As a dental patient, an important consideration when receiving care is dental insurance. Dental insurance is a type of health insurance that provides coverage for various dental treatments, such as cleanings, dental exams, and restorative procedures.
Dental insurance can help make dental care more affordable and accessible, allowing you to maintain good oral health without worrying about the cost.
Understanding the basics of dental insurance, including what is covered and how much it costs, can help you pick the right dentist and treatments for your health and financial situation.
What is Dental Insurance?
Dental insurance is a type of health insurance that covers the cost of dental care, including preventive services, restorative treatments, and emergency procedures. Dental insurance plans are typically provided by insurance companies or employers and cover a portion or all of the cost of dental services, depending on the plan.
How Does Dental Insurance Work?
Like most types of health insurance, dental insurance works based on premium payments from plan members. Patients typically pay a monthly premium for their dental insurance plan, and in return, the insurance company pays for dental procedures covered in the plan contract.
For example, you have a dental insurance plan that covers 80% of the cost of fillings. If your filling costs $200, you are responsible for paying $40, and your insurer covers the remaining $160 if you have met your annual deductible.
Co-Pays and Deductibles
Co-pays and deductibles are common for many dental insurance plans. A co-pay is a fixed amount you pay for a dental service or treatment while the insurance company covers the remaining cost.
For example, if a dental plan has a $20 co-pay for routine cleanings and the cleaning costs $100, you pay $20, and the insurance company covers the remaining $80.
A deductible is a set amount a patient must pay out of pocket before the insurance company starts covering dental services. For instance, if a dental plan has a $50 deductible per patient, you must pay $50 in dental expenses before the insurance company begins covering costs.
Exclusions and Maximums
Exclusions and maximums are additional features of dental insurance plans that patients should understand before receiving dental care.
- Exclusions. Exclusions refer to specific services or treatments not covered by a particular dental insurance plan, such as orthodontic treatment for cosmetic purposes. Some dental insurance plans may exclude coverage for orthodontic treatment such as braces or dental implants if the treatment is primarily for cosmetic rather than medical purposes.
- Maximums. Maximums refer to the amount of money an insurance company will pay out in a given period, typically a year. For example, a dental insurance plan may have a $1,000 annual maximum, which means it won’t cover any dental expenses over this amount.
Before having a procedure done, carefully review your dental insurance policy and speak to your insurer to understand what specific services or treatments are included in your coverage.
Paying With Dental Insurance at TruBlu Dentistry
At TruBlu Dentistry, we’re committed to helping our patients achieve optimal oral health. We’re happy to accept all PPO insurance, including Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, MetLife, and United Healthcare.
Whether or not you have insurance, we aim to make dental care accessible and affordable for everyone. Contact us today at (708) 424-5650 or (773) 646-4664 to schedule your appointment and learn more about our payment options.