It’s difficult to know if your dental insurance is covering everything you need. Most people don’t end up knowing their insurance doesn’t cover something until they receive a bill in the mail. It’s wise to review your dental insurance policy today to find out if you have what you need. If you don’t have these three things, you may want to start thinking about switching.
#1: Yearly Allowance Over $1,000
Some dental insurance policies have a cap on the cost of services. If you go over this cap, you end up paying out-of-pocket. This could be frightening if you end up needing intensive dental care.
It’s best to have a policy that states you have more than $1,000 a year in coverage. This is typically enough to cover two cleanings, regular x-rays and maybe a cavity or two.
#2: Total Coverage for Preventative Care
Preventative care includes cleanings, x-rays, etc. You need these twice a year to maintain good oral health. Your policy should include this care and cover it completely (100%). You never want to be in a predicament where you have to choose between your oral health and a house payment or food.
#3: Coverage for Composite Fillings
Most dental insurance policies include coverage for silver (amalgam) fillings, but most people do not want them. They want the composite fillings because they are tooth colored, so they can’t be easily seen. It can be frustrating to have to pay for fillings because your insurance won’t cover the composite ones, so be sure your policy does. This way you can have your choice and not have to pay anything out-of-pocket.
Other Considerations When Looking at Your Policy
While the above are the most important for your policy, you should keep some other factors in mind.
- Extractions can be costly, so find out if you can add that to your policy. Also there is different coverage for basic extractions and surgical extractions.
- You never know when you’ll have a dental emergency. An accident affecting your teeth could end up costing you a bundle if you have to seek emergency care. Some insurance policies cover it, so check into it for yourself.
- Crowns are also expensive, and while most insurance policies do not cover all of the cost, it’s normal to get at least 50% covered. Look into it, especially if your doctor has mentioned them to you before.
- Look over your policy to see if you are covered for two cleanings a year or one every six months. The problem with one every six months is that if you don’t space out the cleanings correctly, you could end up having to pay for one if it’s before six months. We try to be careful about this, but to make sure that doesn’t ever happen to you. Know what you’re covered for before making your appointment!
For more information about dental coverage, check out this infographic on dental insurance vs. dental benefit programs made by our friends at Rock Canyon Dentistry.