Dental Insurance and Alternatives  

Learn More about Affordable Dental Plans and Insurance Alternatives   

Get helpful tips on finding an affordable dental insurance plan. Find information about discount dental plans, dental PPOs and HMOs and self employed options online now. 

Learn more dental insurance plans and alternatives to traditional insurance. According to the National Association of Dental Plans, approximately half of the U.S. population doesn’t have individual or family dental insurance. The cost for dental insurance plans can be high- so it’s important to understand all of the options. What to know about dental insurance plans- and available alternatives:

Family and Individual Dental Insurance Plan Basics

Individual dental insurance plans can average about $600 a year. Family dental plans have even higher premiums. Depending upon the dental insurance company chosen, there may be a waiting period for some services. Many companies also have a price jump in the second year that a dental insurance plan s in place. Dental plans provided by an employing company are usually going to be the most affordable option, offering the most comprehensive coverage for the insurance dollar. Quotes for individual and family dental insurance plans are available from companies online and locally through an insurance agent or broker. 

Breaking Down Dental Insurance: HMOs and PPOs  

Dental insurance plans for individuals and families are usually an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) or a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and operate like traditional health insurance organizations. Dental insurance plans from an HMO have a limited pool of dentists that patients can choose from, but it’s less expensive than a PPO, usually less than $150 a year. PPO Dental insurance plans for families and individuals average closer to $400 annually but have a larger network and offer more extensive coverage than the HMO plans. 

Discount Dental Plans Make Visits Affordable for the Self Employed  

Self employed who are looking for an affordable dental plan might enjoy a discount dental plan. A discount dental plan partners with dentists to provide customers with a savings on visits to the dentist’s office. Discount dental plans usually cost less than $200 annually, so they’re affordable for a self employed individual on a budget. The big downside to discount dental plans is that they aren’t licensed like an insurance product. If something goes wrong, the patient isn’t backed by a dental insurance company - they are on their own. Some people might also be eligible for dental insurance through COBRA if they've recently become self employed. COBRA provides comprehensive coverage, but it can be very costly. 

Other Avenues for Discount Dental or Affordable Insurance Plans 

Dentists also have insurance and affordable dental plan options available to patients. Ask the receptionist if they partner with any plans. People who belong to a professional association might also be eligible for another type of discount dental insurance plan. Many associations partner with PPOs to provide their members with discounted dental plans that offer very comprehensive coverage. Dental schools also offer affordable dental services to someone without a plan. Patients often only pay half of what they would pay at a traditional dentist’s office. Dental schools seem to be safe, but also inconvenient, as treatment for one problem may have to be addressed in multiple office visits. 

Many people choose to go without dental insurance or a dental plan. As long as nothing goes seriously wrong, this is a viable option. Dentists will often work on financing plans with people who need extensive work or restoration. A schedule of fees for services without dental insurance should be available from the dentist. 

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