Seeing a dentist can be an expensive proposition, but it’s a necessary one for achieving and maintaining good oral health. Dental insurance is a great way to save money in the long-run, as it helps offset the cost of preventive care and treatments. With all the options out there, finding the right dental plan can be daunting and time-consuming. When choosing a plan, consider factors such as coverage level, deductibles, premiums, and provider networks. Make sure you get comprehensive coverage that best suits your needs.
According to the CDC, more than 104 million Americans lack any form of dental insurance. This can have a significant impact on their health and well-being, including putting them at risk for tooth loss due to untreated cavities and other oral diseases. Additionally, many individuals forego necessary dental treatment due to prohibitively expensive medical bills. Without access to preventative care and treatment, these individuals may lose teeth that could otherwise be retained with proper care.
With so many providers and options to choose from, it’s important to understand what coverage is available and how it fits your individual needs. FirstQuote Health can help you navigate these waters by providing personalized recommendations on the best dental insurance options to fit your budget and lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive plan with all the bells and whistles or simply basic protection in case of an emergency, we have you covered.
Delta Dental
Delta Dental is one of the leading dental plans in the United States. It provides members with access to hundreds of thousands of participating dentists across the country and around the world. Delta Dental offers comprehensive coverage that includes preventive care, such as cleanings and check-ups, as well as basic procedures such as fillings and extractions. Delta also offers a variety of specialized services like orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, and more. Additionally, Delta offers plans with various levels of coverage so members can find a plan that suits their needs and budget.
Founded in 1954, Delta Dental began as a small group of dentists in California who pooled their resources to create a network that could provide coverage for their patients. From there, it has grown into a nationwide provider with plans available in all 50 states. Delta Dental prides itself on offering quality care and competitive rates, making it an ideal option for individuals and families looking for dental coverage.
According to A.M. Best, Delta Dental Insurance has a financial strength rating of “A” (Excellent). This is the highest score given by the ratings agency and it reflects Delta’s strong financial position and its ability to pay claims in a timely manner. It also shows that Delta is committed to providing its members with quality services and benefits.
Here’s an overview of two Delta Dental insurance plans:
- DeltaCare USA is Delta Dental's managed care plan that provides coverage for most preventive, basic, and major dental services. This plan allows members to select from a wide range of qualified dentists in their area who agree to a discounted fee schedule.
- The Delta Dental PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plan is also available for those who prefer more flexible options. This type of plan offers members access to a larger network of dentists, but there are typically higher out-of-pocket costs associated with this option compared to the DeltaCare USA plan.
Both plans are great options for individuals and families looking for quality, affordable dental insurance.
Pros of Delta Dental
- Offers coverage for most preventive, basic and major dental services
- Flexible network of dentists available with the PPO plan
- Quality, affordable coverage for individuals and families
- High financial strength rating with A.M. Best
Cons of Delta Dental Insurance
- Limited access to specialists in some areas
- Higher out-of-pocket costs associated with the PPO plan
- Some services may not be covered by either plan
Why Should You Choose Delta Dental?
It is one of the leading providers of dental insurance, offering plans for both individuals and families. With Delta Dental, you can choose from a range of coverage options that include preventive, basic, and major services. Moreover, their PPO plan offers access to a large network of dentists. Additionally, they have a high financial strength rating with A.M. Best and offer quality coverage at an affordable price. With Delta Dental, you can be sure that you are getting the best coverage to fit your needs and budget.
UnitedHealthOne
UnitedHealthOne is a dental insurance provider that offers coverage for individuals and families. The company has an A.M. Best rating of “Excellent” and offers a range of plans to choose from. UnitedHealthOne Dental covers preventive, basic, and major services, making it an ideal option for those looking for comprehensive coverage at an affordable price. Moreover, the provider also offers access to a network of dentists nationwide as well as discounts from participating providers.
Founded in 1977, UnitedHealthOne has grown steadily over the years to become one of the nation’s leading providers of dental coverage. The company offers plans that cover preventive, basic, and major services, as well as access to a nationwide network of dentists. Additionally, it provides discounts from participating providers. With its commitment to offering affordable rates and quality care, UnitedHealthOne has earned an A.M. Best rating of “Excellent” for its financial strength and ability to meet claims obligations.
The starting point for individual deductibles for UnitedHealthOne is $50, and there isn’t a family deductible if you have at least four family members. The provider offers six popular plans:
- Dental Primary: offers primary coverage with a deductible of $50 per person. Each year, the deductible will increase by $5, up to an annual maximum of $500. With each new policy year, the amount of coverage will also increase. For example, the annual maximum benefit increases from $1,000 in the first year to $2,000 in the second year and to $3,000 in subsequent years. Additionally, UnitedHealthOne provides access to a nationwide network of dentists and discounts from participating providers for even more savings on dental care.
