Many people shop for dental insurance based on the monthly premium alone. But some plans include hidden limitations that can delay coverage for major dental work or limit how much the insurance company will pay each year.
My name is Bobby Dean with the MBHealth Insurance Agency located here in St. Louis, Missouri. Today we’re going to talk about the dental insurance rule that could delay your coverage.
Shopping for Individual Dental Insurance? Here’s What to Watch For
If you are shopping for a dental plan on your own and not through an employer, there are some things for you to look out for.
Dental Insurance Waiting Periods
Many dental plans have what’s called a waiting period which determines how long you must be on a plan before the dental insurance starts to cover portions of the cost.
Preventative care usually is covered right away, and that includes your cleanings, your exams, and your x-rays. That’s typically a twice-a-year benefit.
More complex dental services will typically require either a 6-month or a 12-month waiting period. That’s the duration that you need to be paying the premium before the insurance company starts divvying up and splitting that cost with you.
Dental Insurance Annual Maximums
The other important thing to consider is your annual maximum. This is the total amount of dollars that the dental insurance is offering to pay within that calendar year. This typically ranges between $1,000 to $2,000, which is the cap for the year. Sometimes that extends year after year.
Comparing Dental Plans: Premiums, Benefits, and Coverage Limits
Some newer plans offer higher max out-of-pockets or unlimited max out-of-pockets (how much you need to pay yourself for care), but every plan is designed differently. Your premium may be lower, but your benefit might not be as grand; or your premium is higher and you’ve got a pretty diverse, pretty rich plan ahead of you.
That’s the breakdown of the hidden rules that many people aren’t aware of on the individual side of dental insurance. Those waiting periods can be tricky. That’s why you want to make sure that you’re looking out for those factors when you’re deciding on which plan you want to choose.
Need Help Finding Dental Insurance?
That is really the insider scoop on dental insurance. If you have questions or need help looking for a dental plan, please feel free to reach out to us at 314-544-5400 or find us online at www.mbhealth.com.
