Choosing the best dental insurance policy

To insure or not to insure (your teeth), that is the question. And if yes is the answer then what is the best dental insurance choice in a market crowded with insurance products?

First, you have to understand that dental insurance and medical insurance are completely different cups of tea, as the factors that determine cost are very different. First, the number of people likely to be afflicted by serious diseases like cardiac problems while large, is much less than people likely to need the attention of a dentist. Almost everybody is going to need dental treatment, especially nowadays when life spans are on the ascendant. Dental problems are rarely life threatening but they undermine the quality of life, both psychologically and physically. Nobody can see your liver or pancreas, but the sparklers (or otherwise) are there for everyone to see, maybe the most visible part of you next to the eyes. Most of us tend to put off or avoid going to the dentist (actually it’s much less painful than proverbs would have us believe) but the benefits really make it worth the trouble.

Many are the clauses in the fine print of dental policies. Let us therefore explore the pitfalls and obstructions on the path, to give us a rationale for choosing the best dental insurance for you or your family.

First, know that dental insurance is never a cover-all. There is an upper limit on the amount that the company is going to pay. This is unlike medical insurance. This is related to the fact that while there are few options and alternatives when life is at stake, there seems to be a wider margin of choice when it comes to the teeth. Insurance is a gamble and the choices are determined by your guesses about what you are likely to need.

Next, what is going to be covered? Dental treatment is usually classified as preventive (like cleaning and examining and may include X-rays), preservative (like fillings, extractions and route canals) and lastly the major procedures like dentures (full or partial) and implants.

Many policies have waiting period clauses and you may need to have contributed your premium for a certain length of time before you become eligible for the major procedures. If you need some have something done soon, like a crown, don’t find yourself in the position of already having got it done before you are eligible for the insurance benefit.

Know about the “missing tooth clause” which is a part of many policies. They won’t pay for the replacement of a tooth that is already missing at the time of purchasing the policy.

In many policies, you can’t choose the doctor of your choice. You will be limited to consulting those who are in a list given by the company, and you have to see whether they suit you. Further, they may not pay you the entire cost of a treatment but only what they consider to be a reasonable norm for such treatment.

This should make it clear that there is no such thing as the very best dental insurance. It depends entirely on your needs, plans and pocket. Certainly you need to study in depth the available options in meticulous detail before concluding the transaction.