If you have a family, you know all too well how important it is to have adequate insurance coverage for every member, and that includes dental insurance. Good oral health is vital to our overall health, and that means regular trips to the dentist for checkups, professional cleanings and getting whatever other dental care we might need. If you’re in the market for the right dental insurance coverage for your family, we have some helpful tips to keep in mind:
- Do your homework to find out which dental plans are available to you. Insurance companies seldom offer every type of plan in every area, so search online to find out which dental plans you have to choose from in your state and/or zip code.
- Narrow down your search by identifying which plans will be best suited to the needs of your family. Preventive care (cleanings and exams) are necessary for everyone. But patients of different ages have very different dental needs. Kids, for example, may need braces or fluoride treatments, as opposed to seniors who may require dentures or periodontal care. Choose a policy that offers the coverage your family will need.
- Make sure your dentist accepts the insurance plan you select. Or, if you don’t already have a dentist, choose a plan that provide you with a good size list of dentists from which to choose.
- Pick a policy you can afford. The monthly premium is only one consideration. You should also look into deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses involved for each policy. And watch out for the “maximum annual limit” of each policy. After you reach that limit, you’ll have to pay for all other expenses for the rest of the year out of your own pocket.
- Consider the possibility of a dental savings plan or discount dental plans instead of a traditional insurance policy. Many dental offices offer their own plans to patients and, depending on your own needs and those of your family, this type of plan may be more affordable than a policy offered by an insurance company.
Finding the right dental coverage for you and your family doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Just keep in mind these simple tips, and whatever you do, don’t go without coverage. Remember that good oral health plays a vital role in good overall health, and nothing is more important than keeping yourself – and your family – healthy in the New Year.
