Dental insurance aims to cover the costs of dental care. Most policies cover preventive services, such as oral exams, teeth cleanings, and X-rays. Comprehensive dental insurance plans also include some restorative or orthodontic needs, such as fillings for cavities and braces.
Dental Insurance Costs
While there is no way to know exactly how much you will spend on dental insurance in the upcoming year, there are ways to estimate it. For instance, total dental spending in the United States reached $142.4 billion in 2020. The estimated U.S. population is about 332 million, according to the latest figures, which means the average amounts to about $428 per person.
Another useful data point is the latest study released by the American Dental Association, which found that if you had dental insurance in 2015, you could expect to spend about $453 to $520, including premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Adjusted for inflation, that ranges from $529 to $606 in 2021. Ultimately, your actual annual costs depend on several factors, such as your dental service needs, location, and the type of policy.
The Impact of Dental Insurance Plan Type on Cost
There are five main types of dental insurance plans. The type you choose also affects your dental insurance costs. Here’s what they are and how they impact costs:
Out-of-Pocket Dental Care Costs
Dental insurance policies impose limitations, and you may need to pay out-of-pocket for certain procedures. The cheapest policies cover only preventive care, and even these are subject to limitations. For example, you might get only two free dental cleanings per year.
The next level of policies also covers restorative care, such as fillings for cavities and tooth extractions or root cleanings. They cost more but are still generally reasonable compared to paying for these services without any insurance coverage.
The more expensive, comprehensive plans also cover orthodontic services. These correct and align your teeth.
Generally, no dental insurance policy covers cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening, or conditions that existed before enrolling in the policy.
Reducing Dental Care Costs
Dental insurance can save you money, but only if you choose the right policy. Accurately predicting your dental care needs is key to keeping costs low.
For example, let’s say you have healthy teeth and the only dental services you need in the coming year are two cleanings. Your research indicates that each will cost you $100 without insurance.
To find out if you can save money through dental insurance, you look for policies that offer two free cleanings. You find one that costs only $8 a month. It makes sense to buy it because you will pay $96 in a year with the policy and $200 without it.
However, if the cheapest available policy has a premium of $20, then the coverage wouldn’t be worth it. You would pay $240 a year with insurance versus $200 without it.
Another way to keep your costs low is to stay informed about your dental health. Preventive care and good hygiene can reduce the likelihood of needing more expensive restorative services in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dental insurance worth it?
Dental insurance is worth it if you get a policy that covers the dental services you need at a lower cost than you would pay without coverage. Compare the plan’s cost in premiums, fees, deductibles, percentage of coverage, and the annual maximum amounts you would pay for the services needed without it.
What
What does dental insurance typically cover?
Basic dental insurance policies cover preventive services that maintain your oral health, such as semi-annual cleanings. More expensive and comprehensive policies also cover restorative and orthodontic services, such as cavity fillings and braces.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/how-much-is-dental-insurance-5209638
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