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After reviewing some of the best dental insurance providers, we found that Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is the best dental insurance company with no waiting periods. Anthem has the best overall cost-to-value score, the highest annual maximum coverage, and the best coverage for major dental services, both in-network and out-of-network.
Most dental insurance plans require you to wait a certain amount of time after you've bought the policy before expensive dental work is covered.
To find the best dental insurance with no waiting period, we researched 10 insurers in two Texas and California ZIP codes that provide dental insurance with no waiting periods for preventive care (such as exams and cleanings), basic care (like fillings and extractions), and major care (including crowns, implants, and braces).
We made our picks based on 11 criteria, including plan costs, coverage percentages, and customer satisfaction.
Best Dental Insurance Companies With No Waiting Periods for 2024
- Best Overall: Anthem BCBS
- Best Premiums: Spirit
- Best for Basic Coverage: MetLife
- Best for Customer Satisfaction: Humana
Best Overall : Anthem BCBS
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Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Annual Max Benefit for Sample Plan: $2,500
- Annual Deductible (Sample Plan): $50
- Company's Nationwide Availability: 14 states
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is the best dental insurance provider overall for no waiting periods. It earned the best overall cost-to-value score in our study, which looks at premiums, deductibles, and annual maximum coverage. Its annual max is the highest among the plans we researched, at $2,500.
Anthem also has great coverage for major dental care. In the first year, Anthem’s Essential Choice PPO Incentive plan will cover up to 30% of major dental expenses whether you go in-network or out-of-network. That’s more than all other competitors. The plan also covers 60% of basic care after meeting your deductible.
On the downside, the plan’s premium is more expensive than premiums for other insurers we reviewed. Anthem only operates in 14 states total and the Incentive plan may not be available in all of them, so it’s not an option for everyone.
Best cost-to-value score
Best coverage for major dental work in the first year
Highest annual maximum benefit
Company only operates in 14 states
Anthem is a member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield family of insurance companies. Anthem operates under different names in different states and serves California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Anthem provides health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as Medicare plans. However, not all Anthem companies offer no-waiting-period dental plans, so you’ll need to get a quote to ensure it’s provided.
Anthem’s National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaint index score is about proportional to the size of the company. J.D. Power did not rank Anthem in its 2023 report on dental plan satisfaction.
Most of Anthem’s widely available Marketplace and off-Marketplace dental plans have waiting periods, but the Incentive plan is the exception.
The information below is for a 30-year-old woman living in Los Angeles.
| Plan | Monthly Premium | Waiting Periods | Basic Coverage in Year 1 | Major Coverage in Year 1 | Annual Deductible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential Choice PPO Incentive |
$57.75 | None | 60% | 30% | $50 |
Best Premiums : Spirit
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Spirit Dental
- Annual Max Benefit for Sample Plan: $750
- Lifetime Deductible (Sample Plan): $100
- Company's Nationwide Availability: 49 states and Washington, D.C.
Spirit has the best premiums of the companies we considered for this list. Six dental insurance plans from Spirit have no waiting period and are available in almost every state except Washington State. Spirit’s lowest-priced preferred provider organization (PPO) plan, Spirit Preventive Plus PPO, which covers basic and major care, has a $100 lifetime deductible per person. The annual coverage limit is $750 in the first year, which increases to $1,000 in the second year.
Preventive coverage includes exams, cleanings, and X-rays. Basic care is covered 50% in the first year, while major care is covered at 20%. That means you’ll pay 80% for those services. Percentages don’t increase over time as they do with other plans.
But read your summary of benefits closely. For example, Spirit considers fillings and extractions “major” procedures, and you can only get one of the two procedures done every two years.
Has the lowest premiums of the companies we considered
Six plans with no waiting period
Available in most states
Relatively high level of complaints
Not the best for preventive care
Major care coverage is low
Spirit dental insurance is offered through Ameritas. The company is based in St. Paul, Minnesota, and has been selling dental insurance and vision insurance for more than 20 years. Ameritas’s dental network consists of 130,000 providers.
Spirit’s plans may not have waiting periods, but carefully review how it categorizes care to manage your expectations for cost coverage. Some plans don’t categorize sealants, fluoride, and X-rays as preventive care, so you’ll pay extra for those services.
Four plans consider fillings to be “major” coverage, so you’ll pay more out of pocket than if they were deemed basic coverage. But four of the plans also cover three cleanings per year.
Spirit has more complaints than expected for a company of its size, according to the NAIC.
You can contact a Spirit agent by calling 1-844-833-8440.