- Dental Primary Plus: offers primary coverage with a deductible of $50 per person. Each year, the deductible will increase by $10, up to an annual maximum of $750. With each new policy year, the amount of coverage will also increase. For example, the annual maximum benefit increases from $1,500 in the first year to $2,500 in the second year and to $3,500 in subsequent years. Coverage is also available for preventive services at 100%, basic services at 80%, and major services at 50%. Additionally, UnitedHealthOne provides access to a nationwide network of dentists and discounts from participating providers for even more savings on dental care.
- Dental Essential:Noffer basic coverage with no deductible per person. Coverage is available at a flat rate for preventive services and 80% coverage for basic and major services, up to the annual maximum allowed under the plan. Each year, the amount of the annual maximum benefit will increase by $1,000. Additionally, UnitedHealthOne provides access to a nationwide network of dentists and discounts from participating providers for even more savings on dental care.
- Dental Essential Preferred: Basic and major dental services handled by in-network dentist include a $50 deductible, which then activates a 50-percent plan payment on basic services and a 15-percent plan payment for major services.
- Dental Premier Choice: $50 combined per person deductible on basic and major dental services done by network dentist, copay-free preventative services.
- Dental Premiere Elite: $50 combined deductible for basic and major services, includes an allowance if you choose to use an out-of-network provider.
Pros of UnitedHealthOne
- Nationwide Network of Dentists
- Flat rate for preventive services
- Access to discounts from participating providers
Cons of Delta Dental Insurance
- Limited coverage for major services
- High deductible for primary care plans
- Annual Maximum Benefit increases slowly over time
Why Should You Choose UnitedHealthOne?
Choosing UnitedHealthOne for your dental care offers numerous advantages. With a nationwide network of dentists and access to discounts from participating providers, you can be sure to find the perfect fit for your needs. Additionally, preventive services are covered at a flat rate with no deductible and basic services are covered at 80%. However, there is a high deductible with the Primary Plus plan and the annual maximum benefit increases slowly over time. Nevertheless, UnitedHealthOne is an excellent choice when it comes to quality dental care coverage.
Humana
Humana offers comprehensive dental insurance plans designed to meet a wide range of needs. Whether you’re looking for preventive, major or orthodontic services, Humana has a plan that can help. Plan options vary by state and include both HMO and PPO plans. The plans offer low premiums and access to networks of dentists for added convenience. Benefit amounts are based on the plan chosen and co-pays may apply for certain services. Additionally, Humana offers an online portal which provides easy access to claims information, payment tracking, and other important account details.
Humana has been providing dental insurance to individuals and businesses since 1981. Initially, the company primarily provided individual health insurance to its customers. However, recognizing the importance of dental care in overall wellbeing, Humana began offering dental plans in 1991. Since then, Humana has continued to provide quality coverage at an affordable price. Today Humana’s offerings include a wide range of dental plans such as PPOs, DHMOs and Medicare Advantage Plans. The company also offers group plans for employers and other organizations who want to offer employees access to quality care.
Here’re some of the common Humana dental plans:
- Humana Dental Loyalty Plus: This is a great choice for individuals and families in need of dental coverage. The plan includes an extensive range of services, including routine exams and cleanings, fillings, periodontal treatments, crowns and bridges. The plan also covers major surgeries such as root canals and extractions. Patients have access to the Humana Dental network of over 100,000 dentists across the country. Additionally, the plan offers discounts on orthodontic services such as braces and retainers. Deductibles are low with this plan and patients receive a welcome kit when enrolled in addition to several other benefits.
- Humana Dental Preventative Value: This is an affordable dental plan that focuses on preventive care. This plan covers 100% of the cost for cleanings and exams, as well as 75% of the cost for basic services such as fillings. The plan also includes a range of other services including some major procedures such as crowns and implants. The Humana Dental network provides access to over 100,000 dentists across the country who accept this type of coverage. Patients enrolled in this plan receive a welcome kit in addition to several other benefits, making it an excellent choice for those in need of quality dental care at an affordable price.
- Humana Bright Plus PPO: This is a great choice for those looking for comprehensive dental coverage. This plan includes all of the services offered by Humana Preventative Value, such as routine exams and cleanings, fillings, and some major procedures like crowns and implants. Additionally, it also offers coverage for orthodontic services like braces and retainers. The Humana Dental Network provides access to over 100,000 dentists across the country who accept this type of coverage. Patients enrolled in this plan have access to discounts and incentives as well as several other benefits. Deductibles are reduced with this plan, making it an excellent option for those in need of quality dental care at an affordable price.
- Humana Dental Savings Plus: A great option for those looking for an affordable way to access quality dental care. The plan offers savings of up to 40% on most procedures and preventive care including cleanings, exams, fillings, and some major procedures like crowns and implants. There is no annual maximum with this plan and patients have access to discounts and incentives as well as several other benefits. The Humana Dental Network provides access to over 100,000 dentists across the country who accept this type of coverage. With low deductibles and no waiting periods, Humana Dental Savings Plus is an excellent choice for those looking for quality dental care at a budget-friendly price.
