If you don’t have a plan or your existing one isn’t cutting it for you, it’s a great idea to put a little research into finding something that will meet all your needs, before one of those mishaps happen to you. An insurance broker will be happy to help you sort through your options and answer any of your questions.
If you’re just beginning to consider getting coverage, here’s a quick checklist of things you’ll need to know.
Pre-treatment Plan Requirements
It’s not uncommon for dental insurance policies to require a pre-treatment plan (also known as an estimate), before you get anything done. There are many good reasons to make sure everyone’s on the same page:
- The treatment, service or appliance may not be included in your benefit package
- You should know in advance what you will be paying out of pocket
- There may be a deductible or copayment that you should be aware of
- You can monitor your yearly maximum
Pre-treatment plans are ultimately designed to help you make an informed decision about your dental health. Your dentist can recommend a certain treatment, but that doesn’t mean your insurance will necessarily cover all of it.
Major Life Change
Some people say that the only constant in life is change. This is certainly true when it comes to your mouth. Teeth break down, gums recede…you begin to rely on your dental visits more and more as you age.
It’s a good thing your coverage can be flexible. For instance, if you get married you can change your coverage from single to couple or family. That way, as your family grows, everyone will be covered! Getting the appropriate coverage now — before you need it — will help protect you and your family in the future.
Similarly, if your circumstances change or your children leave the nest, you can switch from family to single coverage. Get the best plan for your situation and never worry about the “what ifs” again.
Rates
If your existing plan’s rate is a little too steep for your pocketbook, you don’t have to get rid of your insurance altogether. Rather, you can select a new policy that provides less protection at a lower rate. This can be an easy task with so many different plans to choose from.
You can afford a lot more than you think. It’s certainly a wise investment to get insurance, rather than having to pay hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars out of pocket for unexpected dental expenses.
Plan Maximums
Every dental insurance plan has a cap on the amount they will cover for you per year. If you need a lot of dental treatment and find that your current maximum isn’t suitable for your needs, you can re-evaluate and look for a new policy with higher maximums.
Monitoring Your Recall Frequency
Your routine dental checkups are commonly referred to as “recall services.” This includes bitewing x-rays, scaling, polishing, and a routine exam. Most plans run on either a six-month or nine-month period.
Your dental office can help you keep track of when you’re eligible for another visit, but it doesn’t hurt to keep track of it yourself.
Purchasing a New Dental Insurance Plan
If you discover your current policy no longer suits your needs, you can shop around for a new and better one. Talk to an insurance professional today and they can help you go over your available options. They can also walk you through the premiums, plan requirements, and any other information you may need.
In the meantime, the Canadian Dental Association has some great information on their website on dental visits and good questions to ask your dentist.
Call us today and we can find the perfect plan for you and your family!
Hi… if I take dental insurance today, then when can I claim insurance for treatment, is there any waiting time for claim to activate?
Thank you for your question. With all of our dental products, you are able to use most of the benefits immediately after you receive your ID card. The card allows the dentist to direct bill the insurance company so you aren’t out of pocket any more than what you would owe for the co-payment. The only dental benefits that you have a waiting period to use are the major services such as crowns, bridges, dentures and orthodontics, which all have a 2 year waiting period before the benefits will begin.
Why am I charged $37 for a recall exam on top of the work done.
Thank you for your comment. Without knowing more about your plan, it’s hard to determine why the cost was provided to you. Please give us a call to discuss your specific situation. 1-800-667-0429