A recent article on Forbes.com suggested that discount dental plans beat traditional dental insurance.
Now, this notion of course only applies to certain circumstances. For instance, if you’re currently covered under your employer’s dental insurance plan, then it’s probably not necessary to also purchase a discount dental plan. However, having a discount dental plan can save you additional money when your dental insurance plan maximum has been reached.
If you are not covered by a dental insurance plan, then it makes more sense to purchase a discount dental plan. Why? More than anything, it comes down to cost. A dental insurance plan can cost you hundreds of dollars in premiums ($554 is national average according to Forbes) while discount dental plans typically run between $80 and $140 per year for individuals (slightly higher for families). Factor in the copays that are associated with dental insurance plans and the cost savings of discount dental plans are even more evident.
Discount dental plans also typically provide discounts for major procedures such as dental implants, but dental insurance may not. It’s important to read the fine print because plans vary. Other gotchas with dental insurance include: long wait times for coverage, denial of patients with certain pre-existing conditions, paperwork hassles, continually-increasing premiums, typically low annual limits and more.
The bottom line is, you have to decide what works best for your situation. Neither a discount dental plan or a dental insurance plan is perfect. Likewise, neither are better than the other in all situations. So, do your homework.
For additional information regarding the benefits of discount dental plans, visit our Dental Plans page.
For more information regarding dental insurance visit the following resource: Yourdentistryguide.com
This article has 2 responses
Just as I have mentioned in other sites I have had success with dental plans versus buying dental insurance. Somehow it just seems to cover more and you know what your cost is before you get started. I definately agree getting a good dental plan will save you money and get the results you are looking for.
Yes, you are right. Sometimes it is a case by case basis or procedure by procedure basis. Either way, the patient is saving money. The question is which one saves more. That’s a hard question sometimes.