Purchasing Dental Insurance

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Without a doubt, sooner or later we all need some sort of dental work. Unfortunately, dental costs are on the rise and more and more individuals are looking into obtaining dental insurance. Buying dental insurance is not as simple as purchasing the cheapest plan you can find. To ensure you have adequate coverage when you need it, there are important factors to consider. Read on to learn more.

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Tips on buying dental insurance
  • Start by considering the type of insurance you need. Do you need individual dental insurance or coverage for your family? If you are single and are not in need of pediatric dental services, look for a plan without such coverage. Doing so will save you money. However, if you do have children, be sure to look for dental insurance that provides coverage for orthodontia. Without it, you could end up spending big dollars on braces down the line.
  • Typically, dental procedures fall under the categories of preventative, restorative, or major. It is imperative to make certain that all three categories are covered in the dental insurance policy you select. Keep in mind, however, that some dental insurance companies will not cover major dental work. Such things as root canals, crowns, dentures, partials, and bridges are considered major dentistry by some insurance providers and may be excluded from coverage. If you believe you may need major dental work at some point, take the time to find an insurance policy that meets these needs. Even if you don't predict a need for major dental coverage, you would be wise to secure it. After all, you never know what you’ll need in the future and dental fees are very expensive.
  • Learn which dentists you’ll be able to visit under each dental policy. Many dental insurance companies only cover services provided by network or participating dentists. Learn, before you purchase a policy, if you can choose any dentist or if you'll be required to patronize a network dentist. If you will need to use a network-approved dentist, ask for a dental-care provider list. Use this list to look for approved dentists in your area, to determine if there are any you would consider visiting.
  • If you have a dental-care provider with whom you are already comfortable, ask him which dental insurance plans he accepts. Then contact each insurance company mentioned to find a policy that both suits your needs and allows you to continue using your dentist. Some dental insurance policies will cover care, even if your dentist isn’t a network participant. However, in such cases, coverage amounts are often significantly reduced.
  • Learn, in advance, how your dentist accepts payment. Find out if you’ll be required to pay your dentist out-of-pocket and wait for reimbursement or if you'll you need to make a co-payment only. This information is essential to avoid frustration and embarrassment at the time of your dental visit.
  • Find out how the dental insurance company you’re considering handles fees. Typically, each dental insurance company has a Usual, Customary, and Reasonable (UCR) fee guide. Sometimes there is a discrepancy between the UCR fee allowed by the insurance company and the fee charged by the dentist. If you are required to use a participating dentist and there is such a discrepancy, you should not be responsible for paying the difference. However, if you are allowed to choose an out-of-network dentist, you may be responsible for paying the difference between what the insurance company considers UCR and what your dentist charges for the service.
  • Read everything related to any dental insurance plan you are considering. Examine the fine print. You won’t appreciate surprises later, when you are in need of dental care.

 


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