Finding full coverage dental insurance that fits your needs

Going to the dentist regularly can help you maintain your oral health. Even with routine care, diet, daily habits, and the natural structure of your teeth may lead to wear, tear, and decay. If you need more than just routine checks and cleanings, you may consider full coverage dental insurance.

What is full coverage dental insurance?

The term “full coverage” generally means a plan that will cover basic dental care (like cleanings, screenings, and x-rays) as well as more extensive restorative treatments (like fillings, crowns, and dental implants). Some plans may even consider orthodontics (like braces and retainers) as part of a full coverage dental plan.

The exact definition (and coverage details) will vary for each plan. Luckily, you can find a plan that meets your definition and budget thanks to this variety.

What types of dental insurance networks are there?

Dental insurance comes in three varieties, which are based on networks:

• Dental Maintenance Organizations (DMOs) offer a full range of dental services within a specific network of doctors.
• Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) offer the same services but allow patients to seek services outside of the preferred dentist network.
• Indemnity plans cover all dentists, allowing more freedom of choice.

What does full coverage dental insurance include?

Dental insurance typically follows the “100-80-50” rule, which means that your coverage will pay 100 percent of the cost of routine preventative care, 80 percent for fillings and other basic procedures, and 50 percent for crowns, bridges and other more extensive operations.

You can expect a full coverage dental insurance plan to at least provide benefits towards basic and preventive services, like:

• Teeth cleaning
• X-rays
• Fillings
• Oral health screenings

Your plan may also include extensive treatments like:

• Root canals
• Crowns
• Bridges
• Dental implants

The dental benefits you receive will vary based on your policy’s plan details. Be sure to compare plans with your future dental care needs in mind.

How much does full coverage dental insurance cost?

Dental plans will have “high” or “low” coverage levels. The former means you’ll pay more each month, but less when you use dental services, and the latter means the opposite. The exact price will vary depending on coverage level, benefits, insurance company, and more.

How much does it cover?

Most dental plans have an annual dollar maximum. This is the maximum dollar amount a dental plan will pay toward the cost of dental care within a specific benefit period. These plans will cover you up to a maximum dollar amount, which is determined by the type of policy you select.

Where can you find a full coverage dental plan?

When trying find the best dental insurance for you, HealthMarkets can help you find the full coverage you need with an array of benefit options that provide access to network providers. While it’s impossible to know how many visits to the dentist you’ll make in a year, you can find an affordable dental plan has scheduled coverage for checkups and routine procedures.

How to get the best dental plan for your needs

Contact a licensed insurance agent today at (800) 827-9990 to find a full coverage dental insurance plan that will fit your budget and meet your needs.