan through work, review the benefits and sign up for the one that fits your needs. If you don't, or you do not like the plans offered, check out other dental insurance companies (like those above in this list) and review the plan benefits and costs. Select the company and plan you want. Sign up for the policy with your personal and payment information. Receive your ID card (note that it may be digital), download the app (if there is one), and begin scheduling dentist appointments via your plan's network. Ways to Buy Dental Insurance There are three primary ways to buy and pay for dental insurance: Through your employer: If you are offered dental insurance as a health benefit through your employer, you can sign up for it and then you will likely pay for it directly out of your paycheck. It may not be required, and you can waive it if you would like to opt for a different plan. Via the Healthcare Marketplace: You can visit Healthcare.Gov to find dental insurance, as well as health and vision insurance. Some plans may be subsidized based on your income or financial situation. Just know: You may not be able to buy dental insurance without first buying a health plan. Directly through the insurance company: If you find a dental insurance company that fits your needs and budget, you can sign up and pay for your benefits directly with the company. It's important to know that not all dental insurance companies will be available on the health care Marketplace. Offerings on the federal and state marketplaces may also differ. If you do not need a health insurance plan, and only need dental insurance, it may be best to shop around directly on dental insurance provider websites. You can also refer to researched lists of recommendations like ours. However, going directly to the provider to sign up for a plan could mean you pay more than you would on the health insurance Marketplace. Learn if you qualify for subsidized premiums for health and dental insurance before deciding where to go to sign up for a plan. Types of Dental Insurance Plans Dental insurance plans may be part of your health insurance plan or can be separate plans of their own. According to the American Dental Association, there are several types of dental plans, including: Preferred provider organizations (PPOs) Dental health maintenance organizations (DHMOs) Indemnity plans Direct reimbursement plans Table or schedule of allowance plans Dental discount plans The three main types of dental insurance plans are PPO plans, DHMO plans, and indemnity plans. PPO Dental Insurance Plans A dental PPO insurance plan is a common type of dental plan. PPO stands for preferred provider organization and these plans can be on the pricier side because of the wider network coverage and the flexibility they afford customers. According to the National Association of Dental Plans, 46% of dental PPO plans have an annual deductible between $50 and $99. Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) Insurance Plans An HMO dental insurance plan (or DHMO) is often cheaper than the other types of plans, but that's because of the restrictions. You may have to live within the area where the dental health maintenance organization (HMO) dental plan is offered. You may also have to stay within the network to receive any coverage. In 2021, dental HMO plans had an average annual deductible under $25, according to the National Association of Dental Plans. Indemnity Dental Insurance Plans (Also Called Fee-for-Service Plans) An indemnity dental insurance plan is sometimes called a fee-for-service plan. Once you meet your deductible, your plan will pay for a portion of your dental care and services. Your out-of-pocket costs are typically highest with this type of dental plan, according to the National Association of Dental Plans. Dental Discount Plans Dental discount plans offer access to dental services at discounted rates that can be up to 60% less than regular prices with other plans, often for older adults. Contact your insurance company to see if it has a plan, or look for a dental discount plan that is separate from your health insurance and offers you coverage that fits your needs. What to Look for in a Dental Insurance Plan When looking for a dental insurance plan, make sure you consider the following: Coverage: How much does your plan pay for when it comes to common procedures like cleanings or X-rays? How much does your dental insurance pay for major dental procedures like a crown? Network of providers: How many dentists are in the network? Are there in-network dentists close to where you live? Most plans won't pay as much, if anything, for out-of-network providers. Premiums and fees: What are the annual or monthly premiums you'll need to pay for this dental insurance plan? How much is the deductible? Are there any other out-of-pocket costs or hidden fees? Will you need to pay coinsurance for procedures? Does the dental insurance have an annual maximum, or a lifetime maximum? Waiting periods: Some dental insurance plans have waiting periods. This means you may have to wait six to 12 months before your full coverage is in effect for major procedures. Most plans don't have a waiting period for preventive or basic coverage. Average Costs of Common Dental Procedures The cost of dental procedures may vary by dental insurance plan. But most plans pay 100% for routine care and 50% for more complex procedures, like a filling, root canal, or crown. We looked at the American Dental Association's 2020 dental fee survey to determine the average costs nationwide for some well-known dental procedures. Here's what you may pay with and without dental insurance for these common dental procedures if dental insurance covers 100% of routine procedures, 80% of minor procedures, and 50% of major dental care procedures. Procedure Average Cost Without Insurance Average Cost With Insurance Cleaning $73–$98 $0 X-Ray (Complete Series) $143 $0 Filling $145 $29 Root Canal $1,109 $554.50 Crown $284–$1,241 $142–$620.50 What Does Dental Insurance Typically Cover? When it comes to dental insurance, most dental plans follow a similar structure: 100-80-50. This means that coverage includes 100% of preventive care; 80% of basic procedures; and 50% of major procedures. Each plan has its own definitions of preventive, basic, and major care, but here is what you might expect to be included in each: Preventive services: exams, cleanings, and X-rays Basic restorative services: fillings, simple extractions, and root canals Major restorative services: bridges, crowns, dentures, implants, and other procedures that require anesthesia or sedation You may get more coverage for dental care costs if you use a dentist in-network with the insurance plan. Plans that cover major services tend to cost more and limit the payout to around 50%. In 2023, 83% of adults saw a dentist for a preventive care visit, up from 78% in 2022, according to Delta Dental's 2024 State of America's Oral Health and Wellness Report. Seeing a dentist for a preventive care visit could reduce your need to visit for an unexpected reason. Delta Dental's report found this to be true in 2023, with just 36% of adults visiting a dentist for an unexpected reason, down from 41% in 2022. Having dental insurance is a key part of ensuring you can pay for these kinds of dental visits. Research Insights "Preventive care is the foundation of good oral health, and practically all dental insurance plans cover routine cleanings, exams, and X-rays from day one. While preventive care is a priority, if you need more extensive dental work, focus on plans with strong coverage for basic and major services. These range from minor maintenance, like fillings and sealants, to complex procedures like crowns and implants. In general, the more complex the class of procedure, the lower the percentage of costs your plan will cover." —Shanker Narayan, Investopedia Research Analyst What Does Dental Insurance Typically Not Cover? Dental insurance doesn't normally cover: Cosmetic procedures Teeth whitening Pre-existing conditions, like missing teeth Implants (sometimes) Orthodontic care (sometimes) Adult braces (sometimes) It will depend on your dental insurance plan. Important Major dental work may or may not be covered—it will depend on your dental insurance policy. Major dental work typically refers to treatments that may require several appointments and procedures. Major dental work may mean a procedure that could have been prevented with other dental care and treatment. If you need major dental work, ask your dentist for a pre-treatment estimate to learn how much it could cost and how long it could take to resolve your issue. Is Dental Insurance Worth It? Only you can decide if paying for dental insurance is worth it, but it helps to run some basic cost analysis to determine how much you would pay for dental insurance premiums, copayments, and deductibles per calendar year versus how much you've actually paid for dental care in previous years. Also, consider your family dental history. If your family has a history of dental issues or concerns, then you may want to pay for dental insurance in case you ever need extensive work done. Remember: Insurance is there to help you when you need it. Living without dental insurance could mean paying a lot out of pocket in an emergency. Why You Should Trust Our Picks for Dental Insurance Investopedia identified 17 dental companies and over 30 criteria that are most important for readers to consider when choosing a dental insurance policy. We then collected more than 595 key data points and used this data to review each company for premiums, waiting periods, and other features to provide unbiased, comprehensive reviews to ensure our readers make the right decision for their needs. Companies were compared and scored so that we could identify which ones are the best providers of dental insurance. Investopedia launched in 1999 and has been helping readers find the best dental insurance companies since 2020. Frequently Asked Questions Yes, you can buy stand-alone dental insurance directly through a dental insurance company, such as those listed above in this article. Whether you're offered a dental plan through an employer or not, you can opt to sign up for a stand-alone dental insurance plan. If you don't have health insurance or dental insurance, you can visit the Health Insurance Marketplace and sign up for both. Teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure and may not be covered by your dental insurance plan. Additionally, some plans do not cover major services like implants or braces, the latter of which is often considered orthodontic care. The best dental insurance for dentures will be a full-coverage dental insurance plan that covers major procedures. Most times, major procedures are only covered up to 50%. If you can find a plan that covers more than that, then that may be the best dental insurance for your dentures. Keep in mind that a plan that covers dentures could cost more through monthly premiums or other fees. For example, Physicians Mutual offers 70% coverage for major procedures, like dentures, with its premier plan. When it comes to dental care, a PPO plan may be a good option for you if you want the most coverage for preventive, basic, and major procedures. HMO plans may be best if you're looking for the best dental insurance with no annual maximum. The amount you pay for dental insurance will depend on the type of coverage you need, how many people are on the plan with you, where you live, and more. Most people pay between $20 and $150 per month, depending on if they are signed up for an individual dental plan or a family dental plan. Delta Dental has the largest network. According to Delta, three in four dentists are a part of the Delta Dental network. The most common form of dental