Dental Insurance for the Self-Employed
A dental check-up is more than just a teeth cleaning. A dental exam may show signs of an undiagnosed medical problem such as diabetes, heart disease or a weakened immune system. If you are self-employed, you may overlook obtaining dental coverage. However, if you have gum disease or need unexpected treatment such as crowns or root canals, the costs are probably more than you think without insurance.
Other People Are Reading
-
Dental Coverage
-
Before you start looking for dental insurance for you and your family, decide what type of services you are seeking. You probably need routine and diagnostic services, such as twice-a-year cleanings and exams and X-rays. Consider if you want dental coverage for services such as bridges, crowns, implants and orthodontics. These additional services may not be a part of a standard plan and may cost more or be purchased in a separate rider.
Dental Plan Types
-
Like medical plans, dental insurance plan types are dental health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations and indemnity plans. DHMOs have a provider network, and you must seek all routine care and referrals for specialists through a primary dentist. PPOs also have a provider network; you can go outside of the network, though the cost of your dental care will likely be significantly higher than if you went in-network. Indemnity plans allow you to see any dentist; however, these plans are the most expensive.
-
Comparing Dental Insurance
-
When shopping for dental insurance, besides services, you may want to note the differences in several other areas. Compare the premiums--the monthly amount you pay to have this insurance--and any other out-of-pocket costs such as copays and deductibles. If you have a favorite dentist, endodontist, periodontist or orthodontist, you may want to check if these dentists are in the provider network.
Finding and Applying for Dental Insurance
-
You may prefer to work through a licensed insurance agent but you don't need to. Visit the websites of several dental insurers so you can compare the types of plans available in your area, search their provider networks and obtain a quote. You can apply directly online or call customer service to apply by phone. To compare several plans at once, visit a website that searches many insurers and displays a side-by-side comparison.
-
References
- Photo Credit dental instruments image by Adam Radosavljevic from Fotolia.com
