The general consensus is that healthy teeth add years to your life. Unfortunately, brushing and flossing are not always quite enough. Sometimes you need to go visit a dentist for a professional cleaning. Also, many people find themselves in need of even more intricate dental work, such as braces, implants, or dentures. When paying out of pocket, these services can really start to add up. One of the best ways to avoid putting your family in debt while trying to keep their mouths healthy is to find a good dental insurance policy. Read on for some tips on finding the best plan to fit your needs.
Types of Dental Plans
The first thing you need to do is decide what kind of dental plan you want. There are three major types.
Employer-Sponsored Dental Insurance
If your employee health care package includes a dental plan, you are in luck. A quick call to HR will tell you everything you need to know. It is very important to get as much information as you can about what is and is not covered so that you don't have any surprises when the need to visit a dentist arises.
Individual Dental Insurance
Thankfully, your access to dental insurance is not limited by the profession that you choose. Many health care insurance providers offer dental plans as add-ons for their main policies or standalone plans if that is all you need. This is a great option for just about anyone because basic plans are surprisingly affordable. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you maintain a regular cleaning schedule with your dentist, you might avoid the expense of higher-priced procedures like fillings and root canals.
Yahoo Sponsored Ads
Discount Plans
Discount Plans for dental care are not exactly insurance policies. Instead, you pay a yearly fee for guaranteed, fixed discounted rates for various procedures. You have to visit a dentist that is part of the network for the company you maintain a discount plan with, but with savings of up to 20%, this is a small price to pay!
Plan Ahead
When you start shopping for dental coverage, you'll want to think about the procedures you expect to need over the policy's life. A person with near-perfect pearly whites will likely need little more than routine cleaning. However, if you need cavities filled, orthodontics to straighten your smile, or even implants or dentures, you need to make sure that you are shopping plans that cover these things. Not all plans are created equal, but with a little research, you can find one that fits your needs.
Read the Fine Print
Some plans look attractive in price and coverage but carry "hidden" restrictions or shortcomings. You might find a plan that has a waiting period or large co-pay. For some, these might not be an issue, but you want to make sure you fully understand your policy and all of its features before making your final decision and purchasing a policy.
Shopping for dental insurance doesn't have to be as complicated as it might seem. Think about your needs, evaluate your resources, and compare as many plans as you can find. Somewhere in the mass of options, you'll find the perfect plan, just waiting for you.
