Dental Discount Plans Better Than Insurance
Online, May 19, 2010 (Newswire.com) - DENTAL INSURANCE VS. DISCOUNT DENTAL PLANS:
INDIVIDUAL DENTAL INSURANCE:
PRO's:
* The insurance companies will allow you to pay premium monthly
* Will normally cover 100% of your preventative services such as cleanings and 100% of office visits
* Security of using large insurance carriers
CON's:
* Average cost is high at $25 per month for an individual more for smokers
* Deductible that must be met
* Waiting periods
* Annual limits of $1,000 to $1,500 per year (can be a problem since dental services aren't cheap)
* Claim filing are required and prior approval may be required
DENTAL DISCOUNT PLAN
PRO's:
* Cheap: costs on average $10 to $12 per month
* No deductible
* No annual limits.
* Cosmetic surgery discount plans available
* Account can be used within 3 days
* No claim filing and prior approvals
* Security: Major insurance companies offer the plans
CON's:
* Discounts on services slightly lower than dental insurance
* Normally you must pay for the plans in one lump sum annually ($120 or so)
* Does not cover 100% of preventative service
Overall discount dental plans seem to offer offer a better deal. Here is one big dental discount plan plus: Since there are no annual limits involved theoretically one or one's family could save thousands per year. On the other hand dental insurance may be right for you if you mostly go to the dentist for cleanings or check-ups because it may cover those services at 100%. The cost of cleanings versus what you pay for insurance should be considered however.