Do you still need to purchase a dental insurance plan? Is it a worthy investment? Having trouble deciding which plan is best suited for you? Don't worry we have put up a list of a few guidelines to help you in choosing the best plan for you.
Yearly Maximum and Affordability
The yearly maximum is the amount that the dental insurance plan is offering to pay for you dental fees in on year. It automatically renews the next year but if you have unused credits, you can no longer be carried over.
In/Out of Network Dentists
Independent dental plans at most, only cover dental services of their participating dentists. Try to see if your dental insurance plan requires you to see an affiliate dentist or has an option of choosing your own, or if they do, ask for a list of contracted dentists in your area you might consider seeing.
UCR (Usual Customary and Reasonable)
Very common among dental insurance companies use what is called a Usual, Customary and Reasonable (UCR) fee guide. This means that the fees covered for every dental procedure is based primarily on the company's discretion, oftentimes based not on what the dentist charges, but on what the company wishes to cover.
Oftentimes the company and the contracted dentist have an agreement to write off the differences between the dentist's regular prices, the reason why you shouldn't be charged extra for the excess. In case you prefer your own dentist, you may have to pay the difference out of your own, but always check the insurance company's UCR fee guide.
Dental Insurance Coverage Types
Most insurance companies categorize dental procedures into three groups:
1. Preventative
Routine cleaning and examinations, but sometimes X-rays, sealants and fluoride belong to the preventive dental care but can also be considered as basic depending on the specific insurance carrier.
2. Basic or Restorative
Fillings, simple extractions and root canals are classified as basic or restorative by most companies, although some consider root canals as major.
3. Major
Crowns, bridges, dentures, partials, surgical extractions and dental implants are considered as a major procedure by most dental insurance companies.
Always check to see which dental procedures fall under which specific category as some insurance plans don't cover major procedures. One important tip to remember is that if you know that you will need a major dental work, check to see if it is covered by a given plan, if not, you should try to look elsewhere and find one that best fits your needs.
Dental Insurance Waiting Periods
A waiting period is the length of time an insurance company will make you wait after you are covered before they will pay for certain procedures.
Missing Tooth Clause and Replacement Period
Most dental insurance policies implement a "missing tooth clause" or a "replacement clause." A missing tooth clause means that if your tooth that was missing before the policy has taken effect, the company will not cover the replacement fees for that missing tooth. A replacement is similar with the except that the company won't pay the replacement procedures until the specified time limit has elapsed.
Cosmetic Dentistry and Dental Insurance
Cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, and lumineers are done mostly for the sake of vanity. While they look great, almost all insurance companies won't pay for them.
Comprehensive Coverage
Before you decide on purchasing a dental insurance, talk to your dentist first. He will help you decide if purchasing a dental insurance would be the best option for you. After all, a dental insurance is not at all similar to a medical insurance. It is only intended for covering the most basic dental care needs and does not provide a comprehensive coverage like that of a medical insurance.
Dental Insurance Summary
To help you with your finances on covering for your dental health, many dental offices are now offering zero-interest plans that compensate the small portion that dental insurances cover. - 16089
Yearly Maximum and Affordability
The yearly maximum is the amount that the dental insurance plan is offering to pay for you dental fees in on year. It automatically renews the next year but if you have unused credits, you can no longer be carried over.
In/Out of Network Dentists
Independent dental plans at most, only cover dental services of their participating dentists. Try to see if your dental insurance plan requires you to see an affiliate dentist or has an option of choosing your own, or if they do, ask for a list of contracted dentists in your area you might consider seeing.
UCR (Usual Customary and Reasonable)
Very common among dental insurance companies use what is called a Usual, Customary and Reasonable (UCR) fee guide. This means that the fees covered for every dental procedure is based primarily on the company's discretion, oftentimes based not on what the dentist charges, but on what the company wishes to cover.
Oftentimes the company and the contracted dentist have an agreement to write off the differences between the dentist's regular prices, the reason why you shouldn't be charged extra for the excess. In case you prefer your own dentist, you may have to pay the difference out of your own, but always check the insurance company's UCR fee guide.
Dental Insurance Coverage Types
Most insurance companies categorize dental procedures into three groups:
1. Preventative
Routine cleaning and examinations, but sometimes X-rays, sealants and fluoride belong to the preventive dental care but can also be considered as basic depending on the specific insurance carrier.
2. Basic or Restorative
Fillings, simple extractions and root canals are classified as basic or restorative by most companies, although some consider root canals as major.
3. Major
Crowns, bridges, dentures, partials, surgical extractions and dental implants are considered as a major procedure by most dental insurance companies.
Always check to see which dental procedures fall under which specific category as some insurance plans don't cover major procedures. One important tip to remember is that if you know that you will need a major dental work, check to see if it is covered by a given plan, if not, you should try to look elsewhere and find one that best fits your needs.
Dental Insurance Waiting Periods
A waiting period is the length of time an insurance company will make you wait after you are covered before they will pay for certain procedures.
Missing Tooth Clause and Replacement Period
Most dental insurance policies implement a "missing tooth clause" or a "replacement clause." A missing tooth clause means that if your tooth that was missing before the policy has taken effect, the company will not cover the replacement fees for that missing tooth. A replacement is similar with the except that the company won't pay the replacement procedures until the specified time limit has elapsed.
Cosmetic Dentistry and Dental Insurance
Cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, and lumineers are done mostly for the sake of vanity. While they look great, almost all insurance companies won't pay for them.
Comprehensive Coverage
Before you decide on purchasing a dental insurance, talk to your dentist first. He will help you decide if purchasing a dental insurance would be the best option for you. After all, a dental insurance is not at all similar to a medical insurance. It is only intended for covering the most basic dental care needs and does not provide a comprehensive coverage like that of a medical insurance.
Dental Insurance Summary
To help you with your finances on covering for your dental health, many dental offices are now offering zero-interest plans that compensate the small portion that dental insurances cover. - 16089
