Dental insurance is specifically designed to assist you in meeting the high cost of your dental treatment and to keep you in good dental health. So, why focus on preventative dental care to detect signs and symptoms of possible dental disease early? The reason is simple, if dental problems are left untreated they can result in very expensive dental treatment that may not be covered by dental insurance. Here are a few common signs and symptoms for you to look out for when you do notice a dental issue that may require dental treatment. This will help you identify possible problems and hopefully prevent costly dental problems later on.
What types of dental services like fillings, crowns, root canals, or braces are offered by your dental insurance plan? If you are on a dental insurance plan then you are probably covered for most cosmetic dental treatments that your dentist will offer. However you need to check the plan policy as some will only cover certain cosmetic procedures. For example some policies will only cover certain types of fillings, bridges, crowns, or root canals. If you are unsure what these services are, ask the plan holder what the coverage policy says about them before you undergo any type of cosmetic dental treatment.
Are there any pre-existing conditions that prevent you from obtaining coverage? You need to first understand that dental insurance plans will not pay for cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening. Also, most dental insurance plans do not cover treatments such as braces, fillings, or root canals for individuals who have diabetes or have had their teeth removed. If you have one of these pre-existing conditions, you may have to pay more money out of pocket before being able to receive any sort of coverage.
What kinds of deductibles can I afford to pay for my dental care? You need to also understand how much a deductible is. Deductibles are the amount you must pay first before the insurance starts paying anything. Most dental insurance plans have a standard deductible amount that you can choose to use when purchasing coverage. Some companies have higher deductibles than others, so make sure you shop around before choosing one.
Do I have enough coverage for all of my appointments? Dental care can be costly, especially if you have a large number of appointments each year. Many dental insurance plans have a cap on the number of visits you can have each year. If you need more than the yearly limit for most procedures, it would be wise to increase your deductible to afford the rest of your appointments.
How long are my waiting periods? One of the biggest factors determining the price of dental coverage is the waiting period, you will be required to wait before receiving any of your treatments. Most dental plans require you to wait between three to seven days before receiving any treatment. Some plans require less time, while others require no waiting period at all. Be sure to ask your plan holder what their policies say about waiting periods before you purchase your coverage.