Even though the mouth is an integral part of the body, dental care isn’t typically covered under your health insurance policy. You need a separate dental insurance policy to cover the costs of regular oral care or you can opt to pay out of pocket.
However, shopping around for dental insurance may feel confusing or overwhelming. Browse through these frequently asked questions about Berkeley dental insurance to become more familiar with dental insurance and everything it involves.
Why is Dental Insurance a Good Idea?
Even if you have health insurance, your dental services aren’t covered under that plan. Dental insurance is a separate form of coverage that can make it easier to afford professional oral care.
Your oral health is closely connected to your overall health. If you skip regular dental appointments or don’t receive care for existing dental problems, serious complications may occur. In fact, dental disease is linked to cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, diabetes, and other critical issues.
Dental insurance can make it possible to receive regular dental care at a lower cost than paying out-of-pocket. Most insurance plans cover the full cost of check-ups every six months, plus a portion of the cost of important procedures like crowns and root canals. Feel free to call your dentist and ask them any questions you may have.
How Does Dental Insurance Work?
Dental insurance works just like health insurance. You pay a certain amount every month, called a premium, to purchase your insurance plan. That plan defines a specific deductible, which is the amount of money you must pay out-of-pocket for services before the insurance company starts covering costs.
Depending on your dental insurance plan, you may be responsible for copays. A copay is a fixed cost for a certain service, like a dental cleaning or x-ray. You pay a certain portion, say $20, and your insurance carrier covers the rest.
What Are the Limits to Dental Insurance?
Most dental insurance plans cover the treatments and procedures required for essential care. This often includes cleanings, exams, x-rays, fillings, extractions, and root canals. The specific services covered in your policy will be outlined by your insurance carrier.
It’s also important to identify your plan’s annual maximum. A maximum is the most your insurance will cover in a calendar year. Most plans range from $1,000 to $3,000 maximum per year. Since every plan is different, be sure to read the fine print and ask your dentist in Berkeley for advice if you’re unsure.
The team at Berkeley Hills Dentistry is now accepting new patients for dental exams, cosmetic dentistry, dental crowns and more. Call us to learn more, ask us questions about the dental insurances we are in network with and schedule your first appointment.