What to Look for When Choosing a Dental Plan
If you’ve ever had to have unexpected major dental work done, you know how important it is to have quality dental care available. Having a great dental health plan can also help you as it will reduce the stresses incurred of having to face unforeseen dental issues and subsequent expenses. Of course, not all dental insurance plans are created equally; what’s covered depends entirely on the plan.
With so many options to choose from, deciding on the right dental plan for you and your family can be a complicated process. Let’s talk about what to look for when comparing multiple dental plan options:
Consider the needs of each person covered by the plan
The type of dental health plan that’s best for you really depends on what type of patient you and your family members are. For example, kids may need additional treatments like sealants, braces, and fluoride treatments, while adults may need treatments tooth sensitivity, gum disease, and missing teeth. If the dental plan you purchase will be used to cover any seniors with health conditions, like diabetes or heart issues, preventative care will be an important aspect of the dental health plan you choose.
If you are more routine cleanings only patients, then you may want to look for a more basic plan. On the other hand, if you have a history of periodontal disease, it may be worth considering a more comprehensive package.
Consider all the costs
When most people are searching for a dental health plan, they tend to only look at the monthly cost or premium. It’s important to also look at the deductibles, which is the amount of money that you will need to pay out-of-pocket for your dental services before your insurance takes over, and any waiting periods (the amount of time after you purchase your dental insurance that you have to wait before your coverage begins).
You’ll want to review the maximum annual limit as most insurance companies cap the amount they’ll pay per year for dental treatments. After you reach that annual cap, the responsibility of making any other payments falls on you. If somebody in your family has ongoing dental issues, this is an extremely important factor to take into account.
Know which treatments your plan covers
Most dental insurance covers the routine and basic dental treatments, but many plans do not cover extras like teeth whitening or dentures. Some plans may cover these types of treatments but only to a certain limit. It’s important to know exactly what is and isn’t covered before you decide on a certain plan.
Consider a dental savings plan
A savings plan is different from an insurance plan and allows you to enjoy discounts on certain services. This can be a great thing in the long run if you take the time to consider the type of dental care your family needs and may need in the future.
If you have questions about what dental plan is right for you – we would be more than happy to discuss your needs and weigh your options with you. Give us a call today and set-up a consultation.
