What is Dental Insurance?
You know taking care of your teeth and gums is important to your overall health. But if dental care is not part of your Medicare or basic health insurance policy, do you know your options? A separate dental insurance policy can help give you some peace of mind knowing it helps make getting proper dental care easier and more affordable.
Dental insurance is an extra benefit that can be purchased separately from most health or Medicare policies. And just like traditional health insurance, benefits can range in terms of cost, covered visits and number of dentists considered in the network. It takes much of the guess work out of budgeting for dental expenses.
Understanding dental insurance policies
Dental insurance can be simple if you understand how deductibles and co-pays work. A deductible is the amount of money you pay on an insurance claim before the insurance pays its part. Co-pays are a set amount that you pay at the time of your visit and may be different based on whether it’s a scheduled exam or emergency visit. Deductible and co-pay amounts vary by policy in addition to the cost of the premium that you pay each month.
Many times, you still will be able to see your current dentist when you get insurance. The easiest way to be sure of this is to contact the dental office and ask if they accept your policy. If you don’t have a regular dentist or are moving, you can find a dentist in your area.
Having dental insurance can help give you confidence knowing what your costs will be for routine cleanings, fillings, dentures and root canals. Services are usually grouped into three categories. Preventive care visits – like regular cleanings and X-rays – are typically covered 100 percent. This means there is no cost to you other than your monthly premium. The other categories are basic dental procedures and major dental procedures which have deductibles and co-pays based on a particular service.
Dental insurance does not typically cover cosmetic procedures. Cosmetic procedures are classified as teeth whitening, shaping, veneers, etc.
How to get dental insurance
Dental insurance policies are separate from Medicare coverage and most health care policies. If you don’t have insurance through a Medicare supplement or employer health policy, you can choose your own individual policy. To get the best dental coverage for you or your family, be sure to ask these important questions:
- “Is my current dentist in-network for this policy?”
- “How high is my deductible? Is that a number I am comfortable with potentially paying?”
- “Does the policy cover dental emergencies?”
- “Will this insurance company give me trustworthy service?”
By asking these questions, you’ll be able to help ensure that your dental insurance fits all of your needs and protects you from unexpected costs.
Dental insurance policies and vision benefits rider are underwritten by Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company, 3300 Mutual of Omaha Plaza, Omaha, NE 68175. Dental policy forms DNT2 and DNT5. This policy provides DENTAL insurance only. The expected benefit ratio for the policies is 65%. This ratio is the portion of future premiums that the company expects to return as benefits when averaged over all people with this policy. Vision benefits rider form 0PD1M. Coverage may not be available in all states and may vary by state. For costs and further details of the coverage, including exclusions or limitations and terms under which the policy may be continued in force, see your agent/producer or write to the company.
This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed insurance agent/producer may contact you.
#308776
