Best Dental Insurance Plans With No Waiting Period
Dental Insurance with No Waiting Period Main Takeaways
Our top picks include Humana, Spirit Dental & Vision and Delta Dental.
- Without a waiting period, you can get immediate dental coverage.
- These plans can give you peace of mind but generally cost more.
- The best dental insurance plans cover routine care immediately.
- Waiting periods may still apply to services like fillings and crowns.
Our Top Picks for Dental Insurance Plans With No Waiting Period
Best Dental Insurance Plans With No Waiting Period Reviews
- Offers three plans with no waiting periods and varying coverage options
- Ranked first in J.D. Power's 2022 U.S. Dental Plan Satisfaction Study
- Discounts can range between 20% and 40% for select dental services
- Network of approximately 270,000 providers
- Limited coverage for orthodontic care
- No coverage for implants
Why we chose it: Humana offers a range of plan options and discounts within a large network. What's more, the provider's customer satisfaction ratings are excellent.
Humana offers three dental plans without a waiting period. While orthodontic care coverage is limited and there is no coverage for implants, low deductibles and decent maximums for all other care make it one of the better choices for the majority of people who need no waiting period dental insurance. This includes the Preventative Value plan, which has a $50 deductible and no annual maximum.
Humana has a network of approximately 270,000 providers, so finding in-network coverage is easy. Humana also ranked first in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Dental Plan Satisfaction Study, which demonstrates that customers find significant value in the provider's plans and communication.
| Plans available | Monthly premium | Annual coverage max | Deductible |
| Dental Savings Plus | $6.99 | Discount-only savings plan that does not provide regular coverage | Discount-only savings plan that does not provide regular coverage |
| Preventive Value | $19.99 | No annual max, but only preventative services are covered | $50 per person ($150 lifetime) |
| Loyalty Plus | $38.99 | $1,000 / $1,250 / $1,500 annual maximum, but discounted services do not count against either the annual maximum or deductibles | $150 individual lifetime and $450 family lifetime |
| [humana.com, quote based on a 40-year-old in Michigan] |
- High annual maximums
- $100 lifetime deductible on all plans
- Vision add-on available
- Not available in Washington
- Higher monthly premium than some comparable providers
Why we chose it: Spirit Dental & Vision has many plans with no waiting period to choose from, which gives policyholders extensive options for customization to their needs.
The company has eight plans to choose from with no waiting periods for major services so you can find care based on your priorities — whether that's affordability or coverage. All plans also have $100 plan lifetime deductibles and relatively high coverage maximums.
One unusual benefit Spirit Dental offers is the ability to add vision insurance to your dental plan for $7 a month.
However, Spirit Dental doesn't operate in Washington State. Additionally, while Spirit Dental's plans have some of the highest annual maximums in the industry, you will also pay higher premiums than you would with some comparable providers.
| Plan | Monthly premium | Annual coverage max | Deductible |
| Secure Network | $24.05 | $1,250 | $100 lifetime |
| Core Network | $31.74 | $1,200 | $100 lifetime |
| Secure Choice | $37.23 | $1,250 | $100 lifetime |
| Pinnacle Network | $39.14 | $5,000 | $100 lifetime |
| Senior Preferred Network | $46.61 | $3,500 | $100 lifetime |
| Core Choice | $48.99 | $1,200 | $100 lifetime |
| Pinnacle Choice | $63.89 | $5,000 | $100 lifetime |
| Senior Preferred Choice | $75.02 | $3,500 | $100 lifetime |
- Preventative services covered at 100% for all plans
- Relatively high annual maximum
- Online dental care cost calculator
- Waiting periods for higher-tier plans
- Not available in Minnesota and North Dakota
Why we chose it: Delta Dental fully covers preventative services on all plans while offering reasonably high annual maximums and an online dental care cost calculator.
For Delta Dental's Preventative Plan, there is no waiting period. Preventative services, including cleanings, X-rays and sealants, are covered by Delta Dental at 100%, meaning you'll pay nothing for these services. However, you'll have to pay fully out of pocket for most restorative and major services such as fillings, crowns and bridges under this policy. If you're looking for an affordable plan that saves you money on basic dental services, this may be a good option for you.
If you choose a higher-tier plan, you'll receive better coverage for basic and major services. However, you'll have a one-year waiting period for in-network procedures.
Delta Dental has reasonably high annual maximums, even under its most affordable plan. You can also estimate the cost of your dental care with a free calculator on the Delta Dental website.
Delta Dental is not available in Minnesota and North Dakota.
| Plan | Monthly Premium | Annual coverage max | Deductible |
| Preventative Plan | $15.39 | $1,000 per person (100% preventative, 0% all other care) | $0 |
| Graduated Low Plan | $34.79 | $800/$1,000 (100% preventative, 50%/70% basic, 35%/50% major, no orthodontic coverage) | $50 |
| Graduated High Plan | $45.40 | $1,000 first year, $1,200 second year (100% preventative, 65%/80% basic, 50%/60% major, no orthodontic coverage) | $50 |
| [https://www.mysmilecoverage.com/delta/ quote for an individual in Michigan] |
Best for Discounts: Cigna
- Inexpensive preventative coverage with no deductibles
- In-network applies to 93,000 dentists nationwide
- 24-hour customer service line
- Not all preventative care is covered by the $0 deductible portion of plans
- Waiting period for restorative services
- Rates, exclusions, limitations and other terms vary by state
Why we chose it: Cigna offers access to a large nationwide network of dentists that provide discounts for certain services, plus 24/7 customer service.
