Dental insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides coverage for dental care services, including preventive care, basic and major restorative procedures, and orthodontic treatment. Dental insurance policies may be offered by employers, purchased individually, or included as part of a health insurance plan.
Key features of dental insurance include:
• Coverage for preventive care: Most dental insurance policies cover routine dental check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays.
• Coverage for basic and major restorative procedures: Dental insurance may also cover basic procedures such as fillings and extractions, as well as major procedures such as root canals, crowns, and bridges.
• Orthodontic coverage: Some dental insurance policies may also cover orthodontic treatment, such as braces or Invisalign.
• Deductibles and copayments: Dental insurance policies often have deductibles and copayments, which are the amounts the policyholder is responsible for paying out-of-pocket before insurance coverage kicks in.
• Annual maximums: Dental insurance policies may also have annual maximums, which are the highest amount that the insurance company will pay for dental services in a given year.
• Network providers: Many dental insurance policies have a network of providers that offer services at a discounted rate. Policyholders may be required to see network providers in order to receive coverage.
• Waiting periods: Some dental insurance policies may have waiting periods before coverage for certain services begins.
For example, a dental insurance policy may cover two routine dental check-ups per year, along with coverage for basic restorative procedures such as fillings and extractions, and orthodontic treatment. The policy may have a $50 deductible and a 20% copayment for covered services, with an annual maximum of $1,500. The policy may also require policyholders to see network providers for coverage and have a waiting period of six months before orthodontic coverage begins.