We never know how badly we need a dentist until we feel pain. Once tooth pain hits, it is very difficult to get rid of on your own. Having dental insurance is vital to your budget and your family’s health.
Tooth Pain
The severity of tooth pain can range from mild to severe. The time it takes a tooth to go from mild to severe pain can only be a matter of hours. Paying for dental care out of pocket can be costly; this is where dental insurance comes in handy.
Tooth Emergencies While Away from Home
Dental insurance can take care of you when you’re away from home. If you’re on vacation and need a filling replaced, it’s important to know where to go. A qualified agent can give you a list of area dentists. Without insurance, you’re on your own.
Cost
One dental procedure alone can cost hundreds of dollars out of pocket. Dental insurance can provide you with coverage you need, when you need it. Insurance can pay the hundreds of dollars that you can save.
Links between Oral Health and Overall Health
Your overall health is important to you. You have health insurance; you should also have dental insurance. There is a link between oral health and overall health. Stomach upset, severe headaches, and muscle pain can come from oral problems.
Types of Dental Insurance
There are three types of dental insurance available. Individual dental plans cover dental visits for individuals. Family dental plans are designed to cover the needs of families and employee dental insurance may be available through the workplace. It’s to your benefit to seek out some sort of dental plan.
Individual Dental Insurance
Most insurance companies offer a discount to customers who opt for health and dental insurance. In most cases if you have an individual health care plan, you can have individual dental insurance. It’s best to ask your insurance provider about discounts available to you.
Family Dental Insurance
Regardless of if you’re a family of three or a family of eight, you need dental coverage. Most family dental plans will cover every family member for one rate. Some insurance plans offer free dental care to younger children.
Employee Dental Insurance
Employers today know the importance of insuring the health of their workers. For a small fee deducted from your paycheck each month, you can have dental insurance. Some employers offer dental coverage in conjunction with the health coverage plan.
DHMO Insurance (Dental Health Maintenance Organization)
Once you choose to have dental coverage you have options including: DHMO, PPO or Indemnity. DHMO is a set of dentists participating in a prepaid network. This would be a primary care dentist that will take care of your dental needs. This is a more restricted form of dental care; however they do provide preventive care at no cost. This is the most affordable dental plan.
PPO Dental Coverage (Preferred Provider Organization)
PPO coverage has the option of in-network or out-of-network. This means liberty to choose when it comes to selecting a dentist. The downside of a PPO is higher premiums for patients.
Indemnity Dental Plan
The indemnity dental plan is a more traditional insurance program. This plan allows the patient to choose to choose their dentist any dentist they wish. However, this freedom of choice comes at a higher cost. Premiums are higher, as well as out-of-pocket services.
