Having dental insurance with no waiting period in Georgia is crucial when you need major work done immediately.
Most affordable Marketplace dental insurance plans will have waiting periods of 6-12 months for certain procedures.
We specialize in dental insurance with no waiting period from top-rated carriers like Ameritas and UnitedHealthcare.
You get the same plans & prices with free assistance from our licensed agents at no additional cost.
If you’re looking for the best dental insurance in GA anytime of the year, this guide will help!
Questions? Insurance plans can have limitations. Read the policy or speak to a licensed expert for free with no obligation! Contact Us >>
See plans & prices for UnitedHealthcare DentalWise in your area:
How Does Dental Insurance in Georgia Work?
Navigating dental insurance in Georgia can seem complex, but understanding the basics can help.
Dental insurance plans are designed to help you manage the cost of oral care.
However, they work differently than health insurance plans and involve restrictions like waiting periods.
Where to Get Dental Insurance in Georgia With No Waiting Period
When searching for dental insurance in Georgia with no waiting period, it’s important to understand the differences between Marketplace and private insurance options.
Marketplace Dental Insurance
Georgia is one of the few states that offers dental insurance without having to purchase a health plan first.
You can find affordable dental plans through Georgia Access.
The downside is they generally offer limited coverage and have restrictions on when those benefits kick in.
Most marketplace dental plans have waiting periods of 6 months for basic services, and 12 months for major work.
If you need major work done and can’t wait a year a Marketplace dental plan may not be worth it.
There are some exceptions. UnitedHealthcare / Solstice Smile Now Georgia dental plans for example.
However, this affordability comes with important trade-offs. You will likely see lower coinsurance and maximum annual benefits at $1,000.
Be sure to weigh these factors against the price you pay.
Private Dental Insurance (Off-Exchange)
A significant drawback of many marketplace dental plans are the waiting periods for basic and major work.
If you need immediate care for more costly procedures, private dental insurance (off-exchange) can provide a solution.
These plans often eliminate waiting periods, with higher benefit amounts and quick access to get work done.
It’s important to compare private and marketplace dental plans or consult a broker to ensure you understand the differences in coverage, cost, and network providers.
Ameritas PrimeStar pays 15%-20% for major work on Day 1. Check your ZIP >>
Dental Insurance Waiting Periods
One of the most important aspects of dental insurance in Georgia is understanding the concept of waiting periods.
This is the length of time after your policy’s effective date during which certain dental procedures are not covered.
Waiting periods are a common feature of many dental insurance plans and are designed to help insurance companies manage risk and keep premiums affordable.
They prevent individuals from purchasing a plan only when they know they need expensive work done and then canceling it afterward.
While preventative care, such as routine checkups, cleanings, and sometimes x-rays, is often covered immediately, more extensive procedures usually have longer waiting periods.
Here’s a general idea of what you might expect with dental insurance in Georgia, though specific plans can vary:
- Preventative Care: Most dental insurance plans in Georgia cover preventative care, typically including 2-3 exams per year, cleanings, and sometimes x-rays, often with little to no waiting period. This encourages regular dental visits and helps maintain oral health.
- Basic Services: Basic services, such as fillings, extractions, and some minor restorative work, often have a waiting period of around six months.
- This means that if you need a filling within the first six months of your policy, you’ll likely be responsible for the full cost.
- Major Services: Major dental work, like crowns, bridges, root canals, dentures, implants, and oral surgery, typically has a waiting period of 12 months or even longer.
- These procedures are more expensive, and the longer waiting period helps control costs for both the insurer and the insured.
UnitedHealthcare DentalWise & DentalWise Max. Start A Quote >>
Why Do Dental Insurance Plans in Georgia Have Waiting Periods?
Dental plan waiting periods can be frustrating, but they help:
- Control Costs: Prevent people from signing up for insurance when they know they need expensive treatment.
- Maintain Predictability: Waiting periods allow insurance companies to better predict their costs and set premiums accordingly.
- Encourage Preventative Care: Since preventative care is often covered immediately, it encourages individuals to seek regular dental checkups, which can help prevent more costly problems down the road.
Find the Best Dental Insurance in Georgia
When shopping for dental insurance in Georgia, look at more than just the monthly premium:
- Waiting periods: Specifically, how long are the waiting periods for different types of procedures?
- Coverage: What procedures are covered, and what are the limitations or exclusions?
- Premiums: How much will you pay monthly or annually for the plan?
- Deductibles and Co-pays: What are your out-of-pocket costs for different procedures?
- Network of Dentists: Is your preferred dentist in-network? Seeing an in-network dentist can significantly reduce your costs.
The good news? A handful of insurance providers offer no waiting period dental insurance in Georgia, recognizing the need for more immediate benefits.
