Cheap Dental Insurance

Sure, dental insurance helps reduce the financial strain of maintaining a healthy smile - but what if paying for the insurance itself causes financial strain?

There are options for those seeking inexpensive dental care. There are many companies on the market who offer low-cost dental plans. The leaders include Aetna, Uni-Care and ADI. Plans generally range from $100 to $150 per year for individuals and $150 to $200 per year for families. Family plans usually include spouses and any dependent children under the age of 18, but some extend benefits to children over 18 if they are full-time students.

Procedures covered by these plans include checkups, cleanings, X-rays and fillings, as well as some more extensive treatments such as crowns and dentures. Some even include discounts on specialists - orthodontists, oral surgeons, pediatric (child) dentists, etc.

Note, however, that these plans are not insurance. What is often billed as low cost dental insurance is actually a discount dental plan. Though it may seem like the same thing - and, indeed, there are similarities - understanding the difference is important.

Discount Dental Plans

Like dental insurance, a discount dental plan helps make dental care affordable. However, unlike dental insurance, a discount dental plan does not reimburse the cost of dental procedures. Rather, members pay a deeply discounted rate the day they receive treatment.

There is no paperwork required with a discount dental plan. Upon paying a sign-up fee (usually $100 to $200, depending on the plan), members receive a card that entitles them to the discounted rate; all they have to do is show it to the provider. However, this provider must be a contractor of the plan provider - that is, the dentist or specialist providing treatment must be a participant in the plan. Thus, your choice of dentist or specialist will be limited.

Savings with a discount dental plan will vary according to the plan itself, the plan provider, the treatment provider (dentist or specialist) and the geographic location in which the plan is used. Most plans advertise a savings range of 10 to 50 percent, but savings will most likely fall in the 20 to 30 percent range on the majority of procedures.

Discount dental plans certainly are a low-cost alternative to dental insurance. Whether or not such a plan is the right choice for you depends on your personal needs. Research thoroughly before you commit to a plan - make sure it is one that will truly leave a smile on your face!