Now, it may depend on your dental insurer, your specific plan, and your exact situation, but the truth is dental insurance is one of the most likely types of insurance out there to prove truly useful and to actually save you money every single year.
With most dental plans, you get two annual dental exams and tooth cleanings, free X-rays, and free check ups if you suspect you have a dental problem.
These sorts of basic oral health maintenance benefits would easily cost hundreds of dollars per year per person, and the typical individual policy annual premium-total (national average) is around $350. It’s even less, as low as $225, for some employee based and other group discount dental plans.
Given that the average American pays around $500 per year for all his/her dental expenses, it’s not hard to do the math and see that you’re likely to save a little at least even without any fillings, root canals, crowns, braces, or dental implants.
You Can Save Big When a Major Dental Operation Does Become Necessary
But not only can you expect to at least about break even or a little better with just preventative dental services, you can save big should medium to large sized dental expenses ever arise. And typically, they eventually will, so it’s just a matter of time before you save on them.
Most dental plans cover 100% on preventative and diagnostic care, 80% on fillings, root canals, and certain “basic” dental dental operations, and 50% on pricier things like dental crowns, bridges, and braces for those under 18. You can also add riders for things that may not otherwise be covered, like braces for adults, for example.
Considering that root canals can cost around $750 to $1,100 per tooth, depending on whether it’s a front tooth, molar, or bicuspid; that braces can cost between $3,000 and $10,000 from start to finish; and that you can literally save hundreds to thousands of dollars in a single year in which you undergo any major (and necessary) dental procedures, we can definitely conclude that most people eventually save big if they keep their dental plan for 5, 10, or more years running.
Understanding the Limitations of Dental Insurance
There are also some exclusions and limitations to consider when shopping for dental insurance.
First, even fillings aren’t typically covered for the first 6 months, and the most costly procedures usually require an 18-month old policy before they’re covered. This prevents people from just signing up to save big on a major operation and then quickly dumping the policy right afterwards.
Second, there will be deductibles and copays that limit how much the insurer pays for covered services. And, there will be annual coverage “caps,” may at or around $1,500 per person, for example.
Also, preexisting conditions are not covered, as they now must be with regular health insurance. And purely cosmetic procedures (“not medically necessary”) won’t be covered.
However, you can increase your premium to add riders, reduce/eliminate copays/deductibles, and tailor-make your policy to your exact needs.
To learn more, or for a free dental insurance quote, contact Flagler County Insurance Agency today!