Cigna provides access to a nationwide network of 93,000 dentists. Plans are affordable, and while you'll have to pay fully out-of-pocket for some services depending on your plan — for example, basic restorative services under the Dental Preventive plan or orthodontic services under the Dental 1000 plan — you may have access to discounts from in-network dentists.
While Cigna has plans with no deductible and pays 100% for preventative care, it also has limitations, such as waiting periods for specific procedures and various plan exclusions and rates depending on your state. Additionally, not all preventative services are covered in the Preventative Plan. While this may be confusing, Cigna's customer service representatives are available 24/7 to answer your questions.
| Plan | Monthly premium | Annual coverage max | Deductible |
| Dental Preventive Plan | $19 | No annual maximum, but only covers preventative care such as dental check-ups, cleanings and routine X-rays | No deductibles but only covers preventative care such as dental check-ups, cleanings and routine X-rays |
| Dental 1000 | $33 | $1,000; applies toward fillings, crowns, root canals and similar care | $50 individual and $150 family for basic and major restorative care; $0 for preventative care such as dental check-ups, cleanings and routine X-rays |
| Dental 1500 | $39 | $1,500; applies toward fillings, crowns, root canals and similar care $1,000 lifetime; applies to orthodontic care including braces | $50 individual and $150 family for basic and major restorative care; $0 for preventative care such as dental check-ups, cleanings and routine X-rays |
- Wide variety of family plans to meet different needs and situations
- Relatively high annual maximums available
- Per-person versus policy-wide maximums
- Orthodontic coverage has a one-year waiting period
- While all plans have 100% preventative from day one, not all cover basic care until after the waiting period
Why we chose it: UnitedHealthcare has some of the most varied plan options for different families and situations, no waiting period for preventative care and relatively high annual maximums.
UnitedHealthcare is ideal for those managing care for multiple people, as there are a number of family plans to choose from. Plus, each individual has their own relatively high annual coverage amount — for example, $1,000 per person on the most affordable plan.
Before you jump into a UnitedHealthcare plan, you should be aware of waiting periods on specific care. For instance, while you will have 100% preventative care under all plans from day one, you'll have to wait 12 months before any orthodontic care is covered. Even some basic care may have a waiting period under specific plans.
[Based on a quote for one individual, one spouse and one child in Michigan]
| Plan | Monthly premium | Annual coverage max | Deductible |
| Primary Dental | $78.52 | $1,000 per person, max three family members | $50 per person (max three per family), with 100% of preventative care and 50% of basic care covered after deductible from day policy is in effect Covers 65% of basic after one year and 80% after two years Major services: Not covered |
| Primary Preferred Dental | $117.86 | $1,000 per person, max three family members | $50 per person (max three per family), with 100% of preventative care and 35% of basic care covered after deductible from day policy is in effect Covers 65% of basic after one year and 80% after two years Major services: 15% covered after six months, 50% after one year and 60% after two years |
| Premier Choice Dental | $134.77 | $1,500 per person, max three family members | $50 per person (max three per family), with 100% of preventative care and 50% of basic care covered after deductible from day policy is in effect Covers 65% of basic after one year and 80% after two years Major services: 10% covered after six months, 40% after one year and 50% after two years |
| Premier Elite Dental | $151.51 | $2,000 per person, max three family members | $50 per person (max three per family) with 100% of preventative care and 50% of basic care covered after deductible from day policy is in effect Covers 65% of basic after one year and 80% after two years Major services: 15% covered after six months, 50% after one year and 60% after two years |
| Premier Plus Dental | $162.55 | $2,000 per person, max three family members | $50 per person (max three per family), with 100% of preventative care and 50% of basic care covered after deductible from day policy is in effect Covers 65% of basic after one year and 80% after two years Major services: 10% covered after six months, 40% after one year and 50% after two years Children's orthodontic such as braces covered 50% after 1 year, $1,000 lifetime |
| Premier Max Dental | $163.57 | $3,000 per person, max three family members | $50 per person (max three per family), with 100% of preventative care covered after deductible from day policy is in effect Covers 50% of basic after four months, 65% after one year and 80% after two years Major services: 50% covered after one year and 60% after two years |
| Primary Preferred Plus Dental | $170.46 | $1,000 per person, max three family members | $50 per person (max three per family), with 100% of preventative care and 35% of basic care covered after deductible from day policy is in effect. Includes non-network dentists. Covers 65% of basic after one year and 80% after two years. Major services: 15% covered after six months, 50% after one year and 60% after two years. |
- Ability to select preferred dentists
- High annual maximum available
- No waiting periods for any services
- Dental insurance is more expensive than other providers on this list
- Plans only available in 34 states
Why we chose it: With Denali Dental, you can choose your own dentist, offering you maximum flexibility. You'll also get immediate coverage for all services and benefit from high annual maximums.
