Why do I need dental insurance?
This is a great question. Dental insurance can benefit most people who plan to take care of their teeth by regularly seeing a dentist. Dental plans allow you to see a dentist routinely for check ups, and also help pay for major treatments like root canals or crowns which can be expensive. Dental plans also have the advantage of offering provider networks, procedure discounts, and other helpful features.
What type of dental plan should I get?
There are many types of dental plans but a few common categories. Dental insurance plans typically consist of PPO dental plans, DHMO plans, and Indemnity dental plans. PPO plans have provider networks, but generally allow members to see any dentist. DHMO plans are usually In-Network only, while Indemnity plans do not have a network and pays the same at any dental office. There are also discount dental plans that are not insurance but they give members discounts on services at In-Network dentists.
Do I have to see an In-Network dentist?
Some DHMO plans or discount dental plans require members to use an In-Network dentist in order to receive plan benefits. But PPO dental plans and Indemnity plans allow members to also see Out of Network dentists.
Do all plans have waiting periods for major services?
It is common for some individual dental plans to have waiting periods for major services. However, there are certain plans and carriers that offer plan options with no waiting periods. Some plans offer no waiting periods for major services like crowns and root canals.
Will dental insurance help me pay for dental implants?
Some dental plans will have coverage for dental implants, but many individual plans do not offer benefits for implants. So it’s important to check plan details to make sure coverage is offered if you need implants.
Why doesn’t dental insurance cover all expenses after a deductible like health insurance?
Dental insurance is different than health insurance. Dental insurance plans typically have annual benefit maximums ranging from $1000-$3000 per member per year. Health insurance plans usually have unlimited maximums though with a much higher monthly cost. In a way, dental plans are designed to help offset the cost of care, while medical plans generally cover a greater portion of costs.