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Office Visit Co-payments, Dental Co-insurance and Plan Deductibles

What is an office visit co-payment and co-insurance?

An office visit co-payment is a fixed dollar amount or a percentage that you pay for each Family Dental Insurancedentist visit or for each dental service provided. For example, with some plans you may pay a fixed amount such as $5 or $10 per visit. Other plans will charge you a percentage of the total fee - or dental co-insurance -- for the visit. So if your co-payment is 10% and the dentist visit was $200, you would pay 10% which, in this case, would be $20.

What is a dental insurance deductible?

A deductible is the amount of annual dental expenses that a dental plan member must pay before the dental insurance plan will begin to cover expenses. For example, if your plan has a $50 deductible, you will pay the first $50 of your dental expenses before your dental plan begins paying the expenses. Only expenses for covered services apply towards the deductible. For example, if you paid $1,000 for orthodontic work that was not an expense covered by the plan, then the $1,000 will not apply toward your annual deductible.

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Use 'Em or Lose 'Em: Take Advantage of Dental Coverage

1. 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?
2. 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!
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.