If you’re not sure how to choose the best dental plan for your family because there are far too many options available, you’re not alone.
For most people, sorting through the options to find one that works is intimidating. There is no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to dental care, so the right plan for one family is the wrong plan for another. It is worth taking the time to choose well.
Consider the following tips when choosing a dental plan for yourself and your family:
1) Try Retaining Your Current Dentist
If you already have a dentist you’re comfortable with, your best option is to choose a plan that their office accepts. If the plan covers your current dentist and fits the needs of your family, you won’t have to switch to a different provider.
2) Factor in All the Costs
Most people don’t take account of every cost in a dental plan. Terms such as co-pays, deductibles and annual maximums never cross their mind until they are forced to learn them. Have an open discussion about the fees involved before you sign up.
The last thing anyone wants in a painful situation is a large dental bill they could have avoided by asking one question first. Sometimes a plan isn’t worth choosing if the deductible is too high to reach, even when the premium itself looks affordable.
3) Evaluate the Dental Network Before Signing Up
Look into all the options, because each network has its own group of dentists. Some plans restrict you to specific dental professionals. Others let you make appointments with a dentist of your choosing. The two most common network types are HMOs and PPOs, with the latter giving you the ability to make your own appointments, usually at a higher premium.
- HMOs restrict you to a certain group of dentists, and you need a referral from your primary care provider before you can expect any treatment.
- One advantage of HMOs is that you won’t have to file any claims yourself, because your primary care provider fills in the forms on your behalf.
4) Evaluate Any Restrictions of the Dental Plan
Most dental plans have restrictions on certain treatments.
Some plans only cover routine work such as X-rays or teeth cleaning. If you want specialty work done, there is a good chance your plan won’t cover it in full.
5) Choose a Dental Plan Based on Your Locality
A plan can look good on paper and still send you across town for every appointment. Search for plans by ZIP code so you can see which dentists near you take part.
Search tools also show the details of each plan’s network and what it covers. If travel time matters to you, start with that search rather than leaving it until after you have signed up.
6) Compare all Your Options
- Don’t hesitate to ask several providers for written quotes so you can compare their dental plans.
- Gather as much detail as you can. Comparison sites let you look at dental plans side by side.
- Make a list of the dental services in your area that your family is likely to use.
- Then compare the plans head to head using the criteria that matter to your family.
7) Factor in Family Plans
Do you plan to have children in the future? If so, take the possibility of a growing family into account, because it changes what you need from a plan. Young children need professional dental care, and the last thing you want is a large bill.
It is common for older children and teenagers to need braces and similar work. Your family’s dental needs can change quickly, so factor that in before choosing a plan rather than after.
8) Any Sports Enthusiasts in the Family?
If your family members play high-risk sports such as basketball and football, they could be at risk of sports-related injuries and need urgent dental care.
Sports players also tend to need protective gear such as custom mouthguards. If that describes your family, ask how much of the extra cost a plan would cover.
9) Check How Prescriptions Are Handled
Dental treatment sometimes comes with a prescription, for example antibiotics or pain relief after a procedure. Plans differ on this. Some include a discount on prescriptions, many do not cover them at all.
Check the plan documents rather than assuming, particularly if you already take medication on a regular basis.
10) Always ask the Right Questions
- Which dentists and clinics take part in the plan?
- How much will you pay if you use a dentist outside the network?
- Does the plan cover emergency treatment while you are travelling?
- How much will you have to pay out of your own pocket?
- Which treatments are covered and which are not?
- How are disputes handled?
Prepare a list of questions like these and keep it to hand, so you’re never at a loss for words during a conversation with a provider.
We can help you find a discount dental plan for your family that fits your budget.
