Individual dental insurance coverage is available, but you might have to do a little research to find the right policy for you. Dental work can run thousands of dollars in just a few visits. You want to have the policy that will best fit you and your family.
Like other health insurance policies, dental insurance ranges widely in the type of coverage you receive in relation to the benefits paid. Some things are simply not covered. Monthly premiums average anywhere from $12 to $50 per person.
That doesn?t sound too bad, but be sure that you check to see if this is simply an introductory rate. Many companies raise the rates significantly after the first year.
Make sure that you are dealing with a reputable insurance company. Dental insurance is a n area that is highly reported to have fraudulent companies taking advantage of consumers. If your work offers dental insurance, it is probably your best option. If it isn?t available through work, be prepared to shop around to find a good company that offers a good deal. You can start by asking for recommendations at your dentist?s office.
There are three types of dental insurance coverage: Dental HMOs, Dental PPOs and Dental indemnity plans.
Dental HMOs are similar to a traditional HMO. You a re given a limited selection of dentists that you can see. This type of dental insurance offers you the least amount of out-of-pocket costs. You premium costs are likely to be very affordable, often around $13 each month.
With a Dental HMO, you are usually guaranteed one or two dentists within 15 miles of your home or work. The focus tends to be on preventative care, with many plans paying 100% of these visits. They will usually pay for sealants or topical fluoride treatments that other plans do not cover. As your treatments become more complicated and expensive, your reimbursement rates could be at 50% or less.
Dental PPOs allow you to go to a network dentist and pay one set of prices. You can chose to see a dentist outside of your network for lessened benefits. The average monthly premium is usually around $30 per month.
Dental indemnity plans are considered traditional insurance plans and are rare when it comes to individual coverage. If you can find this type of coverage, expect to pay at least $40 per month.
There are credit unions, professional associations and affinity groups, such as AARP, that offer members access to group dental plans. You pay the entire premium, but get the benefits of being included in a group plan.
For example, AARP offers a group PPO plan to its members through Delta Dental. The monthly premiums range from $30 to $45 per person. Many areas such as preventative care, diagnostic and restorative treatments and oral surgery are covered by the plan. The premium is guaranteed for two years.
You could also check into group plans offered through your employer. You may have to pay 100 % of the premiums, but the terms are better than with an individual plan. Though it will usually cost you a little bit more, the benefits are well worth it. Many employers will let you pay your premiums with pre-tax dollars, adding more benefits to you.
Discount dental plans are becoming popular these days. Basically the plan negotiates your bill down, giving you a discount on certain procedures. These plans can cost you around $15 a month. You are responsible for paying the bill when services are given.
Some companies can negotiate you significant savings, especially in the case of major restorative work. But the plans are largely unlicensed by state authorities.
You should be careful when purchasing discount plans. Only buy through major insurance carriers ? they are always licensed. You could also look to companies associated with national organization s, but don?t take the company?s word, check with the organization itself.
Reputable plans will tell you that you are not purchasing insurance and will tell you all the terms and conditions in advance. You will be able to locate their web site, contact information and their corporation registrations for your home state. Ask which dentists are included in the service and double check with each office. Never send money without receiving the materials that spell out the terms first.
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