A Dental Insurance is becoming an important health cover policy for the consumers. A dental insurance policy generally covers the cost of dentures, orthodontist treatment, corrective surgery and cosmetic dental surgery. But there is a thin line of difference between a discount dental plan and an insurance policy. If the policy holder is purchasing a special access to a group of dentists, who have agreed give him a reduced rates for their services. To avail this service, you must stay within the network of the group of the dentists.
Among dental insurance plans, there are many popular options.
HMO Dental Insurance: Popularly known as capitation plans, HMO Dental Insurance plans operate like their medical HMO cousins.
Some basic features of HMO Dental Insurance:
These plans offer monthly premiums while some companies require the policy holder to prepay a year’s worth
It requires co-payments for office visits
It offers free preventive as well as routine care
The card holder must select from an approved network of dentists
He may have to pay an initial enrollment fee
Annual dollar cap
The average monthly cost will vary from $20 to $40
Companies, which are selling these plans, are regulated by state insurance departments.
Dental Discount Plans: Dental Discount Plans are more like coupon books, through which the policy holder gets a percentage off. With these Dental Discount Plans, though you don’t actually get the coupons, but you have to go to a selected dentist, who has agreed to participate in this plan and offers services at a discounted rate. For example, he might charge you $450 for a crown instead of the standard rate of $750. For many individuals and families, these discount plans offer the best.
Some basic features of Dental Discount Plans:
It charges a monthly fee to the dental-discount company
The policy holder must stay within the plan network
It makes you pay an initial enrollment fee
The average monthly cost vary from $10 to $20