It doesn’t have to be that way.  A Canada dental insurance plan can help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, making routine dental care affordable.  But buying dental insurance may seem overwhelming if you haven’t purchased a plan before.  Here’s what you need to know to make the process more manageable.

Assess Your Situation

No two people are alike and no two insurance plans are the same.  Your personal situation plays a large role in determining the coverage you need.  Do you have a pre-existing condition?  Are you a student, self-employed, unemployed or retired?  All of these factors may influence the coverage you need.  Your budget also impacts the plan you choose.  Plans with broader coverage are more expensive, while plans that cover fewer services are less expensive.  Take some time before you begin your search to evaluate your personal situation and identify your coverage needs.

Evaluate Coverage Options

When buying dental insurance, there are many different plans to choose from.  Review the plans so you choose the one that’s right for you.  It’s a common misconception that dental insurance covers any treatment you need.  It doesn’t.  Some plans cover certain services, partially cover others and exclude some altogether.  Be sure you know what services are covered before you purchase a plan so you can select the one that best fits your needs.

Determine How Much It Will Cost

There are several costs associated with buying dental insurance.  You’re probably familiar with the premium, which is the amount you must pay each month to maintain coverage.  However, some plans have other costs as well, including deductibles and co-payments/co-insurance.  A deductible is the amount you have to pay up front for covered services before your insurance company will pay for treatment.  Co-payments/coinsurance is the portion of the cost you’re responsible for paying at the time of service.  Find out whether the plans you’re considering have these costs before you make a final decision.

Choose the Plan That’s Right For You

Choosing the Canada dental insurance plan that’s best for you can be a challenge with so many to choose from.  Speaking with an insurance professional can help you sort out your options.  A representative can work with you to assess your needs, review your coverage options, examine the costs associated with each plan and answer any questions you have.