It can be quite overwhelming to choose the right dental insurance plan for your family. This particular policy is a bit different from other forms of insurance because it’s not something you need on a “just-in-case” basis, but a truly smart move you can leverage to maintain excellent oral hygiene.
And, more people should take advantage of it. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, dental issues among people in the U.S. are common amongst all age groups. One of the most significant problems people face is dental cavities (or dental decay), which is also extremely preventable. However, the data shows many Americans are struggling to keep their teeth healthy.
A good dental insurance plan for the entire family may be the first step in the right direction. It can allow you to fix any problems regarding oral health you may have, while also possibly preventing others. But the question that a lot of people have is this: how do you choose a good dental insurance plan that’s right for your family?
This article provides a quick guide on doing precisely that.
What Is Dental Insurance?
As we said, dental insurance differs quite a bit from other policies you may already have. Usually, you turn to your coverage when you have some substantial healthcare cost you couldn’t otherwise pay yourself. However, dental insurance generally focuses on those low-cost and preventive treatments.
Most policies can cover even up to 100% of the cost of preventive care, such as cleanings, x-rays, checkups, and up to 80% of basic treatment you might need, like fillings. If your problems are more severe than that, then some insurance plans can help with even 50% of the total procedure costs, like in the case of a crown or root canals.
According to the American Dental Association, the typical annual coverage for dental insurance per individual is $350 a year, and for families, it increases up to $550 annually. If you were to pay out of pocket for, let’s say, two check-ups and a set of X-rays, the total cost will be of about $250-$300, so a policy can help save money for preventive dental care.
However, you need to know that not every policy is the same, and won’t offer the same coverage. The Taylor Benefits Insurance Agency provides a quick guide into the main types of dental insurance plans for groups as follows:
- Preferred Provider (PPO) roughly works the same way it does for regular medical insurance. It allows you to choose from a group of dentists, part of a network of providers. With this plan, you must select a dentist from this list to benefit from all the perks of the insurance, though it is also possible to keep your dentist, it’s going to cost you more.
- Dental HMO is similar to a PPO because it also involves a list of dental providers, except you are required to see a dentist from this network to receive any coverage.
- Indemnity Plans, or fee for service plans, are great options particularly if you wish to stay with your current dentist, in case they are not part of any network. These plans can often use a reimbursement process, which means you first cover the entire cost of the procedure, and then the insurance provider will pay you back a percentage.
Choosing Your Family’s Dental Insurance Plan
Now that we covered the types of insurance available, it’s time to look at the factors that go into the decisions of choosing a particular plan.
So, if you’re on the lookout for dental group insurance, here’s what you should consider:
1. What’s Your Budget?
One of the first things you should consider when looking for a dental insurance plan is how much you can afford to pay for it on a monthly basis. Take a look at your finances and see which of the three insurance plans are best for you. For instance, Indemnity Plans might sound great on paper, but they’re also the most expensive option, so if you don’t have a lot of leeways financially, it might be better to consider a PPO or DHMO.
2. What Coverage Do You Need?
These three plans generally cover all types of standard procedures, like cleanings, fillings, root canals, and so on. However, if you or someone in your family has any other issue, then you should pay close attention to see if other procedures are included in the policies as well.
For instance, if your child needs braces, be sure to check and double check the plan before agreeing to the terms. This procedure can be quite costly, and while it’s unlikely to find an insurance provider that will cover the total cost, you can still have it partially covered.
3. What’s the Maximum Annual Limit?
Another thing to always consider here is to check the maximum annual limit for your insurance plan. It refers to the maximum amount that your policy will pay for your dental procedures per year. You should be aware that once you exceed this maximum amount, you will have to pay for any additional costs yourself. You can increase the maximum annual amount if you go for a higher monthly premium than the standard one.
According to the Taylor Benefits Insurance Agency, this an essential element to consider especially if you anticipate needing some major oral interventions at some point.
4. What Is Deductible?
Another thing to consider is the cost of the deductible, which is different from plan to plan, depending on your policy. You have to meet these deductibles before the insurance even starts covering any procedure. Low deductibles are always best, though they generally come with a high monthly premium. So, again, think of how much you can afford to stretch financially.
5. Will It Cover the Entire Family?
Insurance policies come in all shapes and sizes, so be sure your chosen plan also covers family members as well. They have different deductibles and annual limits, and it’s important to see if you can meet them. Also, if you have children, check if the policies cover common kids’ procedures, like braces or sealants.
Back to You
Every family has its own set of particular needs when it comes to dental care, and the key here is to take all of them into account when you’re looking for a dental insurance plan. Take all the information from this list and factor it in to single out the plans that best fit your family.
You should also research dentists in the DHMO or PPO network as well if you are going for either one of these options. Just don’t put off this decision for too long. Dental insurance today isn’t a luxury, it’s a downright necessity, and you should make sure your family is properly covered.