by Daniel Millions
Dental insurance plans can help individuals and families save a lot of money with respect to dental care and treatment. There are different types of such plans and some plans are more expensive than others. But the difference in the diverse plans offered by different insurance providers mostly lies in the coverage of dental procedures what is reimbursed and what is not. It is therefore important to consider what is covered in a plan very carefully before signing up for one.
Full coverage normally refers to all dental procedures that can be expected to be carried out with the goal of keeping teeth healthy and restoring them. However, there exist some misunderstanding as to full coverage, whereby people often believe that it implies that all dental procedures are covered by the dental insurance plan. If this was the case, then one would have to look at price alone in order to determine which one of the plans is the best one to adopt. Needless to say, it would be the cheapest one.
Therefore when examining the different plans, it is vital to understand what each one of them covers and what they do not cover. Some plans may cover basic dental procedures, such as checkups and cleanings, but not more complex ones, such as implants or dentures. Some will cover major dental procedures, and not the basic ones. These types of coverages are not to the benefit of the clients. People most often than not go to the dentist for basic dental care and treatments which, if catered to carefully and regularly, will diminish the risk of having recourse to major dental procedures. On the other hand, it is also important to have coverage for major, expensive dental procedures, as they may still be necessary, though on a less frequent basis.
Minor treatments, along with basic dental care, are usually included in full coverage dental plans. They include tooth extraction, fillings, treatment of roots, gums, cavities, among others. They are not considered as overly costly procedures, unlike major dental procedures. However, they usually involve co-payments and deductibles on the part of the client.
Major dental procedures such as prosthodontics (dentures, implants, bridges) are really very expensive, and therefore dental plans which cover these are quite worthwhile. Insurance providers know that these types of procedures arise less frequently, and are the result of not getting appropriate basic dental care. These procedures may be more subject to exclusions such as waiting periods. It may happen that people sign up for dental insurance plans which offer full coverage as to major dental treatments; being fully aware that they will be going through them.
Orthodontics (straightening of teeth, treatment including braces, retainers) usually forms part of cosmetic dental procedures, which does not find a great place, when it finds one, in dental plans. Indeed, these are barely, if not at all covered with dental insurance plans. The argument for this fact is that dental insurance plans, like medical insurance plans, work towards the sole aim of keeping people healthy or restoring their health. Cosmetic surgery, on the other hand, aims at improving appearance of people, and is therefore not covered by most dental insurance plans.
Before signing up for a dental insurance plan, people should therefore examine very carefully what the full coverage refers to. They should know exactly what their needs are and choose their dental plan accordingly. They should avoid making assumptions as to what is covered, so that they will not end up paying for dental procedures that they believed to be included in the coverage of their dental insurance plan.
What Is Included With Dental Insurance Coverage?
Dental Discount Plans vs Dental Insurance | What's The Difference and Which is Better?
This particular topic has been very confusing for many consumers. Most people relate any type of medical coverage "solution" to insurance, however, in this particular case there are questions that need to be answered before you go and spend your hard earned money.
First, let's take a look at traditional dental insurance:
There are a few different things that need to be looked at, but we'll begin with Premiums. Premiums for most dental insurance plans will run in the range of $30.00-$50.00 per month for an individual and as high as $100.00 per month for families.
Pre-existing conditions are not covered by dental insurance. This means that if you need a root canal, for example, and you want to get it taken care of, but don't want to pay for it, getting dental insurance won't help you. You'd receive a discount on the procedure if you've had your policy in place for more than one year (in most cases).
There are also deductables, limitations on what procedures are covered and annual maximums of coverage.
This means that no matter how much it costs to have your particular dental problem taken care of, your policy will only cover a certain amount in a one year period.
With most dental insurance there are also waiting periods before you can be approved to have certain major procedures performed. Written claims paperwork must also be performed in order for your dentist to be paid. Also, if you have a procedure performed, that you assumed was covered, but you later discover that your insurance didn't cover it, you would be responsible for the payment to your dentist.
Certain cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening (cosmetic dentistry), are rarely covered.
Now let's take a look at dental discount plans:
Dental discount plans are plans that allow you to see a dentist for a procedure and receive a substantial discount for paying cash at the time of your visit.
Most of these plans are very inexpensive to join and will work well for individuals, families and groups.
Some of the benefits of dental discount plans vs insurance are:
Most plans are activated within 1-2 business days, so if you need to see a dentist, you can usually do so fairly quickly.
Pre-existing conditions are covered, in most cases. This means that if you need a root canal done then you can go to one of the dental providers in your network and you'll receive a substantial discount just for showing your member card and paying in full at that time. You get your root canal taken care of and save a few hundred dollars (in most cases) and your dentist gets paid in full with no long wait and tedious paperwork to fill out. It's a "win, win" for both the patient and the dentist.
The one drawback with dental discount plans is that you can only see a dentist that is a part of the plan's network of providers. In many cases you'll find that your dentist has already joined. If not, you can always show them what you're considering and ask him to look into joining too. It makes sense for him or her to do so.
There are no annual limits with discount plans. As long as you pay the discount to your dentist, you can go every single day if you want. I doubt that you'll need that, but I'm just making a point. No paperwork hassles either. Just show your card each time you visit and you're in.
Cosmetic procedures and othodontics are available with select plans. Check into this with your provider before joining.
Lastly, there are no health or age restrictions, so practically anyone can join.
If you haven't purchased any coverage yet for yourself or your family, then why not take a look at dental discount plans? They might be just what you're looking for.