As a budget-conscious person, you may always be searching for ways to save money. Dental insurance could help you do that, but so could a dental discount plan. Which option is better? Both have their advantages and downsides. This blog post provides a generalized comparison of these two assets so you can choose the one that is best for your family.
Dental Insurance
Dental insurance policies can vary greatly in the coverage they provide, so you should look into the details of any plan you are thinking about buying. In the meantime, here is a general overview of the benefits you can enjoy with most standard PPO plans.
- Cleanings, exams, routine X-rays, and other preventive services are usually 100% covered, meaning that you will not have to pay anything out of pocket.
- Restorative care is typically 50 – 80% covered, depending on whether you need a minor or major procedure.
- You can use your benefits at virtually any dental practice, even if they are not in your insurance plan’s network.
Of course, dental insurance also has a few drawbacks:
- There may be a waiting period of 6 – 12 months before you can receive coverage for certain services.
- You will likely have an annual maximum, which puts a cap on how much your policy will pay out within a calendar year.
- Orthodontic care may not be covered.
- Cosmetic services are almost never covered because they are considered to be purely elective.
Dental Discount Plans
In exchange for a monthly or annual fee, most dental discount plans offer the following benefits:
- You may be able to receive preventive care for no additional charge.
- You can enjoy discounts on virtually all other services, including those that are not usually covered by traditional dental insurance.
- Often, a dental discount plan costs less than insurance.
- You will not have to deal with waiting periods or an annual maximum.
Admittedly, dental discount plans also have some drawbacks:
- You can only use your benefits at specific practices (some are limited to a single practice).
- In many cases, the discount you get is less than what you would enjoy with insurance.
Which Should You Choose?
Dental discount plans and insurance are both valuable ways to reduce oral care costs. The one that is best for you depends on your preferences. Take a close look at any insurance policies and discount plans that are available to you so you can make a well-informed decision.
Meet the Practice
The talented dentists at Northborough Dental Associates are proud to provide high-quality care at reasonable prices. Our practice offers the Essential Dental Discount plan, and we accept more than 200 different insurance policies. To learn more about how we may be able to help you save money on your oral healthcare, contact our office at 508-571-0358.