We are told repeatedly throughout our lives that our oral health is a critical part of our overall health. It might surprise you to learn then, that 74 million Americans live without dental insurance. If you’re one of those people, then you’re probably looking for a way to take control of your oral health by buying dental insurance.
If you’ve never purchased insurance on your own, you’re probably wondering how to buy dental insurance. Read on to learn how to do that with this dental insurance guide!
Check with Your Employer
The first place to look for dental insurance is through your employer. Many employers provide it to their employees for a small premium that is automatically deducted from their paycheck.
The downside to signing up for dental insurance through your employer is that you only have one opportunity per year to enroll. You also don’t get to choose the specifics of the plan. If you need something right now or something customized to your needs, then you’ll need to purchase from a private insurance company.
Buy Dental Insurance from a Private Insurer
One of the best aspects of buying dental insurance from a private company is that you can enroll for coverage at any time of the year. These companies have a wide variety of options available, and you can purchase coverage for just yourself or for your entire family.
Spend some time researching the types of coverage available and the number of dentists in your area that accept that insurance. This is a particularly important step for people who have an existing relationship with a dentist that they’d like to keep seeing.
Choose the Specifics of Your Plan
One of the most important steps you need to complete before purchasing dental insurance is to weigh out your coverage options. The first thing you need to know is that, like health insurance, dental insurance has HMO and PPO options.
In general, DHMO plans are less expensive than their DPPO counterparts. The trade-off, however, is that you’ll have to see the dentists in the plan’s network in order for your coverage to apply. Many DHMO plans have a leg up on DPPO plans because they don’t have a waiting period before you’re eligible for certain procedures.
DPPO plans are a popular choice among consumers thanks to their flexibility. With these plans, you’ll have more options for dentists, and you won’t have to select a primary dentist for care. The trade-off on DPPO plans is that they cost more than DHMO plans, and they have a deductible that needs to be met before coverage kicks in.
Learning How to Buy Dental Insurance Is the First Step Toward Better Health!
If you didn’t already know how to buy dental insurance, then following the advice laid out in this guide will help you make informed decisions about your purchase. Spend some time exploring variables in insurance plans like deductibles, copays, and waiting periods. With a little research, you’ll find the perfect dental insurance plan for your needs!
Are you ready to buy dental insurance for yourself and your family? Do you need help with purchasing health insurance for your small business? Contact us today to learn how we can help you with all of your insurance needs!