Dental Indemnity Insuranceis a dental indemnity plan right for you?Dental indemnity insurance somtimes called full coverage dental insurance, allows you the freedom to choose any dentist. Unlike managed care plans, you are free to use your dental indemnity plan anywhere.
This type of plan also known as traditional or standard dental insurance covers a percentage of your dental expenses and may be subject to deductible. Most indemnity plans pay for 100% of preventative care, 80% of basic care, and 50% of major care.
Advantages of indemnity dental insuranceIt's flexible - you can use it anytime, anywhere.Welcome at any dental office - Dentists love this type of insurance because they are able to provide high quality dental care without considering managed care restrictions and fee schedules. Easier to get an appointment - Because dentists are not paid as well for managed care clients they have to see more patients, PPO or DHMO dental offices tend to be more crowded, you may have an easier time getting an appointment at "indemnity only" offices.
Possible disadvantages of individual dental indemnity insurance
Higher dental fees – Your indemnity dentist has the freedom to set his or her own fees and they could be higher than
fees that are set by an insurance company.
Depending on your treatment needs your out of pocket expense could be more than with other plans. pre authorize major treatment - You may have to ask your dentist to pre authorize or get pre approval from your insurance carrier for major treatment such as crowns or bridges. This can be annoying but at least you will know exactly what will be covered or not covered before hand…no surprises.
Possible restrictions and other fine print: Usual and customary fees - most insurance plans will only cover what they consider to be usual and customary fees which means you may not be reimbursed for the full 50% or 80% of your dental bill. Scheduling - certain procedures such as cleanings and X rays sometimes have to be carefully scheduled 6 months apart. Some plans will not cover preventative care that is done even a day or two before it is due. waiting period for major work - Most plans have a 6 month to one year waiting period for major work. some plans only cover preventative care for the first 6 months to one year. Like any insurance product, dental indemnity insurance should be carefully researched so you can make the best decision based on your dental needs.
Other types of dental insurance include:
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