Dental health is a big deal, and it’s often overlooked in the U.S. It’s not just about a bright smile; poor dental health can lead to serious health issues like heart valve damage due to bloodstream infections. But here’s the million-dollar question: should you get dental insurance or pay for your dental services out of pocket? I recently dug into this, and the findings were quite surprising.
Let’s talk about whether dental insurance is worth it. There are a few things you need to think about.
First, how much does dental insurance cost? Dental insurance is cheaper than health insurance. You can get a basic plan for $15 to $60 per month, depending on where you live and what you want to cover. But that’s still a chunk of change every year. So, you need to figure out if you can afford to pay for dental costs out of pocket.
Next, consider how much dental services cost without insurance. If you need dental work, you might be shocked at the prices. Preventative care like oral exams, cleanings, and X-rays can cost a few hundred dollars a year. Basic procedures like fillings, extractions, and teeth whitening can add up quickly. And major procedures like root canals, braces, and dental implants can cost thousands.
Your dental care needs also play a big role in deciding if dental insurance is worth it. If you only need preventative care, paying over $300 per year for insurance might not be worth it. But if you need more than that, like a root canal or fillings, dental insurance could save you a lot of money.
Your age matters too. A 21-year-old and a 70-year-old probably have different dental needs. As we get older, our teeth start to wear down from years of munching on our favorite foods. Older folks are more likely to need expensive services like dentures and periodontal services. So, most older people should have a dental plan. But younger folks with no dental issues might be better off paying for preventative care out of pocket.
There are different types of dental insurance plans, like PPOs, HMOs, and dental discount plans. PPO plans let you choose your dentist, but staying in-network can save you money. With an HMO plan, you have to go to in-network providers to get your benefits. Dental discount plans aren’t insurance, but they can get you a lower rate for services at partner providers.
You can also get supplemental insurance to help cover out-of-pocket expenses that insurance doesn’t cover. And when you’re comparing plans, pay attention to the price, deductible, coinsurance and copays, annual maximums, waiting periods, and what’s covered.
So, should you get dental insurance? It depends. If you have dental pain, sensitive teeth, are 35 or older, or know you need dental work, you should strongly consider it.
If you can’t afford dental care without insurance, there are a few things you can do. You can ask for a payment plan, work with a free dental provider, look for deals online, go to a dental school for discounted services, cut costs in other areas of your life, or get a side gig.
In the end, if you’re in pain, go to the dentist now and worry about insurance later. Most plans have waiting periods, and your dentist might be able to do something to ease the pain temporarily while saving more expensive procedures for after your insurance kicks in. But for younger folks with great dental health, paying the premium might not make sense. Weigh the cost of dental plans and the services you need before deciding. And if you decide you need dental insurance, compare your options carefully. You might be surprised at how different plans can be.
