There are many options when it comes to choosing a dental insurance plan. Full coverage may seem self-explanatory, but it’s more complex than you may think.
Continue reading to learn more about what full coverage dental insurance means, what is—and isn’t—covered, how much plans cost and how to find a plan with no waiting period.
What is full coverage dental insurance?
Full coverage dental insurance plans help to lower the costs of a broader set of dental treatments. Where basic insurance policies cover preventive care and partially cover extractions, fillings and other procedures, full coverage helps to further reduce out-of-pocket costs for major care.
What does full coverage dental insurance cover?
Typically, full coverage dental insurance covers:
- Preventive care: Most plans cover services like cleanings and routine x-rays in full.
- Basic care: Fillings, root canals, and extractions
- Major care: Crowns, bridges and oral surgery
- Orthodontic care: Braces, spacers and other teeth aligners may also be partially covered under your plan.
It’s important to review the details of your plan to understand what treatments are covered so you can make informed decisions about your dental care.
What isn’t covered by full coverage dental plans?
Full coverage doesn’t mean every service is covered by your plan. You may be responsible for paying out-of-pocket costs for cosmetic care and elective procedures like:
- Whitening treatments
- Veneers
- Dental implants
- Composite tooth bonding
- Dental inlays and onlays
Your dentist can provide pricing specifics so you know what to expect to pay for these types of treatments.
Can you get full coverage dental insurance with no waiting period?
Most dental plans—from basic to full coverage—provide benefits for preventive care immediately. But it can take months or even a full year before additional coverage kicks in. Fortunately, there are policies available from the Direct Benefits Marketplace that have no waiting periods, meaning you get care you need right away, no matter how extensive the treatment.
How much does full coverage dental insurance cost?
The amount you can expect to pay for dental coverage and care depends on a lot of factors, including where you live and the insurance provider you choose.
- Premium: Your plan’s monthly cost.
- Co-pay: The amount you will pay toward treatment.
- Coinsurance: The percentage of costs you will share with your plan once you’ve met your deductible.
Keep in mind that most plans also have both a deductible and an annual maximum. The deductible is the amount you must pay for treatments before plan coverage steps in. The annual maximum is the amount your plan will cover total each year.
How do I choose an affordable full coverage dental plan?
When browsing full coverage dental plans, make sure you keep these details in mind:
- The dental care you and your dependents need
- Differences in cost and coverage between PPOs, HMOs and other plans
- Costs — not just monthly premiums, but co-pays, deductibles and other price factors
Direct Benefits is your go-to marketplace for finding dental insurance plans in your area that meet your health and budget needs. Run a dental quote today and shop plans easily!