Do you need to get minor or major dental work done soon? Are you unsure how you’ll be able to handle the expense?
If you don’t currently have dental insurance or if your insurance plan is very limited, it can be tricky to get dental care. Luckily, with the help of a dental savings plan, you can significantly reduce the costs of going to the dentist and get the care you need, when you need it.
However, if you’re unfamiliar with dental savings plans, it may be unclear how they differ from insurance. Below, we’ll tell you everything you need to know.
What Is a Dental Savings Plan?
While a dental insurance plan will help pay for the costs associated with dental care, a savings plan is used for getting discounted rates on dental work. A savings plan provider will have a pre-negotiated deal worked out with your dentist to offer discounted rates and ensure you’re paying less.
Once you join a dental savings plan, you’ll get access to discounted rates that are at least 15 to 50 percent better than what you would pay on your own.
Why Choose a Dental Savings Plan?
While dental insurance can be very beneficial, there are a lot of great reasons to use a savings plan as well. Here are a few of the main benefits.
Discounted Rates
With a dental savings plan, you can quickly get a discount for dental work. While you’ll be paying the full amount with a savings plan, you’ll be paying for the services at a discounted rate.
No Waiting Period
With a dental insurance plan, you’ll typically need to wait between six to 12 months before using coverage for major dental work. With a savings plan, you won’t have to go through this frustrating waiting period.
Coverage Beyond Maximums
If you have a dental insurance plan, there will typically be a limited amount of annual coverage. A savings plan can be helpful if your insurance coverage has already maxed out, but you still have some pressing dental needs.
Who Can Benefit From a Dental Savings Plan?
In certain circumstances, a dental savings plan can be useful for just about anyone. However, some people tend to be most suited for these plans.
Typically, a savings plan will be most helpful for someone who doesn’t have dental insurance or for someone who needs additional dental work beyond what their insurance plan provides. Medicare beneficiaries can also find a savings plan useful, as they won’t be covered for most routine dental services.
One of these discount plans could also be very useful for someone who is between jobs or for a single person who rarely visits the dentist and doesn’t want to pay for a full dental insurance plan.
What Can a Dental Savings Plan Be Used For?
Typically, there are two main types of dental insurance plans.
- Basic: For cleanings and x-rays
- Comprehensive: Covers basic needs along with more extensive work such as route canals, crowns, and bridges
With a dental savings plan, you’ll have an additional way to cover dental needs, both large and small. However, the specifics of a plan you choose will vary in what is provided.
A basic savings plan may provide assistance with common procedures or preventive care. A more comprehensive plan could allow for more extensive dental work such as root canals and crowns.
Final Thoughts
While a dental insurance plan will be enough for a lot of people, you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons carefully to decide whether dental insurance or a dental savings plan will be right for you. Many people will also benefit from using both of these types of plans to ensure they always get the best dental care for the best price.
Looking for help with dental coverage? Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.