A waiting period is the time between when your insurance policy becomes effective and when certain benefits become available. Waiting periods are common in guaranteed-issue plans and conversion plans, where the insurer cannot ask medical questions. They protect the insurer from adverse selection — people signing up only because they need immediate treatment. Typical waiting periods range from 30 days to 12 months depending on the benefit and plan type. Drug coverage might have a 30-day waiting period, dental a 3-month waiting period, and major dental or orthodontic work a 12-month waiting period. Pre-existing conditions often have their own, longer waiting period. Conversion plans that are exercised within the conversion window may have reduced or eliminated waiting periods for pre-existing conditions.