Looking For Low Cost Dental Coverage

By Sally Delacruz


Full-time employees of companies are given the chance to get health coverage, including dental, usually at a reasonable cost. Freelancers, part-time employees and contractors generally don't have this privilege. That doesn't meant that they can't get low cost dental coverage for themselves. It just means they will have to know a few things to find the best and most affordable plan for them.

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.

When looking for affordable coverage, remember to look at the deductibles and limits. Deductibles are the amount you pay up front before the insurance kicks in and pays the rest. The cheaper your monthly premium, the more likely you are to have a higher deductible. For example, your plan may only cost you $20 per month, which is very affordable. However, you could have a $1000 deductible, which means the first thousand dollars in fees are paid by you, making this plan not quite as affordable. Consider paying a higher monthly premium to get a smaller 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.

Oral surgery and orthodontics are an important part of your dental health, but they aren't covered in every policy. Check the fine print and make sure that both are covered, or else you could find yourself paying out of pocket should you need oral surgery or if you or a child need braces.

Each plan should also include some preventative care procedures that are either mostly paid by insurance or completely paid. This includes x-rays to see if there are any problems underneath the surface and yearly or twice yearly cleanings to help prevent plaque and other potential issues.

No matter what your age or family situation, finding an affordable dental plan is easy. Set a budget, do some shopping, and always read the fine print to see what is covered so there are no surprises later. This will save you time and money later on down the line, and ensure good dental health.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment