To maintain a healthy smile, it’s necessary to take proper care of your teeth, gums, and your oral health. In most cases, dental issues are not included in your regular medical coverage.
But treating your tooth comes with a hefty price tag. For a decaying tooth or an annual cleaning, you may have to shell some extra money out of your pocket. This is where dental insurance comes into the picture.
What is Dental Insurance?
Dental insurance works pretty much in the same way as other policies. It takes into account many types of dental problems and offers you coverage against a premium.
There are a number of companies across the USA that offer dental insurance. All you have to do is read the details, and find out a plan works for you.
Types of Dental Insurance
1.Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO)
When you opt for a PPO plan, there will be a number of dentists, on a contract with your insurance provider. They will provide you with services at a pre-fixed rate.
2.Indemnity Plans
In an indemnity plan, you will receive coverage from the dental insurance company, after undergoing a dental treatment. This is the most common dental insurance that people choose. With this plan, you can choose your dentist on your own, or you can opt for a PPO plan.
3.Dental Health Maintenance Organizations (DHMO)
Under this type of insurance, the company pays a certain amount to the dentists who are on a contract with them. Against this charge, the dentist will provide services to the insured person at zero cost, or at a lowered cost.
4.Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPO)
With the Exclusive Provider Organization plan, you will receive a reimbursement from the insurance company only if you visit a professional recommended by the company.
5.Direct Reimbursement
In this type of insurance, you pay the dentist directly. Then, you have to submit a receipt to the insurance company, and you will get a reimbursement of a certain percentage.
What Does Dental Insurance Cover?
Dental insurance covers a number of issues, but they vary depending on which company you choose. But generally, here are a few common issues that you will receive coverage for.
Dental fillings, cavity, tooth extraction, etc. are the basic needs that you will get a reimbursement for. Major restorative services such as dentures, root canal, crown, bridges, etc. will also come under the coverage. And in case you wish to give a good shape to your teeth, braces are a good option. The insurance will cover this charge as well.
Besides these, you will also be covered for preventive oral care, such as teeth cleaning, X-ray, dental sealing, and so on. But with each extra service besides basic care, you will be required to pay a higher amount of premium.
What’s Not Covered?
Just like other medical insurance policies, if you have a pre-existing medical condition in your teeth or gums, you will not receive coverage for that particular issue. So in such a case, you will have to bear the cost all by yourself.
What’s The Cost of Dental Insurance?
Dental insurance doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. The price range varies, depending on which company you choose, the type of coverage, your location, and so on. Typically, in the USA, the cost of dental insurance can be as low as $50 a month, and it goes up as you add more facilities.
When Should You See Your Dentist?
The insurance company may suggest an appointment every six months, or once a year. Ideally, you should visit your dentist at least twice a year, for regular check-ups. However, if you have any recurring issues, you may have to see your medical service provider more often.
What Is The Difference Between Dental Insurance & Discount Plans?
Dental insurance offers reimbursement after you have undergone a dental treatment, such as filling a cavity, pulling out a tooth, cleaning, and so on.
On the other hand, dental discount plans help you get access to dental services at a lower rate. This is not an insurance policy, but simply a scheme that helps you cut down on dental expenses.
Things to Consider Before Getting Dental Insurance
- Type of Coverage
First and foremost, you need to finalize the type of coverage you’re looking for. Whether you want basic restorative care coverage, or you want some higher coverages, you have to decide that prior to picking a policy for yourself.
- Reputed Company
For any sort of insurance, it’s always a good idea to choose a reputed company. This is just a way to make sure that your money is in safe hands.
- Waiting Period
Depending on the type of care you need, you may have to wait for a period of a minimum of 30 days, to up to 6 months. Before choosing a policy, make sure you have all the details about the insurance handy.
- Choosing A Dentist
A few types of policies let you choose the dentist that you prefer. It’s a wise choice to find a dentist that you trust, or you can pick anyone from the list of dentists that your company has made a contract with.
- Whether Insurance Or Discount
You also have to decide whether you want to opt for insurance, or you simply want a discount plan.
Do You Need Dental Insurance?
Whether you require dental insurance or not entirely depends on your oral health. This insurance covers all your dental expenses, so in case of an emergency, you won’t have to pay a hefty amount from your own pocket. Although you won’t receive coverage for dental problems that were already existing prior to getting insurance, the company will cover you for all unforeseen dental issues and treatments, whenever needed.
Having dental insurance may not be necessary, but it offers protection in case some sudden trouble arises. Under certain policies, you can also get reimbursements for your check-ups.
To pick the right policy for your needs, use this article as a basic guideline, and conduct thorough research to find out which company works the best for you.
