How To Get Dental Insurance

Despite the fact there are many ways to get dental insurance, millions of people neglect their teeth and don't get regular checkups because they worry about how they'll pay the bill.

Avoiding the dentist is a big false economy because serious problems can arise that could cause more drastic and expensive treatment options later on. You could even lose teeth to decay and wind up with serious gum disease.

The first place to look for dental insurance is through your work. Many companies offer dental coverage as part of their health and benefits plan. If yours doesn't, ask if they'll consider it - and get support from co-workers.

If you don't have a company plan, and your employer has no intention of adding one any time soon, get quotes for coverage from insurance companies.

There are two kinds of basic dental insurance plan: Individual dental insurance and family dental plans. Expect to pay at least $100 a year as an individual and $150 for a family. Now this is for very basic coverage - checkups, cleaning, basic fillings etc. The more you can afford in annual premiums, the better the coverage. Be aware that most insurance schemes have deductibles and annual treatment limits.

An alternative to dental insurance is a discount dental plan. While this isn't insurance, you still pay a monthly or annual fee like you would to a dental insurance plan. The difference is that instead of an insurance company refund after your treatment, you get a discount on each procedure when you visit a dentist on an approved list of providers.

Some people prefer discount plans and find them more flexible than dental insurance. However, you might have to give up your favorite dentist if they aren't on the list of discount providers. And even some insurance companies have lists of approved providers.

Whichever route you choose, get plenty of quotes to find an affordable plan that meets your dental needs.