Looking For Low Cost Dental Coverage

By Sally Delacruz


Many employers provide health insurance to workers, but generally do so only if the worker is a full-time employee. Part-time employees or those who work as a contractor or freelance may have to purchase their own low cost dental coverage instead. Just because a plan is low in cost doesn't mean that it should be shoddy coverage. Here is what you can expect from a plan, and what to look for.

When it comes to dental policies, there are two main types, family and individual. Anyone who is single and doesn't have children or dependents can opt for the less expensive individual plan. Those who are married or have children, regardless of marital status, will probably want to opt for a family plan to cover kids or spouses.

Not all family or individual plans are created equal. Some have very bare bones coverage that only pays for certain treatments or doctor visits. Others are much more comprehensive and will include just about any kind of dental work imaginable. The bare bones are much cheaper than the comprehensive ones, so keep that in mind when choosing a plan.

During your research into various plans, two important things to consider are deductibles and limits. Deductibles are are the amount you must pay for your dental work before the insurance policy takes over to pay the rest or most of the rest. If it is high, like say $1000 dollars, then you may not be able to afford to use the plan. Pay a higher premium each month, and you will probably get a much lower deductible, which will balance out the higher monthly fee. The lower your monthly premium, the more likely you are to have a high deductible.

Limits are yearly and lifetime maximums that the insurance company will pay. For example, the plan may only pay $50,000 a year, which means if you need procedures beyond that amount in a given year, you may have to either pay out of pocket or wait till the next year when a fresh plan kicks in. Always check the limits and make sure they are agreeable to you.

If you or a child have crooked teeth, you may need braces, but they may not be covered under your plan. Before you purchase a policy, make sure that orthodontics are covered, or you may end up having to pay for expensive braces yourself. Also be sure that surgeries are covered, because you really never know when you might need emergency oral surgery.

Another important point to consider is the coverage for preventative care. Your policy should let you have at least yearly checkups, and yearly teeth cleanings as well. These help you avoid bigger dental problems down the line, so most insurers include them in each policy to save money. This is a win-win situation for you and the insurer, so take advantage of these each year.

Whether you are single or have a family, getting coverage for your dental health is a big deal. Decide how much you can spend each month on a policy and then go shopping for the one that covers the most in your price range. You will be well on your way to affordable and comprehensive care.




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