insurance is the PPO plan; PPO stands for preferred provider organization and gives you access to a network of dentists and providers. Other common forms of dental insurance include DHMOs, dental discount plans, and managed fee-for-service plans. The average cost of a teeth cleaning is $73 for a child and $98 for an adult, according to the American Dental Association's 2020 survey of dental fees. To find the best dental insurance companies, we reviewed and collected over 500 data points across 17 companies: Delta Dental, Physicians Mutual, MetLife, DentaQuest, Anthem BCBS, Cigna, Renaissance, Ameritas, Spirit, Humana, Guardian, UnitedHealthOne, eHealth, Aetna, Denali Dental, Smart Health Dental, Dominion National How We Chose the Best Dental Insurance Companies To determine which dental insurance companies to review, we tapped into both market data and public sentiment. We used business and industry databases to get insights into market share, and user-generated data from Google to understand trends and public interest in stand-alone dental plans. This analysis narrowed our focus to 17 key companies offering dental coverage to individuals, regardless of whether their health insurance was purchased through state or federal marketplaces or independently. We collected data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), a standard-setting and regulatory support organization that maintains a database of customer complaints. We also gathered data directly from companies via websites, media contacts, and existing partnerships. The data collection process took place between Oct. 9, 2023, and Dec. 23, 2023. We then developed a quantitative model that scored each dental insurance provider based on 35 criteria that fall into five major categories and are crucial in evaluating the company's offerings and benefits. We weighted the five categories as follows for this article: State Availability: 5% Customer Satisfaction: 15% Cost: 36% Coverage: 42% Customer Service: 2% To learn more about our process for finding the best dental insurance companies, read our full methodology. Guide to Dental Insurance
The Best Dental Insurance Plans In Florida
Key takeaways:
Dental care is important to your overall health, and dental insurance can help make that care more affordable. The most popular dental insurance plans in Florida are preferred provider organizations (PPOs) that cover care from both in-network and out-of-network dentists. The coverage limits of many Florida dental insurance plans increase the longer you stay with the plan, and the coinsurance amounts often decrease. The cost of dental insurance in Florida depends on many of the same factors as health insurance, such as your age, gender, smoking status and location. Regular dental care is an essential part of your health. The health of your teeth and mouth affects everything from your nutrition intake to your risk of illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes and even dementia. A dental insurance plan can promote your overall health by ensuring access to preventive dental care and saving you money on any needed treatments.
Like health insurance, there are many different types of dental plans, and the average dentist participates in about six of those plans, according to the National Association of Dental Plans (NADP). The most popular type of dental plan in Florida is preferred provider organization (PPO) plan. In fact, PPOs make up more than 80% of Florida dental plans, according to the NADP.
What is a Dental PPO?
While this type of dental plan isn't the cheapest, PPOs offer flexibility that is important to many enrollees. You have the option to pick a dentist of your choice. If the dentist is in the plan's network, services will be less expensive, but you can still go outside of the network if you don't mind paying a little extra.
10 Popular PPO Dental Plans in Florida
If you are looking for an independent, stand-alone dental insurance plan in Florida, you'll have many choices to fit your dental needs and budget. Like health insurance, your plan's premium depends on several factors, including your location, age, smoking status, family members added to the plan and more.
Take a look at this comparison of 10 popular PPO plans from the major dental insurance carriers in Florida:
Note that several of the plans feature a range of coinsurance or annual maximum benefit amounts. This is because the longer you stay with the plan, the lower your coinsurance becomes (or the higher your maximum benefit rises). For example, members of the Delta Dental Dental for Everyone Gold plan will pay for 40% of their preventive care the first year, 20% the second year and nothing from the third year onward. This drop in coinsurance is an incentive for members to stick with the plan.
RELATED: The facts about AARP long-term-care insurance
Do You Need Dental Insurance in Florida?
According to 2017 data collected by the Public Health Dental Program, Florida ranks poorly (in the bottom 10 states) in the following categories measuring oral health:
Percentage of adults with fair to poor oral condition Percentage of adolescents who have visited a dentist in the past year Data also shows that almost half of Florida adults (45.8%) had permanent teeth removed because of gum disease in 2018, and nearly 20% of adults aged 60 and above had no natural teeth left. Regarding Florida's younger generation, a quarter of 3rd-grade children in Florida had untreated tooth decay.
Unfortunately, the high cost of dental care can prevent Florida residents from getting the dental care they need. However, people with dental insurance are more than twice as likely to visit a dentist, according to the American Dental Association. Luckily, Florida has a variety of independent, stand-alone dental plans available for Florida residents that can help reduce the cost of their dental care.
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