Dental procedures are expensive – there’s no getting around that. For that reason, dental insurance can be quite a blessing. The key is finding dental insurance that you can afford, and that will allow you to experience large discounts on dental procedures. With a few tips and advice, you can find affordable dental insurance and avoid paying an arm and a leg for the dental work you need (of course your best starting point is our in-depth reviews of the bestdental insurance providers).
Compose a List:
The first thing you should do is create a list of dental insurance companies you might be interested in. This is as easy as researching online and finding the most popular companies. You can also receive recommendations from friends, co-workers or family members. Try to list between 5 and 10 companies that you may want to seek coverage from.
Research the Companies:
Next, research the different companies in order to narrow down your choices. You’ll want to look for important things like available features, tools, costs and co-pay prices. A few things you’ll want to look for include:
- Tools like dentist finder, online enrollment, the ability to track a claim online, and online payment options.
- Customer service options – do they have an FAQ section, email addresses, telephone numbers and online chat options to better serve their customers?
- The amount of information available on their site – the better informed you are, the better able you are to make a great decision.
- Secure site – it’s important that your information is protected as you apply for coverage. A secure site shows that a company cares about their customers’ privacy.
Most dental insurance companies offer $1,000 per year in coverage, which is the maximum amount that can be paid out to dentists. The price of coverage often depends upon the type of plan you choose, and what kinds of procedures you need done. Make notes on your list reflecting those features and costs. If you come across a company that simply isn’t up to par, mark it off of your list.
After you’ve marked several companies off your list, call the ones that are left. Speak with insurance agents and ask any questions that you may have to clarify exactly what kind of coverage you can get. Ask about the dentists’ network. Are you covered no matter which dentist you choose, or will you need to choose a dentist in the plan’s network?
If there are any questions the company’s website didn’t answer, ask those while you’re on the phone with the agent. Look through the plan options on these companies’ websites and compare if possible. This should help you narrow down your choices by a good bit. As you’re speaking with the agents, make notes on your list regarding the different things you’re told.
Make Your Decision:
Use your list and notes as a reference to determine which dental insurance company would be best for you. When you’ve decided, go through the plans to determine which plan would best suit your needs. When you have the information you need, you can find affordable dental insurance easily.