Use 'Em or Lose 'Em: Take Advantage of Dental Coverage
- Yearly Maximums. Dental insurance plans put a maximum on the amount of money they're willing to pay for your dental coverage. Maximums vary from one company or policy to the next, but typically fall around $1000. Sounds like a lot of money, doesn't it? Insurance companies consider this amount to be a good investment. Allowing you to get regular dental care, your carrier can prevent the need for more serious (and more expensive) dental procedures down the road! Why not do you both a favor and use it, ensuring your mouth is in tip-top shape when next year rolls around?
- Premiums. Most people pay a monthly premium for their dental insurance plans. Even if you don't need extensive treatment, you should use that money for regular check ups and cleanings to prevent them in the future. Don't throw your money away!
- Deductibles. Insurance companies typically expect you to pay a certain amount of money for your dental care each year - usually about $500. If your smile isn't in good shape, your dentist can create a treatment plan to put you back on track. Deductibles begin anew each year, so spreading out this care over more than 1 year will mean you have to pay more out-of-pocket.
- Inflation. It seems everything becomes more expensive from one year to the next, and dental materials and equipment are no exception. Putting off necessary dental care could mean that you'll have to pay more down the road in dental financing costs.
- Dental Problems Escalate. If your pearly whites are anything but, they're only going to get worse. That is, of course, unless you take advantage of your dental coverage and tend to your teeth and gums. A little cavity that isn't bothering you one year may become a major headache (or toothache!) the next.
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.
Dental Insurance: Differences Between In-Network and Out-Of-Network Plans
An in-network insurance plan dentist is within the approved network of dentists for a particular dental plan. Out-of-network dentists are not on the list.
If you visit a dentist within the network, the amount you will be responsible for paying may be less than if you go to an out-of-network dentist.
In many cases, the insurance company will not pay anything for services your receive from outside their network; however, there are exception to this.
As a general rule, Dental PPOs, POSs, and DHMOs have provider networks. Indemnity plans typically do not have networks; you go to whatever dentist you want.
Can I buy dental insurance plan for less if I buy directly from the insurance company?
No. Insurance companies charge the same premium whether the dental insurance plan is purchased directly from the company, through a broker, or online.
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.