What You Should Know About Buying Dental Insurance

Americans appreciate dental insurance benefits. They know that dental benefits provide peace of mind and security, knowing their oral health is protected. That means they don’t have to worry about covering dental emergencies or other procedures. There are many different dental plans. Here’s what you should know about buying dental insurance.

Employer benefits

Many companies provide employer-sponsored dental benefits in their employee benefits package. Employers pay a portion of the premium cost, and workers pay a low monthly fee.

Dental insurance provides good value in terms of cost savings. It will cover the expense of an annual checkup and professional teeth cleaning. It also helps pay for fillings, crowns and root canals. Using the plan’s in-network dentists can help your benefits go further.

Employees typically enroll in dental plans during their employers’ annual enrollment time. Some companies also host an open enrollment period when employees can make changes to their benefits. For example, employees may have experienced a marriage, new child or divorce since they first enrolled.

Before reviewing dental benefits options, know your and your family’s oral health care needs. If your teeth and gums are in good health, and you have yearly dental exams and professional cleanings, a basic plan may provide all the coverage you need. However, if you may need root canals, crowns and gum procedures, consider a plan that includes coverage to help pay for these expenses.

It’s important to know that every dental insurance plan covers procedures in different ways. Review these tips to help you find the right plan. If you have questions about the dental coverage you need, talk with your employer or the dental insurance sales representative.

Most people think they are relatively healthy. But their mouth may tell a different story. Find out how dental health affects body health.

Individual coverage

Some employees may not qualify for employer dental benefits, such as part-timers, independent contractors or semi-retired workers. However, employers can help them access an individual dental plan provided by a reputable insurance carrier that provides quality plans with flexible coverage. Make sure the carrier has a solid reputation for providing superior customer service.

Employees can purchase an individual dental plan directly from an insurance carrier online. With most individual dental insurance, you can get coverage the same day you sign up. You can immediately use your plan for preventive care and covered basic procedures. Preventive coverage includes professional cleanings and checkups once or twice a year. There may be a waiting period for major procedures, such as crowns, bridges or root canals. Most plans also include access to dental network providers for added savings.

The cost of individual dental insurance is a relatively low monthly fee. Once enrolled, you’ll have the security of knowing that your plan will help pay for fillings, crowns and root canals. And by getting regular preventive dental cleanings and checkups, you may be able to avoid these costly procedures or at least catch them early. Some plans even provide child orthodontia benefits for braces.

Learn more about dental care expenses and how much dental procedures can cost without insurance with the Ameritas out-of-network Dental Cost Estimator.