Having health insurance coverage seems like a no-brainer. It will save you a ton of money, both in the short and long term.
However, dental insurance is a bit different.
Let’s take a deep dive into dental insurance to see if this type of coverage is right for you.
What is Dental Insurance?
According to the National Association of Dental Plans, 77% of Americans have dental benefits. But what exactly is it and how does dental insurance work?
Whether you receive it through your employer or pay for it on your own, dental insurance is a type of health insurance that pays a portion of the costs associated with oral health and dental care.
Types of Dental Insurance Plans
There are generally three types of dental insurance plans available to you, including:
- Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO): This kind of dental insurance plan provides you with a network of dentists that take the plan for a small co-pay. Some don’t even require any fees at all.
- Discount Dental Plan: Also known as a referral dental plan, this type of insurance coverage will get you a deep discount from a select group of healthcare professionals.
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): This type of plan only includes dentists who accept it. You can visit an out of network dentist, but this will increase your out-of-pocket expenses.
Now that you know about the types of dental plans, let’s look at what they cover.
What Is Covered?
Typically, dental insurance will cover a portion of the cost for preventative care, such as cleanings and bi-annual checkups. Additionally, it will cover crowns, fillings, root canals, and oral surgery, such as dental implants.
Check out this page for more information on dental implants.
Depending on what plan you choose, it may also cover orthodontic, prosthodontic, and periodontics services.
As far as what you have to pay goes, many dental insurance plans abide by the 100-80-50 coverage structure. This means that preventative care is covered 100%, basic procedures are covered at 80%, and major procedures are 50% covered.
Some dental procedures that may not be covered include:
- Cosmetic Procedures: This can include teeth whitening or veneers.
- Pre-Existing Conditions: Pre-existing conditions, like missing teeth, may not be covered. You may have to pay out-of-pocket costs to have these issues treated.
Always check with your provider to see what they cover.
Things to Consider
Whether your employer offers you dental insurance, or you are shopping for your own plan, here are some things to consider:
- Is your dentist in the network you want to select?
- What will the total costs for the plan be every year? This includes co-pays, premiums, and deductibles.
- Is there an out-of-pocket limit?
- Does the plan cover braces?
- Does it cover emergency treatments?
- What is the annual maximum?
These are important items to consider in order to find the best dental insurance for your needs.
The Low Down on Dental Insurance
If you’re wondering if you should get dental insurance, the answer is yes! It usually covers a wide array of dental treatments to help your smile look gorgeous for years to come.
It can also save you a lot of money on dental procedures.
Be sure to check out the rest of our blog to discover more health tips!