The information below is based on a 30-year-old applicant in Los Angeles and rounded to the nearest dollar. Plan availability and rates may be different in your area.
| Plan | Monthly Premium | Waiting Periods | Basic Coverage in Year 1 | Major Coverage in Year 1 | Annual Deductible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spirit Preventive Plus PPO | $22 | None | 50% | 20% | $100 (lifetime) |
| Spirit Core PPO | $38 | None | 50% | 25% | $100 (lifetime) |
| Spirit Flex | $44 | None | 50% | 15% | $100 (lifetime) |
| Spirit Senior Preferred PPO | $48 | None | 65% | 25% | $100 (lifetime) |
| Spirit Pinnacle PPO | $52 | None | 50% | 25% | $100 (lifetime) |
| Spirit Flex Plus | $61 | None | 50% | 20% | $100 (lifetime) |
Best for Basic Coverage : MetLife
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MetLife
- Annual Max Benefit for Sample Plan: $2,000
- Annual Deductible (Sample Plan): $50
- Company's Nationwide Availability: 50 states and Washington, D.C.
MetLife is an excellent option for dental insurance with no waiting period for basic care. MetLife’s no-waiting-period dental insurance plans cover 65% of basic dental care, like fillings, routine extractions, and root planing, after you’ve reached your deductible. This is the most coverage for the lowest premium among the no-waiting-period plans we surveyed. Plans include three cleanings per year, whereas most other insurers we reviewed only cover two cleanings.
The NCD Essential MetLife dental insurance plan has a $2,000 annual maximum benefit—the second-highest we saw for the plans we researched—and the average deductible is $50, which is on par with what other companies offer. But premiums for the plan are the second most expensive.
If you need major dental care, it’s important to know that MetLife’s no-waiting-period plans only cover 10% of major coverage in the first year, which includes dentures, bridges, complex oral surgery, and other high-cost procedures. There are other important restrictions, too. For example, you can only get one denture appliance every 10 years.
A second no-waiting-period plan, NCD Complete by MetLife, offers a $10,000 annual maximum and a $100 lifetime per person deductible. It costs around $20 more per month.
Regarding customer satisfaction, MetLife is one of the better providers we reviewed. MetLife’s average NAIC complaint index over 2020, 2021, and 2022 is 0.89, slightly better than the national index of 1.0. That means it had fewer complaints than expected, given its market share.
However, the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Dental Plan Satisfaction Study rated the company slightly below average for overall customer satisfaction. It ranks fifth out of nine companies.
Covers 65% of basic services after deductible
Fewer complaints than expected for its size
Excellent annual maximum benefit
Expensive premiums
Only pays 10% for major dental procedures
MetLife Insurance began selling life insurance policies in 1868 and has been based in New York City since its founding.
MetLife offers dental insurance plans through NCD and a dental insurance program called MetLife TakeAlong Dental. Its provider network consists of 146,000 dentists.
NCD plans come with a membership to the National Wellness and Fitness Association, adding more discounts to your plan, such as for teledoc services.
You can contact MetLife’s dental insurance division by calling 1-800-942-0854. For an NCD by MedLife plan, contact NCD at 1-800-485-3855.
Plan availability differs by state, but to give you an idea of the no-waiting-period plans MetLife offers, we gathered quotes for a 30-year-old living in Los Angeles.
| Plan | Monthly Premium | Waiting Periods | Basic Coverage in Year 1 | Major Coverage in Year 1 |
Annual Deductible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCD Essentials by MetLife | $61 | None | 65% | 10% | $50 |
| NCD Complete by MetLife | $82 | None | 65% | 10% | $100 (lifetime) |
Best for Customer Satisfaction : Humana
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Humana
- Annual Max Coverage Benefit for Sample Plan: $47
- Annual Deductible (Sample Plan): $150
- Company’s Nationwide Availability: 40 states plus Washington, D.C.
If you’re looking for a company with high customer satisfaction levels, check out Humana. In the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Dental Plan Satisfaction Study, Humana received a score of 809 (out of 1,000), which is above the study average of 782. It ranked second out of nine dental insurance companies in the study.
In addition, Humana has the best NAIC complaint index out of the companies we reviewed. Humana’s average NAIC complaint index over the years 2020, 2021, and 2022 is 0.63, which is below the industry index of 1.0. That means Humana received fewer complaints than expected for its size.
Fewest complaints of the companies we researched
High rank in J.D. Power survey
No waiting period for most plans
Low annual maximum benefit for sample plan
Poor overall cost score
Humana was founded in 1961 and is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. The company sells individual health insurance, as well as Medicare, Medicaid, and dental insurance plans. There are several dental plans to choose from, and most don’t require a waiting period. Most plans can be used within one week of purchase.
