5 Mistakes to Avoid When Getting Dental Insurance Coverage

Dental insurance is coverage that typically helps pay for preventive care and procedures for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Plans are generally straight forward and cost less than traditional health insurance. However, those who know what dental insurance is and how it works may make mistakes that lead to higher out-of-pocket costs and insufficient coverage if they’re not careful. This article reviews five mistakes to avoid when shopping for dental insurance plans.

1).Not understanding coverage details

One of the most common errors people make when looking for dental insurance is not understanding the coverage details. Failing to review the policy closely could cause you to lock yourself into a policy that doesn’t provide what you need. For instance, you might pick a plan assuming it covers preventive, basic, and major services, only to learn later that the coverage for basic and major services isn’t as much as you need. Closely review any policy you’re considering to help ensure it covers the procedures you may need and offers enough coverage to reduce financial strain.

2).Choosing a plan based only on cost

Selecting the plan with the lowest cost may seem like a good idea, especially if you don’t anticipate needing much more than preventive care. However, lower-cost plans tend to cover fewer procedures, offer less coverage on various treatments, or require higher deductibles and copays. Some procedures, like bridges and dentures, can be very costly, meaning you could be put under financial strain if you take the cheapest plan. Fortunately, dental insurance policies tend to be affordable, even for more extensive policies. Therefore, investing in a higher-cost policy may be worth it. 

3).Ignoring waiting periods

Some dental plans have waiting periods for certain procedures. These are usually for more major and complex procedures, such as dental implants or dentures. Coverage does not activate until the waiting period ends. That means you must pay the full cost out-of-pocket if you seek treatment during the waiting period. For example, dental implants may have a 90-day waiting period. You won’t get coverage if you try to get dental implants 30 days after purchasing the policy. Therefore, look closely at waiting periods for any procedures you may need to make sure that the waiting period will end before you may need the procedure.

4).Forgetting to check the provider network

Dental providers usually contract with dental insurance companies to agree to provide plan members with medical care. In exchange, providers offer coverage to members and reimbursement for visiting these providers. This is called a provider network. Seeking providers outside this network could result in drastically higher costs if the insurer has not contracted with that provider. It’s crucial to check any plan’s provider network to ensure your preferred dental providers are within the network, whether or not you currently see that dentist.

5).Overlooking out-of-network benefits

Going in-network tends to be the best and most cost-effective choice. However, some plans may offer out-of-network coverage. For example, they may require you to submit out-of-network care for review and then may reimburse some of the cost. 

Suppose you live in a rural area where dental care is further away, or you travel often and want to make sure you can get affordable emergency dental care. In that case, out-of-network benefits are a key consideration. They can help you recoup some of your out-of-pocket costs, offering extra peace of mind. 

The bottom line 

Shopping for dental insurance requires care and vigilance to avoid making costly mistakes. Avoid selecting a plan simply on cost. Ensure you understand the plan’s coverage, provider network, out-of-network benefits, and any waiting periods. There are plenty of features to consider, but that means you can find a plan that closely fits your needs. Just make sure to avoid the mistakes discussed to find the right plan for you. 

Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, include availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.  

Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.  

In Delaware, Policies A82100R-A82400R, In Idaho, Policies A82100RID-A82400RID, In Oklahoma, Policies A82100ROK-A82400ROK. In Virginia, Policies A82100RVA – A82400RVA.  

Dental, Vision, and Hearing coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (NAIC 92908).  

Dental, Vision and Hearing: In Delaware, Policy T80000, In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. Dental claims are administered by SKYGEN USA, LLC. Vision claims are administered by EyeMed Vision Care, LLC. Hearing claims are administered by Nations Hearing. NOTICE: The coverage offered is not a qualified health plan (QHP) under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and is not required to satisfy essential health benefits mandates of the ACA. The coverage provides limited benefits.  

Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to NJ, NM, NY, VA or VT. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on stat and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definition, limitations and exclusions.  

Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance Company | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999   

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