Most people think that dental insurance for individuals is prohibitively expensive - that if you aren't lucky enough to get health insurance through your employer's benefits package, then you're out of luck. Fortunately, that's not the case anymore. In fact, affordable dental insurance is a lot easier to get than you think!
So, how do you find an affordable plan that meets your needs?
Look for these 4 things. All of them will get you a better deal!
1. Discount dental individual insurance
If you're really looking to cut costs - but don't want to have to sacrifice services - get a discount dental individual insurance plan. With these plans, you pay a small annual fee and, in return, get a discount card. With it, you'll get the services you need at reduced rates - like 50% off your cleaning or 40% off your x-rays. You'll have to pay the discounted price yourself, but you only wind up paying for services that you really need.
Even if you want something that offers more coverage than a discount plan, there are plenty of affordable dental insurance options out there. Be willing to look at every traditional and non-traditional opportunity!
2. Dental insurance for individuals that covers all preventative services
If you only head to the dentist one or two times a year for cleanings, x-rays, and other routine stuff, your best bet is to find a plan that covers all of your preventative services. That way, you won't have to pay anything when you head to your next check-up. Sometimes, the premiums for these types of plans can be a little bit higher, but when you figure that all of your routine work is going to be free, it's well worth the expense!
3. Dental insurance for individuals that's a PPO
If given the choice between an HMO and a PPO, opt for the PPO. That way, you can head to a dentist or specialist anytime you want - without having to get a referral from anyone. Not only will it save you time, but it will save you some money, too. If you don't have to go see your regular dentist to get referred to a specialist, you'll save the money you would have spent on a copay!
4. Family dental insurance
Got a wife and kids? They need dental insurance too, so you might as well all hop on one plan! Doing so can actually save you a bundle on your monthly premium payments. That way, you don't just get affordable dental insurance for yourself - you get it for everyone in your house!