It’s important to have dental insurance coverage to keep yourself and your family healthy. However, most people don’t put the same time and consideration into choosing a dental plan as they do for medical insurance.
The first step in finding the right plan is to understand the different components that make up dental insurance policies. In this post, we will define what annual maximums are and why they are important in your search.
What is a dental insurance annual maximum?
Most dental insurance plans have a designated annual maximum—which refers to the total amount your dental insurance policy will pay for dental services on your behalf over the course of the 12-month benefit period.
The average dental annual maximum typically falls between $1,000 and $2,000. Whatever the amount, it will reset at the beginning of each new benefit period.
What counts toward an annual maximum?
Preventive care and diagnostics (cleanings, exams, routine x-rays) may not count toward your annual maximum, but the following do:
- Cavity fillings
- Root canals
- Crowns
- Extractions
- Other surgeries
Speak to your dentist or contact your dental insurance carrier to understand what does and doesn’t contribute toward your maximum.
What happens when you reach your dental plan’s annual maximum?
While a maximum of a couple thousand dollars seems like a lot, dental costs can add up quickly if you require extensive care. For instance, a root canal can reach about $1,000 per tooth, and a single crown can cost anywhere between $750 and $2,000. One or two of these treatments could have you reaching your maximum within just a few months.
Once you’ve reached your annual maximum, you’re responsible for 100% of the cost of any other dental services you receive in that benefit year. So, it’s important to plan accordingly to keep costs down.
What does no annual maximum mean?
It may seem too good to be true, but “no annual maximum” means just that. If you enroll in a dental insurance policy with no annual maximum, there is no limit on what the provider will cover—they will pay out for all care that qualifies based on the details of your plan.
Which dental insurance has the highest annual maximum?
Policy maximums differ between and even within providers, but we’ve got some of the best options below.*
- California Dental Network: Unlimited
- Delta Dental for Everyone: Up to $2,000
- Denali Dental & Vision: up to $6,000
- Renaissance: up to $3,00
- Spirit Dental & Vision: Up to $5,000
*Look through the details of your plan to confirm your annual maximum.
Remember that while a high maximum is desirable, consider other dental care costs that may be involved as you shop for plans, like copays, deductibles, waiting periods and overall coverage.
Find a high annual maximum plan in the Direct Benefits Marketplace
Don’t spend hours finding the right plan with a high annual maximum. With some basic information the click of a button, Direct Benefits shows you the best policies in your area.
Browse our marketplace and get access to quality care for you and your family. Get a quote on directbenefits.com today.