Thinking that the only way to get dental insurance is to have it through a company plan, many entrepreneurs go without the coverage they need, but there are many dental insurance options available to those who don’t have a group plan. Here is what you need to know about dental insurance for self-employed individuals.

Thinking Beyond the Company Plan

Getting the routine dental care you need doesn’t have to break the bank. A Canada Dental Insurance Plan can provide the coverage you need to maintain a happy and healthy smile for life. Many Canadian residents turn to company-sponsored dental insurance plans offered by their employers to get the coverage they require. For many small business owners, company dental plans aren’t an option, but that doesn’t mean you have to go without coverage if you are self-employed.

There are Individual dental insurance plans available that can provide the coverage you need, at a rate that fits your budget. Though you will need to go over the specifics with your accountant, you may even be able to declare the cost of health and dental insurance as a business expense. Making sure you’re covered just makes good financial sense.

Qualifying for Self-Employed Dental Insurance

A variety of individuals who are not covered under a company-sponsored group dental insurance plan may be eligible for self-employed dental insurance. Examples include contractors, independent professionals, commission-based workers, entrepreneurs and more.

If you are new to self-employment, and you previously had group benefits coverage through an employer, you may be eligible for guaranteed dental insurance coverage under some plans. The catch is that you have to apply within 60 days of losing your group insurance benefits plan if prescription drug coverage is important to you.

Benefits of Self-Employed Dental Insurance

When you are self-employed, you have only yourself to count on to get the job done, so you can’t afford to be sidelined by dental problems. Regular check-ups can help you avoid common oral health issues, such as cavities, gingivitis and periodontitis; and they give your dentist an opportunity to identify small problems before they become large ones.

With coverage from a Canada Dental Insurance Plan, you will have access to care that is not covered under your provincial plan, so you can get back to work quickly. And you will only have to pay a portion of the cost associated with your treatment, giving you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have the financial protection you need for both routine and unexpected dental expenses.

Self-Employed Dental Insurance Options

There are many self-employed dental insurance options available in the marketplace today, offering varying levels of coverage, so you can choose the one that fits your lifestyle and your budget. Plans typically provide four different coverage levels, including:

  • Basic coverage for the costs associated with routine maintenance treatments, such as cleanings, exams, X-rays, fillings and more.
  • Comprehensive services for more extensive treatments, such as root canals and periodontal treatment.
  • Major services, including dentures, crowns and bridges. Under many dental insurance plans, these services are not available until you have been insured for several years. Though there are variations among plans, generally major services are not covered until the third year of the plan.
  • Orthodontics, such as braces or some other treatments that are used to straighten a patient’s teeth. Like the major services, orthodontic treatment is not available right away.

If you already have an established relationship with a dentist, speak with him or her about your oral health history and future care needs before settling on a plan.

Selecting a Self-Employed Dental Insurance Plan

If you have never shopped around for dental insurance, finding the right plan can be a challenge. A policy that seems expensive but offers comprehensive coverage can actually be more affordable than a less expensive plan that has high deductibles and copayments. An insurance broker can help you better understand the available options and help you pick the right plan based on your needs.

When you’re ready to choose an individual dental insurance plan, we can help. Contact one of our knowledgeable customer service representatives to get the answers you need to make an informed decision about dental insurance for self-employed individuals.