Insurance is something of a balancing act. Consumers don’t want to spend any more than they have to on premiums, but they want to get adequate coverage to ensure that they’re cared for in the event of medical mishap, as well as avoid substantial out-of-pocket expenses when medical needs arise.
When it comes to dental insurance, you might not think it’s necessary to spend as much time poring over the finer points of a policy as you would with general health insurance. However, if you end up needing extensive dental treatment, you’ll be glad you took the time to select an appropriate policy.
Of course, you also have to make sure you understand the benefits of the plan you pick so that you can take full advantage of coverage and maximize your value. Here are a few tips to get the most from your dental insurance plan.
Consider Your Needs
It’s impossible to know for sure what’s coming where your health is concerned, but you probably have a pretty good handle on your own oral health. If you follow a strong oral hygiene regimen at home, visit your dentist regularly for cleaning and care, and you’ve have very few issues in the past, you might want to choose a plan that focuses on preventive care.
If, on the other hand, you’ve had serious oral health issues in the past and you anticipate further procedures, you’ll want to select a plan that provides more coverage for additional care like fillings, crowns, dental implants, and more so that you can avoid major out-of-pocket expense. Having a good grasp of your own dental health needs can help you to choose the best insurance plan and get the most out of your coverage.
Schedule Regular Preventive Care
Most plans now cover preventive care like biannual checkups and cleaning, and it’s in your best interest to take advantage of this coverage. When you see your dentist frequently, you have the best chance to avoid issues like tooth decay and gum disease that could quickly spiral out of control and cost you a ton of money. Even if procedures are covered, you may be on the hook for co-pays or a percentage of costs, so avoiding serious issues is a must.
Know Your Network
Whether you have a PPO or HMO dental insurance plan, you have to work within your network in order to receive maximum coverage. Make sure you know which professionals are in your network so you always get the best possible coverage for care.
