Dental insurance is pretty similar to other types of insurance in that you pay a monthly fee in exchange for a certain amount of coverage for dental care throughout the calendar year. But whether you possess dental insurance or are on the fence about committing to a plan, it’s crucial to understand how these plans operate and what they’re able to do when it comes to assisting with the cost of care. Here are four important facts to keep in mind concerning dental insurance so that you know what to expect whenever you’re paying for dental care!
1. Every Provider Is Different
Every insurance provider has their own prices and plans that vary, meaning that if you’re in the market for coverage, you should weigh your options against your specific needs. To make sure you’re getting the best deal on coverage and gaining access to everything you’ll need, be proactive when shopping around, and don’t hesitate to read the fine print. You don’t want to commit to coverage that doesn’t help you pay for treatments you need, and you don’t need access to benefits that you’ll never use yourself.
2. Dental Insurance Emphasizes the Prevention of Issues
It goes without saying that it’s always going to be cheaper to simply prevent major oral health issues from occurring in the first place, rather than trying to treat them after they’ve worsened. This is why dental insurance often fully covers the cost of preventive care; insurance providers understand that affordable preventive care will ultimately lessen the chances of expensive treatments being needed in the future. On the other hand, most plans have higher co-pays for procedures categorized outside of preventive care. With this in mind, it’s always wise to consider what type of services you’ll need when purchasing dental coverage, especially if your focus is more than just preventive care.
3. Most Plans Have Waiting Periods
When you first purchase dental insurance, you might be anxious to immediately get the ball rolling and begin addressing your oral health needs; however, the majority of dental insurance plans will require you to wait for a specified waiting period before your coverage activates. When it comes to preventive care, like checkups and cleanings, these periods are generally shorter or nonexistent; but for major procedures and restorative treatments, you might have to wait several weeks or months before you can use your benefits.
4. Coverage Doesn’t Roll Over
Insurance plans are typically based around the calendar year, with coverage activating in January and continuing through December. This means that your coverage doesn’t roll over to the following year; for example, if your plan allows for two checkups and two cleanings, which is standard, you’ll be expected to attend those visits before the end of the year if you want to take advantage of your benefits. It’s always going to be in your best interest to use these allowances before they expire; otherwise, you’re essentially wasting free dental care!
About the Author
The team at Brecksville Dental Excellence is thrilled to serve patients and families in the Brecksville area under the leadership of Dr. Mo Saleh. Dr. Saleh received his dental degree from the prestigious Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and is a proud member of numerous professional organizations including the American Dental Association as well as the Ohio Dental Association. If you have any questions about the article or would like to schedule a visit, you can contact Dr. Saleh online or over the phone for further assistance: (440) 664-2441.