Dental insurance can be a simple and effective way to reduce your out-of-pocket costs for everything from routine visits to more complex treatments. Despite this, millions of Americans don’t carry a policy, which can put their budget at risk if they ever have an oral issue.
Purchasing insurance can help safeguard your smile and personal finances, but it can be a complex topic to navigate. Continue reading to learn 3 things you should know about how these plans typically work so you can make an informed decision to protect your dental health and save money!
#1: You Must Pay an Annual Deductible
If you’re familiar with general health insurance, you might already know that most plans require that you pay a certain amount out-of-pocket before benefits kick in. Most dental policies also include this type of payment, called a deductible, that resets each year.
Once you’ve paid the designated amount, your insurance provider shoulders the cost of the coverage. The deductible amount can vary from plan to plan, but in many cases, routine procedures, such as checkups and cleanings, do not to require one.
#2: There May Be Copayments for Visits
In addition to paying your monthly premiums and your annual deductible, your policy might also include copayments for different services. These fees are flat dollar amounts that the policyholder pays for certain procedures so that their insurance can cover the remaining balance.
For instance, there might be a flat fee required per visit that doesn’t count towards your deductible, or certain treatments might require that you pay a flat dollar amount before your policy can be applied. Some plans have coinsurance, instead, which refers to a percentage of the total cost that patients must pay, rather than a standard rate.
#3: You Might Have A Waiting Period
Many policies also include a period of time that must pass before you can take advantage of their coverage. These waiting periods help keep costs low for the patient, the insurance provider, and your dental office. Without them, it would be too easy to purchase insurance just long enough to cover a costly treatment and then drop the policy, which increases rates across the board.
The length of time can range from 3 to 12 months, but thankfully, many plans provide access to basic services during this period. That means your routine visit might be covered, though you may have to wait before undergoing more complex procedures, such as a root canal or placing a dental crown.
If your dentist accepts certain types of policies, such as PPOs, or is considered in-network with specific providers, you may want to consider purchasing one of these plans to help reduce the cost of your dental care!
Meet the Author
Dr. Sheren Elsaid is passionate about helping people improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. She earned her dental degree from Temple University and then completed her Advanced Education in General Dentistry through the NYU Langone Dental Medicine Program. Today, she provides a full menu of services to meet all your needs under one roof. Plus, you’re sure to feel comfortable with modern amenities like aromatherapy, noise-cancelling headphones, blankets, and dental sedation. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (973) 370-5221.