If your medical insurance is through your employer, it’s quite likely that dental coverage isn’t part of the package. Many companies skip dental insurance to keep health insurance costs lower. Since dental visits can be pricey, you might want to consider getting private dental insurance to ease that financial burden. Here are five important things to think about when shopping for individual dental plans:
1. **Choice of Dentist**
If your family has been seeing the same dentist for a while and everyone is comfortable with them, you’ll want an insurance plan that lets you continue with this dentist. Some dental plans, like certain medical plans, limit you to a select list of providers. Make sure to check this detail if it’s important for you to keep your current dentist.
2. **Deductibles and Co-Pays**
Dental insurance comes with various deductible and co-payment options, similar to medical insurance. Higher deductibles usually mean lower monthly premiums. When picking your deductibles and co-pays, think about how much you can afford to pay out-of-pocket. It’s not wise to choose high deductibles to lower your premiums if you can’t afford the actual care costs.
3. **Covered Services**
With numerous dental insurance plans out there, find one that offers the coverage you need. If you have young kids, look for plans that cover fillings, tooth repairs, and orthodontic work. If you only go to the dentist for cleanings, those extra coverages might be unnecessary. Carefully read the fine print to understand what services are covered and which aren’t before making a decision.
4. **Annual Limits**
Your coverage will likely come with annual limits, meaning there’s a cap on how much the insurance will pay each year. Once you reach that cap, you’ll need to cover any further costs yourself. Annual limits can also influence your premiums – higher limits usually mean higher monthly payments.
5. **Discount Dental Plan vs. Dental Insurance**
When looking for dental coverage, it’s crucial to know the difference between discount dental plans and actual dental insurance. Discount plans reduce your dental bill, saving you between 15 to 50 percent per visit. Dental insurance, on the other hand, pays for your dental visit costs minus deductibles and co-pays. Comparing these options side-by-side can help you find the best fit for your family’s needs.
If you’ve been skipping dental visits because they’re too expensive, private dental insurance can help keep your smile healthy. Whether you choose a dental insurance policy or a discount plan, some financial assistance will ensure you and your family can see the dentist before small problems become big ones.