Humana’s dental insurance network has 200,000 providers. To learn more about Humana’s dental insurance or to enroll in a dental insurance plan, you can call the company at 1-855-716-2426. Humana’s business hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time.
The following plan is the only one we found available that has no waiting period and offers preventive, basic, and major care. Price is based on a quote for a 30-year-old individual living in California, and rounded to the nearest dollar. You may find other plans in your area.
| Plan | Monthly Premium | Waiting Periods | Basic Coverage in Year 1 | Major Coverage in Year 1 | Lifetime Deductible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humana Loyalty Plus Plan | $47 | None | 40% after deductible | 20% after deductible | $150 |
The Bottom Line
Anthem BCBS stands out as the best dental insurance provider with no waiting periods. It has the highest annual maximum and the best coverage for major dental care. However, other providers we reviewed scored better in different areas. For instance, Spirit has some of the lowest premiums, and Denali Dental provides the best coverage for cleanings.
Below are the average monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and annual maximums for Anthem’s Essential Choice PPO Incentive plan in five different states for a 30-year-old female to give you an idea of what it could cost you. Prices are rounded to the nearest dollar.
| State (ZIP Code) | Anthem Essential Choice PPO Incentive |
|---|---|
| New York (10001) | $49 monthly premium $50 annual deductible $2,500 annual maximum benefit |
| Ohio (43228) | $47 monthly premium $50 deductible $2,500 annual maximum benefit |
| Georgia (30349) | $48 monthly premium $50 deductible $2,500 annual maximum benefit |
| California (90011) | $58 monthly premium $50 annual deductible $2,500 annual maximum benefit |
| Virginia (23464) | $48 monthly premium $50 deductible $2,500 annual maximum benefit |
Guide to Choosing Dental Insurance With No Waiting Periods
When selecting a dental insurance plan with no waiting period, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some of the criteria to consider when comparing plans:
- First-year coverage: If you’re looking for a dental insurance plan without a waiting period, you may want immediate dental services. So, carefully review first-year coverage percentages. A plan that only pays 10% toward your care may not be worth the year’s premiums. You’ll spend more in out-of-pocket costs.
- Exclusions and fine print: If you’re looking for a plan to cover tomorrow’s dental procedure, ask about and review any potential exclusions in the summary of benefits. For instance, some plans have a separate annual maximum for certain services, like dental implants or orthodontia. Depending on the plan, cost coverage may exclude a previously missing tooth. But plan details could also extend second-year coverage percentages if you’ve had dental coverage in the recent past.
- Premium: Cost is one of the most significant factors to look for when choosing a dental insurance plan with no waiting period. A lower deductible often results in a higher monthly premium. Plans that cover all dental care (preventative, basic, and major) also tend to be more expensive than plans that only cover preventive and basic dental care.
- Third-party ratings: Before choosing a dental insurance company, review the company’s third-party ratings with, for instance, the NAIC or J.D. Power. Also read customer reviews to see what current and past policyholders think about the provider.
Research Insight
"While no-waiting-period plans offer immediate coverage, it sometimes comes at the cost of lower coverage for basic and major services. Carefully consider your priorities—immediate coverage or maximizing coverage amounts. Ideally, there will be a no-waiting-period plan that offers both."—Shanker Narayan, Investopedia Research Analyst
Compare the Best Dental Insurance Companies With No Waiting Periods: Sample Plans
ZIP Code 90011, pricing based on a 30-year-old nonsmoking female applicant
| Company | Monthly Premium | Annual Deductible | Basic Coverage | Major Coverage | Maximum Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthem Best Overall | $58 | $50 | 60% after deductible | 30% after deductible | $2,500 |
| Spirit Best Premiums | $22 | $100 | 50% after deductible | 20% after deductible | $750 |
| MetLife Best for Basic Coverage | $61 | $50 | 65% after deductible | 10% after deductible | $2,000 |
| Humana Best for Customer Satisfaction | $47 | $150 | 40% after deductible | 20% after deductible | $1,000 |
What Is a Dental Insurance Waiting Period?
