subject: Key Features You Should Seek In An Affordable Discount Dental Plan [print this page] Affordable discount dental plans allow you to save money on dental care and they are only about one-quarter the cost of traditional dental insurance. In addition, discount dental plans are simple and easy to use. Unlike traditional dental insurance, there are no paperwork hassles to make a claim and there are no lengthy waiting periods for existing dental problems to be covered.
Thanks to affordable discount dental plans, there is no reason to do without protection for your mouth or your wallet. Here are 5 important items to look for if you want dental coverage you can afford from a company you can trust.
1. How long has the company been in business? The discount dental plan industry has grown immensely in recent years. Some organizations see millions of individuals, families, and employers joining discount dental plans, so they create brand new dental plans to get in on the action. This often leads to consumers getting suckered in by promises that the newcomers can't deliver. Be careful. Be certain the discount dental plan you are joining has at least ten years of experience under its belt. The more experience the better!
2. What number of participating dentists does the dental plan have in your area? Another way to tell if the discount dental plan is right for you is the number of nearby dental providers. Again, more is better, as this allows you to be more selective when choosing a network dentist. If you live in a large city, experienced dental plans will typically have a large selection. On the other hand, if you live in a small town or in the countryside, then your selection will be more limited. In this case, you may want to consider dentists within a larger geographical area. After all, once you factor in savings of hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on dental work, then a drive of 25 miles or more may not seem very far.
3. Insist on seeing your savings in writing. Some dental plans provide written discounts on only about 10 to 20 common dental procedures, while promising savings on all others. Dont rely on promises. Instead, be sure of what you are getting. Look for a dental plan that gives you exact discounted fees in writing on at least 100 dental procedures.
4. How much does it cost to join? Most plans insist that you pay on an annual basis, typically less than $100 per year for an individual, and $150 to $200 per year for a full family. A few discount dental plans allow you to join and pay on a more affordable monthly basis.
5. Who are you allowed to cover? Not every household is set up in the traditional nuclear way. Some homes have extended or adopted family members living inside. Joining as a single household unit will save you money. Find out if the dental plan will allow everyone within your household to join as a single family unit.
Don't let the lack of dental insurance scare you into neglecting your teeth. Find an affordable discount dental plan that works for you, and get the dental care you deserve!