- Humana Complete Dental Plan: An excellent option for those looking for comprehensive dental coverage. This plan includes all of the services offered by Humana Preventative Value, such as routine exams and cleanings, fillings, and some major procedures like crowns and implants. Additionally, it also offers coverage for orthodontic services like braces and retainers. The Humana Dental Network provides access to over 100,000 dentists across the country who accept this type of coverage. Patients enrolled in this plan have access to discounts and incentives as well as several other benefits. Deductibles are reduced with this plan making it an affordable choice for those in need of quality dental care.
Humana Pros & Cons
Humana ProsHumana ConsAccess to over 100,000 dentists with Humana Dental NetworkPremiums may be higher than other plansReduced deductibles in some plansMay not cover all procedures or treatments neededVariety of plan options to choose fromSome services may require pre-authorization from HumanaSavings of up to 40% on procedures and preventive careOut-of-pocket costs may be high for some services
Why Should You Choose Humana?
Humana is an excellent choice for comprehensive dental coverage. Its wide variety of plans offer different levels of coverage to meet the specific needs of each customer. Other benefits of choosing Humana include access to over 100,000 dentists with the Humana Dental Network, reduced deductibles in some plans, savings of up to 40% on various procedures and preventive care, and pre-authorization for certain services. With Humana, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible protection for your teeth and mouth.
Ameritas
Ameritas is one of the leading providers of dental insurance in the United States, serving individuals and companies alike. With a comprehensive network of over 690,000 dentists, Ameritas provides customers with access to a range of services including preventive care, basic restorative procedures, orthodontia, and cosmetic treatments. The company also offers plans that provide incentives for members to maintain healthy dental habits and feature discounts on additional services like vision coverage. Ameritas plans are available for both individuals and businesses, making it an excellent choice for dental insurance coverage.
The company has been providing dental insurance coverage for individuals and businesses alike since 1887. The company’s commitment to quality customer service has led to a long history of satisfied customers and a consistently high rating from AM Best. In addition, Ameritas offers competitive pricing, an extensive network of dentists, and comprehensive plan options that make it one of the most attractive insurance providers in the business. With its customer-focused approach and robust coverage options, Ameritas is an excellent choice for those looking for dental coverage.
Ameritas offers a variety of plans to meet different needs. Here are a few common Ameritas plans, with associated features:
- Ameritas PPO Classic: This plan includes access to one of the largest dental networks, low copays and coinsurance at in-network providers, and coverage for diagnostic and preventive services.
- Ameritas Preventive Plus: This plan covers preventive care expenses as well as basic restorative work, like fillings and extractions.
- Ameritas Dental Essential: The Dental Essential plan provides discounts on major services like crowns and bridges, and cosmetic dentistry services like veneers. It also includes a network of orthodontists for braces.
- Ameritas PPO Premier: The PPO Premier plan provides additional coverage for root canals, periodontics, dentures, implants and more.
Ameritas Pros and Cons
Ameritas ProsAmeritas ConsCompetitive pricingLimited coverage for certain servicesExtensive network of dentistsRestrictive regarding which dentist you can visitComprehensive plan optionsLimited information about discounts available through Ameritas plansExcellent customer serviceLack of coverage for more advanced dental care such as root canals and periodontics
Why Should You Choose Ameritas?
Ameritas is an excellent choice for those looking for reliable and affordable dental coverage. Its competitive pricing, extensive network of dentists, and comprehensive plan options make it an attractive option that is worth considering. In addition, Ameritas has a commitment to quality, excellent customer service, and provides a wide range of features that make it one of the best in the business. With all these benefits in mind, Ameritas is definitely worth considering if you need dental coverage that fits your budget and meets your needs.
Cigna Dental Insurance
Cigna offers dental insurance plans that provide coverage for routine check-ups, preventive care, and major treatments such as braces and crowns. Cigna’s plans are flexible and customizable so that you can choose the coverage that best fits your needs. With Cigna’s dental insurance plans, you also have access to a broader network of dentists and specialists than other providers. This network allows members to find the most convenient dental care provider for their needs. Additionally, it is known for its exceptional customer service and cost savings for members who use in-network dentists. All these benefits make the provider a great choice if you need reliable and affordable dental insurance.
Founded in 1982, Cigna is one of the largest and oldest healthcare insurance providers in the United States. The company is known for providing flexible and reliable plans that meet the needs of customers who require coverage for dental services. Cigna has an A+ rating from AM Best, which is one of the highest ratings given to any insurance provider in the US. By having an A+ rating, customers can be assured that their policy is backed by a financially secure and trusted organization. This gives customers peace of mind knowing that their coverage will not be affected if something unexpected happens.
