Many people who have dental coverage obtain it as a benefit through their employer. The monthly premiums, coinsurance, and annual maximums are relatively low compared to plans sold in the individual marketplace. A standalone dental insurance plan may be an attractive option for those who can’t afford to pay for their dental procedures or want more flexibility than an employer’s plan offers. But is it worth the investment?
Cost
Many individual dental insurance plans offer coverage that helps offset the cost of routine visits and preventive care. However, dental insurance plans can vary widely in monthly premiums, deductibles, and copayment amounts, depending on the plan type and coverage levels. Someย individual dental plansย are available through employers; others can be purchased individually through health insurance marketplaces or government programs like Medicaid. A DPPO (dental preferred provider organization) plan has a network of providers from which you can receive care at predetermined rates that are often lower than dentists typically charge. These types of plans tend to have lower monthly premiums than other types of dental insurance but can limit your choice of providers.ย
Coverage
The main benefit of having dental insurance is that it helps cover costs for major procedures. In addition to the monthly premium, most plans have deductibles and copays that must be met. If you do a little homework, getting a plan that covers all your expected expenses for preventive care and some essential treatments (such as fillings) is possible without breaking the bank. In contrast, if you have recurring, costly problems that require extensive treatment or surgery; an individual dental plan with more comprehensive coverage may be worth the extra expense. Individual dental plans typically have yearly maximums that must be reached before your benefits kick in again; and most cover only a percentage of what the insurer considers “usual; customary, and reasonable.” A premium/benefit comparison is the best way to determine whether or not an individual dental plan is worth the investment.ย
Portability
Individual dental plans offer portability, allowing you to keep your coverage if you switch jobs or move between states. This prevents you from dipping into savings or using a credit card for costly dental care. Dental insurance plans can also be a good value for those who don’t need extensive; dental work but want the peace of mind from having some form of dental coverage. Many dental insurance plans offer low monthly premiums,ย deductibles, and annual maximums that savings on routine visits to the dentist can easily offset.
In addition, some individual dental insurance plans provide benefits for out-of-network care. However, they may pay a lower percentage of costs than in-network providers. However, it’s still worth researching what type of dental plan is best for you based on your needs. If you aren’t interested in paying for an individual dental plan but would like the security of having some form of coverage; consider a discount dental plan. These plans allow you to pay an annual fee for a discount; anywhere from 10 to 60 percent, on average dental care prices. However, the plans will have restrictions, such as whether or not they cover out-of-network care and annual caps.
Convenience
Individual dental plans are a wise investment that can save you considerable money on expensive dentalย procedures. These plans ensure you don’t have to use your savings or credit card for dental care. Moreover, the convenience of dental coverage can motivate you to get regular preventive services, which are usually less costly than treatments for severe dental issues. Whether you obtain dental insurance from your employer or buy a plan independently; it’s crucial to research thoroughly before selecting a plan that best suits your requirements and budget. Dental insurance usually covers 100% of preventive care like checkups and cleanings, 80% of essential work like fillings; extractions, and root canals, and 50% of extensive work such as crowns or bridges.
However, some plans limit the amount they will reimburse annually, known as the annual maximum. In general, this maximum is less than $1,500. Some types of dental insurance require you to visit in-network dentists for the most cost-effective coverage; while others allow you to go to any provider. For those that do not require you to visit a specific network, it is wise to consider plans with an extensive nationwide provider network for flexibility and choice. Individual dental plans not associated with a health insurance marketplace or an employer may also offer flexible payment options for those needing significant treatments like dental implants or braces.