Get Low Cost Dental Coverage

By Sally Delacruz


Full-time employees of companies are given the chance to get health coverage, including dental, usually at a reasonable cost. Freelancers, part-time employees and contractors generally don't have this privilege. That doesn't meant that they can't get low cost dental coverage for themselves. It just means they will have to know a few things to find the best and most affordable plan for them.

When it comes to dental policies, there are two main types, family and individual. Anyone who is single and doesn't have children or dependents can opt for the less expensive individual plan. Those who are married or have children, regardless of marital status, will probably want to opt for a family plan to cover kids or spouses.

Not all family or individual plans are created equal. Some have very bare bones coverage that only pays for certain treatments or doctor visits. Others are much more comprehensive and will include just about any kind of dental work imaginable. The bare bones are much cheaper than the comprehensive ones, so keep that in mind when choosing a plan.

Some plans may seem really affordable on the surface, but can become very expensive when you start to actually use them. Many plans with low monthly payments may have large deductibles that could cost you a lot more in the future. For instance, you may find a plan that is only $25 per month, which is a good price. However, if that plan has a $1000 deductible, that means you have to pay the first $1000 in costs up front, and then the insurance kicks in. You may want to go for a plan that has a higher monthly premium, but a much smaller deductible.

There may also be limits to how much the plan will cover each year, along with a lifetime maximum. Your plan may pay $100,000 per year, but with a lifetime maximum of $500,000 or something along those lines. Each plan is different, so make sure you check for the limits and maximums. If they are too low, you may want to look for another form of coverage.

Not all coverage includes surgeries and orthodontics, so be sure to read the fine print. This is especially true if you have kids, because many kids may need orthodontia like braces in order to straighten out their teeth. Surgeries, even minor ones like removal of wisdom teeth, can be quite expensive when paid out of pocket, so be sure you are covered.

Most plans have preventative care covered in the policy, such as yearly checkups and even periodic teeth cleanings. These help prevent other, more costly dental emergencies later, so most insurance companies will pay for these completely, or only charge you a small deductible or co-pay for them.

Whether you are single or have a family, getting coverage for your dental health is a big deal. Decide how much you can spend each month on a policy and then go shopping for the one that covers the most in your price range. You will be well on your way to affordable and comprehensive care.




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