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Dental insurance is a supplemental plan that can help you cover a variety of dental services to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy. But not all plans are created equal, so it’s a good idea to explore all your options. Aflac dental insurance, for instance, comes with enhanced coverage that can help lower your out-of-pocket costs. Here’s a closer look at what dental insurance is, how it works, and the types of plans available.
A dental insurance policy is separate from your primary health insurance plan. As long as you (or your employer) pay your premiums, you’ll receive partial or full coverage for a number of dental services. It’s important to note that the term “full coverage dental insurance” refers to the plan’s ability to help cover a variety of different dental treatments and procedures. It is not meant to imply total coverage.
Many dental insurance plans feature deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, which you’ll have to pay when you receive dental care. Depending on your insurer and coverage, you may have to stay within the company’s network or have the freedom to use out-of-network providers.1
The main types of dental insurance plans include:2
A PPO uses a network of dental providers that offer dental care for an agreed-upon price. You may also receive care from out-of-network providers at a higher cost. Due to their flexibility, PPOs usually come with higher premiums.
With a DHMO, the coverage cost may be lower via a network of dental providers. While some services are completely covered, others might require you to pay a copayment. To get reimbursed, you’ll likely have to stay within the DHMO’s network.
Technically, dental discount plans are not dental insurance policies. Instead, these plans offer discounts at participating providers. You can pay for a variety of treatments at discounted rates, which are outlined by each specific plan.
Dental insurance from Aflac provides coverage for the following types of services:
Preventive and diagnostic services dental insurance covers include routine cleanings, exams and more.
Fillings and non-surgical extractions are a few examples of basic services that an Aflac dental insurance plan covers. These are usually considered simple treatments.
Dental insurance may also offer coverage for major services. These are complex services that typically utilize a dental lab and may be more involved procedures.
In many cases, dental insurance comes with these features:3
A deductible is a minimum amount that will need to be paid before your dental plan provides coverage. If your deductible is $100, for example, you’ll be responsible for the first $100 of your dental care.
The set period of time before you can receive coverage for certain dental services is known as a waiting period. Your waiting period will depend on your plan and can range from a few months to longer than a year.4
Coinsurance is the rate you pay for specific dental services after the insurer covers their portion. If your plan states you have 20% coinsurance for filings, for example, your insurance company will pay 80%, and you'll be responsible for the remaining 20%.
An annual maximum is the maximum amount of money your dental insurance plan will pay toward the cost of dental services in a benefit plan year, which is usually 12 months. It will reset at the start of each plan year.
Reimbursement is a self-funded plan that allows you to visit the dental providers of your choice. You may pay the providers directly and submit a receipt or proof of treatment so you can get reimbursed.5
The cost of dental insurance varies greatly. It’s based on factors such as the insurance company, plan type, and rates for deductibles, coinsurance, and annual maximums. The average cost of premiums for an enhanced dental care plan is $52 per month, while a bare-bones preventive care plan is $26 per month, on average.6
There are many benefits of getting a dental insurance policy. It can help you avoid high out-of-pocket dental care costs. It may also motivate you to prioritize your oral health and keep your teeth in good shape. Additionally, getting individual dental insurance might be necessary if your employer doesn’t offer it and you want to reduce your risk of serious health complications in the future.
Dental insurance can be worth it if you want to spend less to get the oral care you need. With a dental insurance plan, you can receive coverage for treatments from routine cleanings and fillings to crowns and oral surgery. Aflac offers dental insurance with affordable premiums that may fit your budget.
The right dental insurance plan for you depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. If you want access to a wider network of providers and the flexibility to get care from in-network or out-of-network dentists, for instance, you may choose a dental PPO plan. But if you don’t need as much flexibility and are comfortable staying in-network, a DHMO plan may be a less expensive option.
Dental insurance can help make dental care more affordable. Since there are so many plans out there, it's a good idea to compare them and weigh the pros and cons.
Now that you know what dental insurance is and what it covers, you may be wondering where to get a policy. Aflac dental insurance has reasonable premiums and a deductible that decreases over time. Plus, there’s minimal to no waiting period for preventive dental care, and you may have the option to pair your plan with vision or hearing services. Chat with an agent today to learn more about dental insurance and get a quote.
1 Forbes - How Does Dental Insurance Work? Updated December 20, 2023. Accessed June 28, 2024. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/health-insurance/how-does-dental-insurance-work/.
2 American Dental Association – Types of Dental Plans. Accessed June 28, 2024. https://www.ada.org/resources/practice/dental-insurance/dental-plan-overview.
3 Investopedia - How Does Dental Insurance Work? Updated December 15, 2023. Accessed June 28, 2024. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/111715/how-does-dental-insurance-work.asp.
4 The Balance - Dental Insurance Waiting Period. Updated January 10, 2022. Accessed July 18, 2024. https://www.thebalancemoney.com/dental-insurance-waiting-period-2645722.
5 American Dental Association – Types of Dental Plans. Accessed July 18, 2024. https://www.ada.org/en/resources/practice/dental-insurance/dental-plan-overview#:~:text=Direct%20Reimbursement%20(DR%C2%AE)&text=Depending%20on%20the%20plan%2C%20the,of%20the%20dental%20care%20costs..
6 Forbes - How Much Is Dental Insurance? (Coverage and Cost). Updated June 10, 2024. Accessed July 18, 2024. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/health-insurance/dental-insurance-coverage-and-cost/.
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.
Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
A81000 & A82000 series: In Delaware, Policies A81100–A81400. Policies A82100R–A82400R. In Idaho, Policies A81100ID–A81400ID. Policies A82100RID–A82400RID. In Oklahoma, Policies A81100OK–A81400OK. Policies A82100ROK–A82400ROK. In Virginia, Policies A81100VA–A81200VA. Policies A82100RVA–A82400RVA.
Dental, Vision, and Hearing coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (Tier One NAIC 92908).
Dental, Vision and Hearing: In Delaware, Policy T80000. In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. Not available NY or VA. 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.
Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to 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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