Having a beautiful smile is only one small part of dental health. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy can also support the rest of your body including your heart and bones. Without dental insurance, you could be paying hundreds of dollars a year for dental care. But with an affordable dental insurance policy, you can save money and get access to high-quality dental care. Not sure how to purchase dental insurance? Read this step-by-step guide about buying dental insurance.
Table of Contents
1. How Much Dental Care Will You Need?
The first step to choosing dental insurance is to decide which services you and your family need. Most dental insurance policies cover 100% of preventive services including two cleanings a year and routine x-rays. If this is the only oral healthcare you think you’ll need you may be able to find a less expensive plan.
But what if you think you may need a cavity filled or a tooth pulled? These are considered minor procedures and some dental insurance plans will cover between 50% and 70% of the total cost. Major procedures like root canals and crowns are usually covered about 50% as well.
2. Choose Between an HMO and PPO Plan
Now that you’ve considered the dental work you might need, let’s review the types of plans you can choose from. Just like health insurance, dental insurance offers HMO and PPO plans (sometimes referred to as DHMO or DPPO).
If you have a PPO plan you can see any dentist. With an HMO plan, you’ll have to choose a dentist within a network of providers determined by the insurance company. HMO plans are usually less expensive – lower premiums and lower or no deductible.
If you decide to choose an HMO plan, pick dental insurance that has a large network of providers. The more providers in the network, the more you have to choose from.
3. Compare Plans
You can compare plans for price and level of coverage. If you’re feeling overwhelmed about choosing a dental health insurance plan, go here now – there are experts waiting to help you.
If you want to compare plans on your own, look at the monthly premium cost and the deductible (if there is one). Then, check which services they cover and what percentage they cover.
If you are purchasing dental insurance for other members of your family, check family plan rates. If your child needs dental insurance, check whether your existing healthcare plan covers pediatric dental care. Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant family healthcare covers pediatric dentistry.
Buying Dental Insurance Now
Now that you’re familiar with the basics of buying dental insurance you can go online and purchase a plan today. The plan will most likely start on the first day of the next month.
If you have more questions you can contact a health insurance agent. They can help you compare plans and find the one that fits your needs and your budget.
Want the latest news about health, sports, and finance? Browse our site for more content!
