Dental insurance can help pay for a variety of dental costs to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy. While each plan is different, many of them are designed to cover a portion or all of preventive services, basic services, and major services. Here’s a closer look at what dental insurance is and how it works.
Unless your employer offers free dental insurance, you’ll pay premiums to a dental insurance company and receive coverage for dental expenses, like exams, cleanings, and fillings. Typically, you’ll have to meet a deductible, which is a certain amount of money you must pay out-of-pocket before your plan kicks in and shares these costs.
Depending on the plan, you may be required to visit dentists in-network or have the freedom to receive care from any dentist, including those out-of-network. In addition, there might be a waiting period that requires you to wait six to 12 months before you receive coverage for services other than preventive exams and cleanings.1
In most cases, dental insurance covers three areas of dental care, including preventative services, basic services, and major services:2
Preventive services usually cover routine exams, cleanings, x-rays, and preventive care.
Basic services are simple procedures such as fillings, basic oral care gum treatments, and non-surgical tooth procedures.
Major services tend to be complex and might include oral surgery, and major services.
While every dental insurance plan is unique, many of them have the following features:3
A premium is the amount you pay for your dental insurance, typically on a monthly basis. The average costs of comprehensive and preventive care dental insurance plans are $47 and $26 per month, respectively.1
The out-of-pocket dollar amount you must pay for dental care before your dental insurance company starts to pay is known as a deductible. If you have a $100 annual deductible, for example, you’ll be on the hook for $100 before your insurer kicks in and covers the rest.
Also known as a copayment, a copay is the amount you’ll need to pay before you receive a covered service, even after you meet your deductible. You might have a copay of $20 for a cleaning, for example, and owe this amount when you check in at the dentist.
Coinsurance is the remaining cost you pay for services after you reach your deductible. It’s typically expressed as a percentage and may vary based on the treatment you receive. Coinsurance typically range from 20 to 80% of a procedure.2
Your plan’s annual maximum is the most it will pay toward your dental services within a given year. Although dental plans differ, annual maximums often range from $750 to $2,000.2
If you’re interested in getting an Aflac dental insurance plan, follow these steps:
You can also start the process via phone and call Aflac directly at 1-855-782-5850.
Here are some perks of having a dental insurance policy:
Dental insurance helps lower the out-of-pocket costs every time you go to the dentist. This can help save you from a significant financial burden.
Compared to other types of insurance, dental insurance comes with affordable premiums. You might be able to lock in a plan for a low monthly cost.
You may be more motivated to take care of your oral health if you have dental insurance. Without a plan, you might develop serious complications that cost you more money and headaches in the future.
Aflac offers great dental insurance with affordable coverage. There are no waiting periods for preventative services and the deductible decreases over time. Plus, you can save money if you use in-network providers. Chatting with an agent can help you learn more about Aflac dental insurance and figure out whether it aligns with your financial needs and goals
1 Forbes - How Does Dental Insurance Work? Updated September 16, 2022. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/health-insurance/how-does-dental-insurance-work/. Accessed March 30, 2023.
2 Investopedia - How Does Dental Insurance Work? Updated March 9, 2022. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/111715/how-does-dental-insurance-work.asp. Accessed March 30, 2023.
Aflac insurance coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, coverage underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
For Tier One, coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company.
Dental (81000 series) In Delaware, Policies A81100–A81400. In Idaho, Policies A81100ID–A81400ID. In New York, Policies NY81100–NY81400.In Oklahoma, Policies A81100OK–A81400OK.In Virginia, Policies A81100VA–A81200VA. Dental (82000 series) In Delaware, Policies A82100R–A82400R. In Idaho, Policies A82100RID–A82400RID. In New York, Policies NY82100–NY82400. In Oklahoma, Policies A82100ROK–A82400ROK. In Virginia, Policies A82100RVA–A82400RVA Dental, Vision, Hearing (DVH): Policy Series T80000 - In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK.Not available in New York, Pennsylvania, or Virginia.
This is a brief product overview only. Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to DE, ID, NJ, NM, NY, or VA. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on plan selected. Optional riders are available at an additional cost. The policy has limitations and exclusions that may affect benefits payable. Refer to the policy for complete details, limitations, and exclusions. For costs and complete details of the coverage, please contact your local Aflac agent.
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.
Aflac’s family of insurers include Aflac, Aflac New York, Continental American Insurance Company, and Tier One Insurance Company.
Aflac | WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
Z2300481
EXP 5/24