Cigna offers the following dental plans:
- Cigna Dental 1500: This plan provides coverage for routine, preventive and basic services such as fillings and extractions. Deductible is $50 per person and coinsurance is 20%.
- Cigna Dental 1000: This plan provides coverage for preventive services such as cleanings, as well as some basic services like fillings and root canals. Deductible is $50 per person, coinsurance is 50%.
- Cigna Dental Preventive: This plan specifically provides coverage for preventive care only, including regular check-ups and cleanings. Deductible is $0 per person and coinsurance is 0%.
Cigna Pros and Cons
Cigna ProsCigna ConsWide range of dental plans to choose fromHigh cost of services in some casesGreat customer service and supportLimited access to certain providersSimple and easy enrollment processLimited coverage in certain circumstances
Why Should You Choose Cigna?
Cigna is a great option for those looking for dental coverage. It provides a wide range of plans to choose from, making it easy to find the right one for your needs. The company also has great customer service and support, providing personalized assistance when you need it. Additionally, their enrollment process is simple and straightforward, allowing you to get coverage in no time. Lastly, Cigna makes sure that all its customers are taken care of with their superior coverage options and access to quality providers. For all these reasons, it is an excellent choice for anyone looking for dental insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Dental Insurance?
Dental insurance is a type of medical insurance meant to cover the cost of routine dental care. It helps to offset the cost of preventive care such as check-ups and cleanings, as well as other treatments such as fillings, crowns, root canals, and more. Dental insurance can be obtained through an employer or purchased directly from an insurer. Depending on the plan you choose, it may also provide coverage for orthodontic services and major procedures like bridges or implants. As with any type of insurance, it’s important to read the policy carefully to make sure you understand what is covered and what is not.
What Does Dental Insurance Cover?
Generally, dental insurance covers the cost of preventive care such as routine check-ups and cleanings. It may also cover the cost of other treatments such as fillings, root canals, crowns, bridges, implants, and orthodontic services depending on the plan you choose. Dental insurance may also reimburse for some out-of-pocket expenses incurred from major procedures like tooth extractions or surgeries. Make sure to read your policy carefully so you understand what is covered and what isn’t.
What Doesn’t Dental Insurance Cover?
Dental insurance typically does not cover the cost of cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening, veneers, or any other procedures that are purely for aesthetic purposes. It also does not usually pay for dentures or mandated orthodontic treatments recommended by an orthodontist. Additionally, many dental plans may have limits on how much they will reimburse for more costly treatments like bridges and implants. Make sure to read your policy thoroughly so you can understand what is and isn’t covered.
What’s The Average Cost of Dental Insurance?
The average cost of dental insurance varies depending on your age, the plan you choose, and the state you live in. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $10 to $50 per month for an individual plan. Family plans typically cost more, with prices ranging from $50 to $150 per month. Many employers also offer dental insurance as part of their employee benefits package which may be less expensive than buying a plan individually.
How Much Is A Dental Cleaning Without Insurance?
The price of a dental cleaning without insurance can range anywhere from $75 to $200 depending on the dentist’s office and type of cleaning. A regular dental cleaning usually costs between $75 and $150 while deep cleaning or scaling and root planing can cost as much as $200. It is important to check with your local dentists’ offices to get the most accurate pricing information.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Implants?
Most dental insurance plans will cover part of the cost of a dental implant, usually up to 50%. The amount that is covered depends on your plan and the type of implant. Generally speaking, basic implants are fully covered while more advanced ones are only partially covered. It is important to check with your insurance provider to see what type of coverage you have for dental implants before getting them.
Is Dental Insurance Worth It?
In most cases, dental insurance is worth the cost. As dental care can be expensive, especially without insurance, having a policy in place can help you save money over time. Even though dental insurance policies come with monthly premiums, they often also provide discounts on services like cleanings, fillings, and crowns. Deductibles may also be lower than what you would pay without insurance. Ultimately, it is important to read through your plan details carefully before committing to a policy to ensure that the savings outweigh the cost of premiums.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Most dental insurance plans will cover some of the cost of Invisalign. However, the amount of coverage varies depending on your plan and type of braces. Generally, traditional metal braces are fully covered, while more specialized options like lingual braces and Invisalign may be partially covered or not covered at all. It is important to check with your insurance provider before getting Invisalign to see what type of coverage you have.
Bottom Line
When looking for the best dental insurance, make sure to compare different plans and look for one that fits your budget and meets any special needs. It is also important to check with your insurance provider to see if they offer any discounts or have specific coverage limits. Finally, FirstQuoteHealth can help you find the right plan by providing quotes from top insurers and helping you get covered quickly. With their online tools and customer support team, they make it easy to manage your dental insurance needs.