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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.
With dental insurance, you’ll pay premiums to an insurer and receive coverage for dental expenses, like exams, cleanings, and filling. 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 dental insurance plan you have, 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 preventive services, basic services, and major services. Here’s how each of these services works: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.
Dental insurance often comes with affordable premiums. The cost of dental insurance can vary based on factors like your age, the state you live in, and the type of policy you get. Aflac offers dental insurance with reasonable premiums that may fit your budget.
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.
Dental insurance can help you save money on dental care costs. Whether you have good oral health or need more complex treatments and services, this type of supplemental insurance can be worth it. Consider your budget and dental care needs when deciding if a dental insurance plan is right for you.
Now that you know how dental insurance works, you may be wondering which type of plan is right for you. Aflac offers affordable coverage. There are no waiting periods for preventive services and the deductible decreases over time. Plus, you can save money if you use in-network providers. Chat with an agent to 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 December 20, 2023. Accessed April 29, 2024. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/health-insurance/how-does-dental-insurance-work/.
2 Investopedia - How Does Dental Insurance Work? Updated December 15, 2023. Accessed April 29, 2024. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/111715/how-does-dental-insurance-work.asp.
Coverage underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Dental 81000: In Delaware, Policies A81100–A81400. In Idaho, Policies A81100ID–A81400ID. In Oklahoma, Policies A81100OK–A81400OK. In Virginia, Policies A81100VA–A81200VA.82000: In Delaware, Policies A82100R–A82400R. In Idaho, Policies A82100RID–A82400RID. In Oklahoma, Policies A82100ROK–A82400ROK. In Virginia, Policies A82100RVA–A82400RVA.
Coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company.
In Delaware, Policy T80000. In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. Dental claims are administered by Aflac Benefits Solutions, Inc. Vision claims are administered by EyeMed Vision Care, LLC. Hearing claims are administered by Nations Hearing. 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. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.
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 state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions.
Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance Company | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
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