What do I Need to Know Before I Purchase Dental Insurance?
What do I Need to Know Before I Purchase Dental Insurance?
If you don't have insurance, dental care can be expensive. But, most provincial health insurance plans in Canada do not provide dental coverage. As a result, many people do not make regular trips to the dentist, which can lead to serious health consequences down the road. A Canadian dental insurance plan can provide the coverage you need to make visits to the dentist a part of your normal routine, so you can maintain a happy and healthy smile for a lifetime. If you're thinking about purchasing dental insurance to help you defray some of the costs associated with routine dental care, here's what you need to know.
What is Covered?
Different insurance plans offer different levels of coverage for various routine and emergency dental procedures. Some treatments are covered, while others are only partially covered. It's important to know what will and won't be covered under each plan, so you can choose the one that provides the coverage you need. If you have a pre-existing condition, you'll also need to find out whether or not the plan will cover the costs associated with treating it. Some dental insurance plans don't offer benefits for pre-existing problems.
What Will My Out-of-Pocket Costs Be?
In general, dental insurance in Canada pays for a percentage of the cost associated with the services covered under the plan. But what they cover and how much they cover can vary greatly from plan to plan. With the cost of a routine cleaning averaging $150-$200, a seemingly small difference in coverage between plans can make a big difference to your bottom line. So, be sure to find out how much coverage your plan provides for every service you will need. In addition, some dental insurance plans have deductibles. If you choose a plan with a deductible, you will be responsible for 100 percent of the costs associated with any dental care you receive until you meet the deductible. After that, the insurance plan will begin paying for part of the cost of treatments covered under the plan.
Is there a Waiting Period?
Some carriers have a waiting period before you are eligible for coverage under the plan, while others do not. Make sure you find out if you have to wait before you can begin receiving dental benefits.
Do Any Services Require Pre-Determination?
Most Canadian dental insurance providers require dentists to complete a pre-determination or pre-treatment form for dental work in excess of a certain dollar amount. If you think you may need expensive dental treatment, find out if this is a requirement for the plan(s) you are considering.
Choosing the Right Dental Insurance Plan
Choosing the dental insurance plan that is right for you will depend on a number of factors. For example, if you have young children who are likely to need braces in the future, the plan you choose probably won't be the same as the plan someone who is single with no history of oral health problems chooses. Sorting through the available dental insurance options can be overwhelming, and you may want help deciding which plan is right for you. A customer service agent can help you compare the various plans and answer any questions you might have, so you can be sure the plan you choose will provide the coverage you need when you need it.