A dental insurance waiting period is the time you must wait before your plan will begin covering certain dental services. Many plans have no waiting period for preventive care, including routine exams and cleanings, but require a waiting period for basic and major care. In the table below, you can see different waiting periods for several types of dental care, based on research we conducted for our list of the best dental insurance companies. These figures represent averages for the sample plans we reviewed.
| Type of Care | Average Waiting Period |
|---|---|
| Preventive | None |
| Basic | 0-6 months |
| Major | 6-18 months |
| Implants | 6-12 months |
| Orthodontics | 0-12 months |
Research Insight
"Typical dental insurance plans can take anywhere from a few months to a year to cover basic and major dental services. This could leave you facing the full cost of a filling, crown, implant, or any other work if the procedure is needed before your coverage kicks in. In certain cases, dental plans with no waiting period come with slightly higher premiums, but consider whether the additional monthly cost can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses that might otherwise have to be paid."—Shanker Narayan, Investopedia Research Analyst
How Much Does Dental Insurance With No Waiting Periods Cost?
The cost of dental insurance with no waiting period ranges from $11 to $87 per month. However, many factors can impact dental insurance premiums, including your age, location, insurance company, whether you smoke, and plan type.
Does Dental Insurance With No Waiting Periods Cost More?
Dental insurance with no waiting period doesn’t usually cost more in premiums than dental insurance that requires a waiting period. The difference in premium depends more on the coverage the plan provides. However, the plan may cost more overall if you consider how much you might pay in out-of-pocket costs.
Why You Should Trust Us
Investopedia collected 595 key data points from 17 dental insurance companies to identify the most important factors for readers choosing a dental insurance company and plan. We 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. Investopedia launched in 1999 and has been helping readers find the best dental insurance companies since 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does Most Dental Insurance Have Waiting Periods?
It’s common for dental insurance plans to have a waiting period for certain types of care, particularly for basic and major care. Our research shows that the most extended waiting periods are associated with implants, orthodontics, and the most expensive other dental procedures.
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Why Do Dental Plans Have Waiting Periods?
Most dental plans have waiting periods for basic and major care to prevent people from purchasing a plan, getting coverage for expensive procedures, and then canceling the plan. Basic and major dental care are the most expensive, typically requiring a waiting period or lower benefit payouts in the first year. The benefits payout percentage increases every year you renew your plan and pay your premiums, typically up to year three or four.
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Will an Insurance Company Waive Your Waiting Period?
Depending on the situation, a dental insurance company may waive your waiting period. The waiting period might be waived if:
- You stay insured with the same provider after changing employers
- You leave your employer-sponsored plan and buy a new plan on your own with the same insurer
- You terminated similar coverage from a different provider within a time window (such as 30 to 60 days) before beginning a new plan
With a no-waiting-period plan, an insurer may allow you to bump up to year 2 coverage levels with proof of a prior, active dental insurance plan.
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Why Is Dental Insurance With No Waiting Period Hard to Find?
Finding good dental insurance with no waiting period can be challenging because insurers don’t want people to wait to buy insurance until they know they need expensive treatments. If you can find plans with no waiting periods for preventive, basic, and major care, coverage levels may be lower the first year than in later years or than plans that require you to wait, so you’ll pay more out of pocket.
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Companies We Reviewed
We reviewed no-waiting-period plans from the following dental insurance companies:
- Ameritas
- Spirit
- Anthem BCBS
- MetLife
- DentaQuest
- UnitedHealthOne
- Denali Dental
- Smart Health Dental
- Humana
- Dominion National
In some states, you may be able to find no waiting period plans from the following insurers:
- Delta Dental: Ascent Plans start at 50% coverage for most basic and major dental procedures.
- Aetna Dental Direct Preferred PPO start at 50% coverage for most basic and major dental work after meeting the deductible.
How We Review the Best Dental Insurance Companies With No Waiting Period
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 10 key companies offering dental insurance with no waiting periods for preventive, basic, and major care.
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 no-waiting-period dental insurance provider based on 11 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: 10%
- Customer Satisfaction: 15%
- Cost-to-Value: 40%
- Coverage: 30%
- Customer Service: 5%
To learn more about our process for finding the best dental insurance companies, read our full methodology.
Guide to Dental Insurance
- How Does Dental Insurance Work?
- How to Choose Dental Insurance
- Can I Get Dental Insurance Through the Health Insurance Marketplace?
- Is Dental Insurance Worth It?
- How Much Does Dental Insurance Cost?
- Does Dental Insurance Cover Teeth Whitening?
- Is Dental Insurance Tax Deductible?
- Does Dental Insurance Cover Crowns?
- Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
- Using Your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for Dental Care
- Best Dental Insurance
- Best Dental Insurance for Implants
- Best Dental Insurance for Braces
- Best Dental Insurance for Older Adults
- Best Dental Insurance for Older Adults on Medicare
- Best Dental Insurance With No Annual Maximum
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Investopedia / Alice Morgan
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