How Do I Compare Dental Insurance Plans?
How do I Compare Dental Insurance Plans?
Regular brushing and flossing at home is a good place to start, but routine trips to the dentist are critical to maintaining a healthy and happy smile. They are also expensive, and provincial insurance plans generally do not provide coverage for dental care. As a result, many Canadian residents purchase supplemental dental insurance in Canada to get coverage for the care they need. But with so many Canadian dental insurance plans to choose from, sorting through the different options can be overwhelming. Before making a decision, ask yourself the following questions to choose the one that is right for you and your family.
Am I Eligible?
Acceptance into a dental insurance plan may not be guaranteed. Be sure to carefully review the eligibility requirements of the plans you are considering to find out if you are eligible for coverage before you apply.
What Is/Is Not Covered?
All products and services are not covered equally from plan to plan. Some dental insurance plans cover certain treatments; partially cover others; and exclude some altogether. For example, basic dental insurance plans cover routine exams and treatments, such as cleanings, X-rays and fillings, while other plans offer coverage for major services, such as root canals, crowns and dentures. Make sure you choose a plan that will meet your dental care needs.
When Can I Begin Receiving Benefits?
Some dental insurance plans require you to wait a certain period of time before you can begin receiving benefits, while others do not. Be sure to find out if there is a waiting period before you are eligible for coverage.
How Much Does it Cost?
The purpose of Canada dental insurance is to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses by providing coverage for the dental care you need. But there's more to the cost of an insurance plan than just the monthly premium. Some plans also have deductibles that require you to pay the total cost of any dental care you receive until you meet the deductible. For example, if the plan you choose has a $250 deductible, you must pay for all costs associated with your dental care up to $250 before your insurance plan will begin paying.
After you meet your deductible, you may be responsible for a portion of your bill in the form of a copayment or coinsurance for each treatment. For example, if you have a $35 for any dental work, you will have to pay $35 every time you have anything done by the dentist. Be sure to account for all of your out-of-pocket costs, including the premium, deductible and co-insurance/copayments.
What is the Maximum Amount the Plan Pays for Each Covered Service?
Dental insurance plans will not pay an unlimited dollar amount for treatment. Every plan has a maximum amount they will pay for each covered product or service within a certain time period. For example, Plan A may pay up to $500 for dental care each year, while Plan B pays up to $1,000 a year. If you have been maintaining your dental health and you only expect to see the dentist for routine treatment, a plan with a lower maximum will probably meet your needs. But, if you think you may need extensive or ongoing treatment, a plan with a higher maximum might be a better choice.
If you're still unsure about which plan is right for you, contact a customer service agent for additional information and to get a dental insurance quote.