These plans provide access to coverage right away, making it easier to get the care you need without delay.
Pros
Immediate Coverage
The most significant advantage of a no waiting period dental insurance plan is that your coverage starts right away.
If you’ve been delaying essential dental treatments or are in pain, these plans allow you to schedule an appointment without waiting months for benefits to kick in.
Increasing Benefits
Another key benefit of no waiting period dental insurance is the coverage improves the longer you stay on the plan.
For example, with UnitedHealthcare DentalWise, coverage for basic procedures starts at 60% from day one and increases to 80% after the first year.
In contrast, traditional plans often offer no coverage for basic services for the first 6 months, making this a distinct advantage.
Covers Major Work
Routine checkups are essential for oral health, but if you require major dental work, these plans provide the comprehensive coverage you need—no waiting period for crowns, root canals, or other significant procedures.
Enroll Anytime
With private dental insurance, you can enroll at any time of year, unlike Marketplace plans, which limit enrollment periods.
This means you can secure coverage whenever you need it, whether it’s for an emergency or regular maintenance.
Cons
Higher Premiums
Plans with no waiting periods often come with higher premiums than traditional dental insurance.
The convenience of immediate coverage can lead to increased monthly costs, which may not be ideal for those on a tight budget.
Higher Deductibles
No waiting period dental insurance plans typically have higher deductibles, meaning you’ll need to pay more out-of-pocket before your coverage kicks in for certain services.
For example, if a traditional dental plan has an annual individual deductible of $50, a plan with no waiting period might be $100.
How Much is Dental Insurance in Georgia with No Waiting Period?
The cost of dental insurance in Georgia varies based on several factors:
- Location: Premiums can differ depending on where you live in Georgia.
- Plan Type: Plans with higher annual coverage limits or no waiting periods typically come with higher premiums.
For example, Ameritas PrimeStar Lite might cost around $30 a month in Athens, but closer to $35 in Savannah.
| City | UnitedHealthcare | Ameritas |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | $30-$50 | $38-$70 |
| Macon | $30-$50 | $28-$55 |
| Savannah | $30-$50 | $34-$65 |
| Augusta | $30-$50 | $30-$60 |
What’s the Best Dental Insurance in GA with No Waiting Period?
Many carriers offer dental insurance in Georgia, but only a few have plans with no waiting periods.
Here are two of our most popular for consideration:
UnitedHealthcare DentalWise
UnitedHealthcare / Golden Rule DentalWise plans are known for their extensive provider network, benefits and affordable premiums.
They offer a range of dental plans with no waiting periods for preventive care, basic services, and major work.
This makes it an excellent choice if you need immediate dental coverage in Georgia.
Their DentalWise Max plans include vision, and hearing in many states*
- DentalWise 1000
- DentalWise 2000
- DentalWise Max 1000
- DentalWise Max 2000
- DentalWise Max 3000
*Hearing is not available in Georgia.
Ameritas PrimeStar
Ameritas PrimeStar is another leading provider in Georgia that offers flexible plans without waiting periods.
Their policies include no waiting periods, no enrollment fees and competitively priced deductibles.
Ameritas is known for its large network of dentists, making it easier to find a provider near you. Their plans are available at 3 levels:
- PrimeStar Lite (up to $1,500 benefit)
- PrimeStar Boost (up to $2,000 benefit)
- PrimeStar Complete (up to $3,000 benefit)
Ameritas PrimeStar pays 30%-35% for basic work on Day 1. Plans & prices will vary. Check your ZIP >>
Need Help Finding Dental Insurance in Georgia With No Waiting Period?
Our most popular dental plans come with no income verification, no health questions, and no waiting periods.
Start your quote now and enjoy hassle-free enrollment in just a few minutes.
Whether you’re looking for emergency coverage or routine dental care, we’ve got you covered with the best dental insurance in Georgia with no waiting period.
If you need assistance, we’re always here to help at no additional cost!
Get an Online Quote
Most insurance carriers have online quoting and enrollment. Our two top plans UnitedHealthcare and Ameritas you can get an instant quote and sign up with no additional fees.
We are licensed with these carriers and provide free assistance and make it easy to get the coverage you need.
Ask Your Dentist
Your dentist will have experience dealing with different insurance providers and can offer advice on which plans offer the best coverage for your specific needs.
Ask them if they accept UnitedHealthcare or Ameritas before you apply.
Read the Policy
Dental insurance plans have limitations. Carefully review the policy details of any dental insurance plan to ensure you understand what’s covered and any limitations.
Pay close attention to exclusions, which may prevent you from receiving coverage for specific treatments or procedures.
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His background in marketing, research, insurance, and financial services gives him a unique perspective to help others plan for a secure future and improve their physical, mental, and overall well-being.