Denali Dental has no waiting periods for any of its services. This applies to any dentist you choose, whether they are in Denali’s network or not. Preventative services are fully covered, but unlike many other providers, this doesn't include diagnostic services such as X-rays. There is some coverage for basic and major services on both available plans, and in the Summit plan, you'll also receive some coverage for orthodontic care. Denali covers a higher percentage of non-preventative services for each year you have the policy. However, you'll pay significantly more in premiums than other no-waiting-period dental plans on this list.
The greatest limitation of Denali Dental's no waiting period plans is that they are only available in 34 states.
Other companies we considered
Ameritas
- Has a rewards program
- Plans with no waiting period for preventative care, crowns, bridges and fillings
- Discounted rates at in-network providers
- Discounts also available at associated pharmacies
- Certain dental plans are not available in all states
- Lack of 24/7 customer support and claims reporting
Ameritas offers a number of different insurance and financial products. The company is also known for offering rewards when you use your dental plan benefits, which you can redeem on future dental procedures. For example, you can earn rewards if you visit your dentist once a year.
However, Ameritas doesn’t have 24/7 customer support and some dental insurance plans are not available in all states.
Aflac
- Offers both individual and employer-sponsored coverage
- Company has a good reputation in the insurance industry
- Poor ratings from online reviewers
- Coverage not available in all states, including New York and Virginia
- Anything beyond preventative care will have a waiting period
Aflac is well-known in the insurance industry. The company also offers regular dental plans that cover basic services with no waiting period. However, if you need full dental coverage, you may want to look at more comprehensive plans. Also, the company has a number of poor ratings across online review sites, including a 1.12 out of 5 score on the BBB's website.
Anthem
- One of the largest insurance providers in the U.S. with extensive provider network
- Plans are relatively low cost compared to other providers
- Ability to bundle with health and vision plans for reduced premiums overall
- Only offers dental insurance in 14 states
- Anthem primarily caters to large companies and plans may not be suitable for individual coverage
Anthem is the third-largest insurance company in the U.S. and a common provider used by large organizations and companies. However, that reach is not reflected in its dental plans, which are only available in 14 states. That said, Anthem might be a good choice if you live in an eligible state and want to bundle no waiting period dental insurance with a health and vision plan for reduced premiums.
Dental Insurance Plans With No Waiting Period Guide
Main things to know before choosing dental insurance plans with no waiting period
No-waiting-period dental insurance provides coverage, usually for preventative and basic dental services, from day one. Some insurance plans with no waiting period also cover non-preventative procedures such as fillings and crowns. Depending on the services that you want to access right away, you'll need to choose a provider and plan that has no waiting period for the right types of care.
When choosing between providers, consider the cost of monthly premiums, maximum annual coverage limits and the type of coverage you will receive. You should also make sure that you'll have access to your preferred dentist, if applicable. You may also need to receive care in multiple locations, so in that case, ensure that you can access a wide network of dentists.
What is the average cost of dental insurance plans with no waiting period?
The plans on this list cost around $30 a month per individual, but will cost more for more comprehensive plans, especially those covering orthodontic services.
What are the requirements of dental insurance plans with no waiting period?
A higher premium is the first expectation you should have when looking at insurance companies offering no-waiting-period plans. You'll also have to pay for your plan up front, as coverage will begin immediately. Be sure to read your policy's details so you're aware of any requirements related to eligible dentists you can choose from, waiting period exceptions for certain types of care and whether you'll be covered for any pre-existing conditions.
How do dental insurance plans with no waiting period work?
Dental insurance plans with no waiting period allow you to receive care as soon as you are enrolled instead of waiting a certain period of time — typically, six or 12 months — for coverage to begin. With more basic policies, you can only access preventative care right away, while higher-tier plans allow you to forego waiting periods for basic and major procedures.
How We Found the Best Dental Insurance Plans With No Waiting Period
Finding the best dental insurance plans with no waiting period required weighing the varying benefits and downsides of different plans, including:
- Annual maximums: Annual maximums are one of the biggest factors limiting the use you will get out of a dental insurance plan. Ultimately, if you reach your entire annual maximum in one procedure, it will not matter how much coverage you have for other needed procedures or how low the deductible is because everything after that will be out-of-pocket.
- Premiums: Monthly premiums are one of the main factors to consider when assessing a plan's affordability. You'll pay premiums whether you use your policy or not, so we looked at plans that averaged around $30 per month or lower.
- Basic and major care coverage and waiting periods: While all reviewed providers have no-waiting-period dental plans, the types of services with no waiting periods varied. We provided a range of options depending on the kind of dental care you might need immediately.
- In-network and out-of-network coverage: In-network requirements may not be a big concern for people in populated areas with a lot of options. But if you have to travel a significant distance to see an in-network provider, the added costs and hassle can undermine the other benefits of a plan. We valued companies that had wide networks or that have good options for out-of-network coverage.
- Availability of orthodontic care: While most no-waiting-period dental policies don't cover orthodontic services, we evaluated whether this was included in each insurer's offerings.