We all know that keeping your smile healthy is important. If your employer does not provide you or your family with insurance, how do you know what you’re looking for? With so many different options to choose from, the first question we need to ask is: How does dental insurance work? Once you know how dental insurance works, you will be able to choose the best dental insurance for your needs. How dental insurance works is a pretty basic formula that consists of the following things:
- Premium – This is the monthly fee that you are required to pay to have your dental insurance. The price of this premium depends on your insurance provider and plan( Class I, II, or III) you choose. On average, these monthly fees can range from $26-$45.
- Co-Pay – When you go to your dental appointment, you may be required to pay an upfront cost that is not covered by your insurance. This can differentiate between insurance providers, so be sure to check with your insurance and dentist office before going to your appointment.
- Co-Insurance – Similar to Co-Pay, Co-Insurance is the amount you will pay our of pocket. However, instead of a required flat rate, you will be required to pay a percentage of the visit. Percentages can vary based on insurance plans and providers.
- Deductible – All dental insurances have a certain amount of money that you need to satisfy within a period of time, usually a 12 month period. For example, if the cost of your dentist visit is $100 and your deductible is $200, you will be expected to pay for your dental work out of pocket. Insurances vary greatly here, discuss your options with your insurance provider.
- Insurance Maximum – Almost all insurance companies will have an annual insurance maximum. This is the maximum amount of money they will provide for your dental work. An example of this would be: If your total dental bill is $400 and your annual insurance maximum is $300, you will be expected to pay the additional $100 that is over the insurances maximum.
Types of Dental Insurance Coverage
How dental insurance works is relatively easy to understand, due to the fact that most insurance companies generally operate the same. You may want to do some shopping around for dental insurance if your employer does not provide dental coverage for you. First and foremost, medical insurance does not cover dental insurance and most basic dental insurance plans will not cover medical expenses, only dental. Generally speaking, dental insurance plans can be divided into 3 basic categories:
- Class I – This is your most basic plan. This covers any preventative cleaning exams, such as: regular cleaning(usually twice a year), general exam, and necessary X-Rays. Some dental insurance will only provide these services once a year, be sure to check with your specific provider for more information on your individual coverage.
- Class II – The next basic plan, this class of insurance cover basic procedures like: tooth extractions, fillings, anesthesia, and periodontics. Depending on your insurance provider this coverage may include root canals.
- Class III – This plan covers everything mentioned in Class I and Class II, as well as covers most major dental procedures. If you know that you will need major orthodontic care in the future such as: root canals, crowns, bridges, dentures, dental implants and oral surgery. Some insurance providers will set age limitations of this type of coverage, be sure to speak with you provider to see what your dental insurance specifically covers.
Most people want to at least have Class I insurance, this makes preventative dental care much cheaper than paying out of pocket. An easy way to determine which of the above plans will best suit your family’s needs, are by asking yourself the following questions before purchasing dental insurance:
- Your budget and what you’re willing to pay – When you have dental insurance you will still be expected to pay premiums, co-pays and deductibles. You insurance will cover the rest of the bill. Knowing what you can afford on your dental health every month, will help narrow your options toward your perfect dental insurance.
- What your dentist accepts – If you have a particular dentist or dentist office that you prefer, such as Cedar Creek Dental, you will need to know what types of insurances they accept. Most Dental offices will accept major dental insurance such as Humana, Cigna and Guardian.
- Future Dental Needs – Knowing what you or your family’s needs are for dental care will be crucial in deciding what type of dental insurance you will get. Research has shown that by going to the dentist every six months for preventative dental care, dental insurance is highly beneficial to your oral health. If you know that your family has a history of oral problems, you may want to consider more than just basic preventative coverage.
Let Dental Insurance Work For You
Now that you know the basics of how dental insurance works, what types of oral care insurance will cover, and things to consider before purchasing dental insurance, you are more than equipped to make an informed decision when choosing your dental care provider. Most dental companies will give you a free quote online so that you can estimate your dental insurance costs. For the top ten best dental insurances of 2017, you will want to check this website out. If you would like more information on what insurances Cedar Creek Dental accepts or how dental insurance works, feel free to give us a call and we will be happy to provide you with that information.