The Typical Cost of a Dental Plan
There are different types of dental insurance programs available to help pay the cost of any dental services you receive. Dental procedures can be expensive, so if you don't have dental insurance coverage through your employer, there are options that can save you money on dental expenses. On average, dental plans can cost as little as $10 per month for an individual to about $70 a month to cover a family.
Other People Are Reading
-
Dental HMO
-
Similar to a medical HMO, you must pay a monthly insurance premium for a dental HMO in addition to co-payments for office visits. In some cases, the insurance provider charges an initial enrollment fee. HMO dental plans provide free preventive care and are cheaper than other types of dental insurance plans. If you participate, you must choose a dentist from an approved network of dental professionals. Depending on the insurer, dental HMOs can cost $15 or less per month. These dental plans have a maximum annual cap on the benefits payable. A plan may also restrict the type of dental services you can receive.
Dental PPO
-
Preferred Provider Organizations is a managed care plan that includes a group of dentists who agree to provide dental services at a discounted rate. Generally, you must receive your dental care from providers within that network. You can still receive some benefits if you go outside of the approved network of dentists, but you will pay higher deductibles and co-payments. With higher premium rates than an HMO, PPO members pay an average monthly premium of $20. Like other dental insurance plans, PPOs place a maximum annual cap on the benefits you receive.
-
Dental Indemnity Insurance Plan
-
Although you can choose your own dentist under a dental indemnity plan, you may have to pay high deductibles before the insurance pays for any dental services. Many plans do not apply the deductible to preventive or routine dental care. Once you meet the annual deductible, indemnity plans normally pay 100 percent of the costs for preventive services including check-ups and cleanings, 80 percent of the costs for basic restorative services and 50 percent of the costs for major restorative services such as dentures, bridges and crowns. You may have the option of purchasing a rider to cover orthodontic care. Premiums tend to run about $25 to $40 per month for an individual. Under this type of fee-for-service plan you pay your dentist directly and then submit a claim form to the insurance company. The insurer reimburses you a percentage of the dental expenses it covers.
Discount Dental Plans
-
Different from purchasing an insurance policy, a dental discount plan offers dental services at a discounted rate. You must visit a dentist within the network who has agreed to participate in the program. The dentist charges a reduced rate rather than the standard rate for the dental services he provides. Dental discount plans often charge an enrollment fee. The monthly cost is typically between $10 and $20 for individuals. Some plans are cheaper if you pay annually. Discounts can range from 10 to 60 percent off common dental treatments and procedures.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Dentist at work in dental room image by Vladimir Melnik from Fotolia.com
