Purchasing dental insurance can help families and individuals to get the proper dental care that they need for healthy teeth and gums. When looking for dental insurance, it's important to compare the plans, premium costs and deductibles and the different features and benefits that each plan provides.
Dental Plan Overviews …show more content…
Indemnity plans allow their members to visit any dental provider. The insurance will only pay for the dental service once a bill from the dental provider is received. Once the insurance provider receives the bill or claim, they will reimburse either the member of the dentist. Some dental providers require that the entire amount be paid up-front; once the insurance pays, the remaining amount will be reimbursed.
Managed Care Plans
A managed care dental insurance plan offers its members a network of dental providers. Members must visit one of these contracted providers in order for payment to be made for services. Some treatments must be pre-authorized before they are covered and there are more coverage limits than Indemnity plans.
Dental Discount Plans
Dental discount plans are not dental insurance. Instead, they have contracts with different dentists to provide dental services at a discount. Many people choose to purchase these plans to help reduce their out-of-pocket costs once their annual maximum has been exhausted. These plans typically charge a yearly premium that is less than dental insurance, has no annual maximum on the services provided but don't offer the same benefits that dental insurance plans …show more content…
This deductible can range from $25 to $500. Normally, the lower the cost of the insurance premium, the higher the deductible. After the deductible is met, the insurance provider will then cover services at a pre-determined percentage.
Benefits and Features
All dental care plans stress the importance of preventative dental care. Preventative care includes dental exams, x-rays, cleanings and sealants that can catch problems when they are small or prevent tooth decay from occurring.
Some plans have limits on the number and age restriction of sealants on teeth, restrictions on the amount of crowns or bridges that will be covered or may exclude certain services, such as orthodontics. Read carefully through each plan and determine what services your family will need before selecting a plan that is right for you.
Both dental and health insurance can help provide peace-of-mind for you and your family and give you the reassurance that in the case of an emergency that you won't be responsible for expensive treatment. Consider all of the different costs, benefits and features of each plan before purchasing dental insurance so that if an emergency or tooth pain arises, you know you will have the coverage you