Private Dental Insurance
Getting quality dental care in the United States can be expensive, especially if you do not have insurance coverage through your employer. Fortunately, there are private dental insurance options that are affordable and provide good coverage.
A lack of dental coverage is a problem for a lot of people in the country. 1 in 4 Americans does not have dental insurance National Association of Dental Plans (NADP). Of those that do have it, most have it through an employer, but about 1/3 of insured Americans have private dental insurance.
If you are considering getting private dental insurance, you should weigh your options and make the best choice for you.
If you can’t afford dental insurance for any reason make sure to check available federal and state-wide dental grants. We have analyzed the top private dental insurance providers in the country and created the following list to help you find the right plan for your needs and budget.
What Types of Coverage do Private Plans Offer?
The rule of thumb for private dental insurance is the 100-80-50 rule. That means that most plans will pay for 100 percent of routine preventive care, like cleanings, x-rays, and checkups; 80 percent of the cost of procedures, such as fillings and root canals, and 50 percent for larger procedures, such as crowns, bridges, etc.
DHMO vs. DPPO
The two most common types of dental insurance plans are Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) and Dental Preferred Provider Organization (DPPO). These plans have some major differences that you should take into consideration when choosing the right one for you.
Deductible – Deductible is the amount you need to pay out of pocket before your insurance will take over the cost. Most DPPO plans have an annual deductible, while most DHMO plans do not.
Maximum – This is the maximum coverage your insurance will pay for in one year. Most DHMO plans do not have a maximum, while many DPPO does.
Network – Most DHMO require you to use in-network dentists only, while most DPPOs let you see in-network or out-of-network dentists.
What to Consider When Analyzing Private Dental Insurance Providers:
Private Dental Insurance – What to consider when choosing a plan.
When looking for the best dental insurance for your needs and budget, there are several factors to consider.
Coverage
What’s covered and what’s not on your plan? When considering a dental plan, you should read the entire description of the plan so you fully understand what you are covered for. Basic dental procedures will usually always be covered, but if you require more extensive dental work, make sure you read all the plans and find one that covers what you will need.
Your Preferred Dentist
If you have a dentist that you like and want to stick with, make sure that your dentist is in your dental insurance plan’s network, or make sure that your plan allows you to go out of network so you can continue seeing your dentist.
Waiting Period
Some plans have waiting periods before you are eligible to have certain procedures done. If you need emergency care, be sure to select a plan that allows you to get the care you need quickly, without a long waiting period.
Deductibles and Copays
Make sure to read the fine print on how much and when you will need to pay your deductibles and copays. Make sure to select a plan that is within your budget.
Best Private Dental Insurance Providers
Private Dental Insurance – How to choose the best plan for you.
1. Best Overall – Cigna
Cigna is a trusted name in dental healthcare. Their network includes over 90,000 dentists around the country, so there are almost certainly in-network dentists in your area. They also offer a 24/7 customer support line and have an A rating from AM Best and Standard & Poors.
2. Most Affordable – Humana
Humana offers affordable dental insurance plans that can fit almost any budget. With good coverage and very low premiums and copays, Humana gives you the most bang for your buck.
Humana offers $0 copays for office visits, full coverage for routine procedures, no waiting periods, and low-cost coverage for major procedures.
3. Best if you need urgent care – Spirit Dental
Spirit Dental is an excellent provider for anyone in need of urgent care because they offer coverage with no waiting periods. Spirit Dental also has a large network, with over 110,000 in-network dentists to choose from. Spirit Dental also offers good value, with low premiums and a $5000 maximum for most plans.
4. Best Value – Delta Dental
Delta Dental has one of the largest networks in the country, with over 350,000 dentists to choose from. Basic and preventative care is 100% covered and all basic and major procedures are covered 50%. Delta Dental is an excellent choice for families and individuals.