Are you in the process of shopping for dental insurance? Every plan has its own unique set of details, so you should carefully compare your options before you make any decisions. What are some important points that you should keep in mind while you are considering various policies? Read this blog post to discover information that may help you make a wise decision.
There Are Different Types of Plans
There are multiple types of dental insurance. Usually, people end up with either an HMO or PPO policy. In an HMO policy, you pay a set amount out of pocket for approved services, and you must visit a specific dentist or get approved referrals in order to use your benefits.
With a PPO policy, you have the freedom to visit virtually any dental practice, and you can expect to pay a percentage of the total cost of your care. Often, patients pay less out of pocket when they visit an in-network dental practice.
There Might Be a Waiting Period
Many dental insurance plans cover fillings, crowns, and other restorative services. However, they might not be covered until after a waiting period of 6 – 12 months. That is important to keep in mind if you know your smile needs a bit of repair work. Buying dental insurance is still a worthwhile investment, but you may need to continue paying for restorative services out of pocket for a while.
Often, the waiting period is waived if you are switching from one insurance plan to another (as opposed to transitioning from being uninsured).
Pay Attention to the Annual Maximum
Most PPO insurance plans come with an annual maximum, which places a limit on how much the insurance company will pay out for approved services within a calendar year. Often, the maximum is around $1,000. However, some premium plans come with a maximum of $2,000 or more. This is important to keep in mind if you anticipate that you will require extensive dental treatment.
Coverage Varies from Plan to Plan
It is common for PPO dental insurance to cover 100% of the cost of preventive care, as well as 50 – 80% of the cost of restorative services. Often, orthodontia and dental implants are not covered. However, there are some exceptions. It is important to find out exactly what each plan covers and the coverage level you can expect. Doing so can help you to prepare for the expenses associated with any treatment you expect to undergo.
Shopping for dental insurance can be tricky! Be thorough when you are comparing your options so you can make a decision that will work well for you.
Meet the Practice
Advanced Dental Care features a highly skilled team of oral health experts who offer comprehensive services in a welcoming environment. We welcome insurance, and we are in-network with all of the most popular plans, including those from BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, Delta Dental, and more. To learn more about us and how we may be able to help you maximize your insurance benefits, contact us at 714-424-9099.