Should you purchase dental insurance? Is Dental Insurance Worth It? This is a difficult question to answer. on one hand, dental insurance can be very helpful in offsetting the cost of dental care. On the other hand, it can be expensive and may not cover all the dental care you need. There are a few things you should consider when trying to decide if dental insurance is right for you.
First, how often do you go to the dentist? If you only go once a year or less, you may not need insurance because the cost of your dental care will be relatively low. However, if you go to the dentist more often, insurance can help offset the cost of your care. Second, what kind of dental care do you need? If you only need basic care, such as cleanings and x-rays, dental insurance may be a good option for you. However, if you need more extensive work done, such as crowns or braces, dental insurance may not cover all the costs associated with your care. In this case, it may be better to pay for your own dental care or purchase a supplemental policy that covers services not included in your regular policy. Third, how much can you afford to pay for dental care?
Dental insurance policies have premium costs that range from about $10 to $100 per month. In addition, most policies have an annual deductible that must be met before the policy pays for any services. For example, if your deductible is $100 and you have a $1,000 procedure done, you will have to pay $100 out of pocket and the rest will be covered by your policy.
Finally, consider your other health insurance options. Some health insurance plans cover dental care and some do not. If you have health insurance that does not cover dental care, it may make sense to purchase a stand-alone dental policy. However, if you have health insurance that covers some or all of your dental care needs, it may not make sense to duplicate coverage by also purchasing a dental policy.
There is no easy answer to the question “Is dental insurance worth it?” It depends on many factors including how often you go to the dentist and what types of procedures you need. To make the best decision for yourself, consider all these factors before purchasing a policy.
The Pros of Dental Insurance
Dental insurance can save you money on dental care. If you have dental insurance, you may be able to get discounts on dental care or have a portion of the cost of your care covered by your insurance. Dental insurance can also help you get preventive care to avoid more costly dental problems in the future.
You can save money on dental care
While the monthly premiums for dental insurance may seem like an extra expense, it could save you money in the long run. Dental insurance can help cover the cost of preventive care, such as teeth cleanings and x-rays, as well as necessary dental procedures, such as fillings, crowns, and bridges. Depending on your plan, dental insurance may also cover orthodontic care.
You can get preventive care
Dental insurance companies are required to cover preventive care at 100%. That means you can get two cleanings and exams per year with no out-of-pocket cost. Most policies also cover X-rays, which can help your dentist spot problems early.
You can get dental insurance through your employer
While many employers offer health insurance as a benefit, not all of them offer dental insurance. However, if your employer does offer dental insurance as a benefit, it can be a great way to get quality coverage at an affordable price. One of the biggest advantages of getting dental insurance through your employer is that the premium is often subsidized by the company, which can make it more affordable for you. Additionally, employers often offer dental plans with a wider range of coverage options than individual plans, so you can find a plan that meets your needs and budget.
The Cons of Dental Insurance
Many people think that dental insurance is a waste of money because they never use it. Others think that it is worth the price because it helps to offset the cost of dental care. There are a few pros and cons of dental insurance that you should consider before making a decision.
You might not be able to use your dental insurance
Even if you have dental insurance, there’s no guarantee that it will cover the dental care you need or want. Most dental insurance plans have annual limits on how much they will pay out, and they usually don’t cover cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening. Also, most dental insurance plans require you to pay a deductible – an amount of money you must pay before the insurance company will start paying – and co-insurance, which is the percentage of the bill you must pay even after the deductible has been met.
You might have to pay a deductible
Dental insurance plans typically come with a deductible, which is the amount you have to pay before your coverage kicks in. For example, if your deductible is $50, you’ll have to pay the first $50 of any dental expenses yourself. Once you’ve met your deductible, your insurer will start picking up a portion of the bill. Deductibles can range from $0 to $100 or more, depending on the policy. Some policies don’t have a deductible at all. Plans with higher deductibles tend to have lower monthly premiums.
You might have to wait for your dental insurance to kick in
One of the biggest cons of having dental insurance is that there is often a waiting period before you can get any major work done. For example, you may need to wait six months to get a crown or a year to get a bridge. And, if you have a pre-existing condition, you may not be covered at all. Another downside to dental insurance is that it usually only covers preventive care and basic procedures like cleanings and x-rays. If you need more extensive work done, you will likely have to pay for it out of pocket. Additionally, many dental insurance plans have annual or lifetime maximums, which means they will only pay for a certain amount of dental work per year or per lifetime. Once you reach that maximum, you will be responsible for paying 100% of the cost of any additional dental care.
The Bottom Line
For most people, dental insurance is worth it. The peace of mind of having coverage can be worth the cost. And, if you need major dental work, the savings from insurance can be significant. Dental insurance plans vary widely in terms of cost and coverage. Some plans may have an annual deductible of $50 or $100 before they start paying for services. Others have no deductible. Most plans have a maximum benefit per year, typically $1,000 to $2,000. Check with your employer to see if dental insurance is offered as a benefit. If it is not, you can purchase a plan through the Healthcare Marketplace or directly from a dental insurance company.
