Dental insurance is a supplemental plan that can help you cover a variety of dental services to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy. But not all plans are created equal, so it’s a good idea to explore all your options. Aflac dental insurance, for instance, comes with enhanced coverage that can help lower your out-of-pocket costs. Here’s a closer look at what dental insurance is, how it works, and the types of plans available.
A dental insurance policy is separate from your primary health insurance plan. As long as you (or your employer) pay your premiums, you’ll receive partial or full coverage for a number of dental services. It’s important to note that the term “full coverage dental insurance” refers to the plan’s ability to help cover a variety of different dental treatments and procedures. It is not meant to imply total coverage. Many dental insurance plans feature deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, which you’ll have to pay when you receive dental care. Depending on your insurer and coverage, you may have to stay within the company’s network or have the freedom to use out-of-network providers. 1
A PPO uses a network of dental providers that offer dental care for an agreed-upon price. You may also receive care from out-of-network providers at a higher cost. Due to their flexibility, PPOs usually come with higher premiums.
With a DHMO, the coverage cost may be lower via a network of dental providers. While some services are completely covered, others might require you to pay a copayment. To get reimbursed, you’ll likely have to stay within the DHMO’s network.
Technically, dental discount plans are not dental insurance policies. Instead, these plans offer discounts at participating providers. You can pay for a variety of treatments at discounted rates, which are outlined by each specific plan.
Preventive and diagnostic services dental insurance covers include routine cleanings, exams and more.
Fillings and non-surgical extractions are a few examples of basic services that an Aflac dental insurance plan covers. These are usually considered simple treatments.
Dental insurance may also offer coverage for major services. These are complex services that typically utilize a dental lab and may be more involved procedures.
A deductible is a minimum amount that will need to be paid before your dental plan provides coverage. If your deductible is $100, for example, you’ll be responsible for the first $100 of your dental care.
The set period of time before you can receive coverage for certain dental services is known as a waiting period. Your waiting period will depend on your plan and can range from a few months to longer than a year. 4
Coinsurance is the rate you pay for specific dental services after the insurer covers their portion. If your plan states you have 20% coinsurance for filings, for example, your insurance company will pay 80%, and you'll be responsible for the remaining 20%.
An annual maximum is the maximum amount of money your dental insurance plan will pay toward the cost of dental services in a benefit plan year, which is usually 12 months. It will reset at the start of each plan year.
Reimbursement is a self-funded plan that allows you to visit the dental providers of your choice. You may pay the providers directly and submit a receipt or proof of treatment so you can get reimbursed. 5
The cost of dental insurance varies greatly. It’s based on factors such as the insurance company, plan type, and rates for deductibles, coinsurance, and annual maximums. The average cost of premiums for an enhanced dental care plan is $52 per month, while a bare-bones preventive care plan is $26 per month, on average. 6
There are many benefits of getting a dental insurance policy. It can help you avoid high out-of-pocket dental care costs. It may also motivate you to prioritize your oral health and keep your teeth in good shape. Additionally, getting individual dental insurance might be necessary if your employer doesn’t offer it and you want to reduce your risk of serious health complications in the future.
Dental insurance can be worth it if you want to spend less to get the oral care you need. With a dental insurance plan, you can receive coverage for treatments from routine cleanings and fillings to crowns and oral surgery. Aflac offers dental insurance with affordable premiums that may fit your budget.
The right dental insurance plan for you depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. If you want access to a wider network of providers and the flexibility to get care from in-network or out-of-network dentists, for instance, you may choose a dental PPO plan. But if you don’t need as much flexibility and are comfortable staying in-network, a DHMO plan may be a less expensive option.
Dental insurance can help make dental care more affordable. Since there are so many plans out there, it's a good idea to compare them and weigh the pros and cons. Now that you know what dental insurance is and what it covers, you may be wondering where to get a policy. Aflac dental insurance has reasonable premiums and a deductible that decreases over time. Plus, there’s minimal to no waiting period for preventive dental care, and you may have the option to pair your plan with vision or hearing services. Chat with an agent today to learn more about dental insurance and get a quote.