How Affordable is Dental Insurance?

Good oral hygiene is the key to maintaining a happy and healthy smile.  But, even if you are diligent about brushing and flossing at home, routine trips to the dentist are essential to maintaining good oral health.  Routine trips can also be expensive, and provincial insurance plans do not cover any maintenance dental care.  As a result, residents skip regular trips to the dentist.  But that is a mistake.  Without regular preventive care, small, inexpensive problems can become large, expensive ones.  A Canada dental insurance plan can help minimize the out-of-pocket costs associated with dental care.  Here’s what you need to know if you’re wondering whether or not you can afford to purchase a Canada dental insurance plan.

The Cost of Dental Insurance

There are several costs associated with dental insurance in Canada, including premiums, deductibles and co-payments/co-insurance.  It is important to take all of these costs into consideration when evaluating a Canada dental insurance plan.

• Premiums. You will be required to pay monthly premiums for your insurance coverage.
• Deductibles. Many dental insurance plans require participants to pay a deductible.  This is the amount an individual or family must pay for dental care before the insurance provider will begin paying for covered services.
• Co-payments/Co-insurance. After you have met your deductible, you may be required to pay a portion of your dental bills in the form of a co-payment or co-insurance.

You must add up all of these out-of-pocket expenses to determine the total cost of a dental insurance plan.

The Cost of Dental Care

The cost of dental insurance may seem high when you add up the cost of the monthly premiums, deductible and co-payments/co-insurance you must pay.  However, having adequate coverage can actually save you money.  If you do not have dental insurance and your provincial plan does not cover the dental care you need, you won’t just be responsible for paying a portion of the cost associated with your treatment.  You will be responsible for paying the total cost, which can range from a couple of hundred dollars to a couple of thousand depending on the treatment you need.  For example, according to the average cost of a routine cleaning is approximately $200, while the average cost of a root canal ranges from $800-$1200.  Additional treatment can be even more expensive, and the government does not regulate dental care fees.  Each dentist has the ability to set his/her own prices, so it is important to shop around and compare prices before receiving treatment.

Learn About Your Options

Purchasing dental insurance can help protect you and your family by reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.  But with so many plans available, choosing one that meets your needs can be difficult.  A customer service representative can help you find the plan that is right for you and your family by evaluating your personal circumstances, explaining the different plans that are available and providing a health insurance quote.  With help from a knowledgeable professional, you can choose a plan that offers the protection you need at a price you can afford.