Dental Insurance Articles

Typical Coverage Exemptions Under Dental Insurance Policies

2010-10-07

Dental insurance quotes follow in form after things such as health and life insurance quotes, and have recently moved to a model in which more and more options are available online, from simply viewing quotes to requesting specific coverages and even applying for coverage itself. This has allowed those who need dental coverage to access it more quickly and reliably, and also to find greater amounts of coverage for their premium dollars. Although dental insurance coverage can be expensive, it is a form of health insurance that is typically not covered under an individual health insurance or employer sponsored health care plan, which means that it must be purchased separately. Even among dental insurance plans, which will often include a range of services, there are certain coverage exemptions that buyers need to be aware of before purchasing a quote.

While every dental insurance plan will differ in scope and price, there are a number of common coverage exemptions that almost all plans will include. Things such as routine exams and a limited number of x-rays will be covered in standard quotes, and these will come with an overall yearly maximum that a provider will not pay more than no matter the circumstances. A common exemption in standard plans is any care that is considered "cosmetic" rather than necessary. Braces are a good example -- if the dentist determines that braces must be used in order to straighten teeth and prevent harm, they would be listed as necessary. However, if a patient simply wanted braces to straighten out a few odd teeth here and there, but was in no danger of serious disease or pain, the procedure would likely be viewed as cosmetic and therefore not be covered.

Similarly, certainly specialty dental work such as certain types of bridges, crowns or dentures may not be covered by dental insurance quotes. While this type of work may be necessary for a patient, the cost is often too high for a provider to reasonably bear, and they will therefore exclude it from their policy. Although it is possible for a consumer to add-on coverage to a dental policy, there are some things that will either be disallowed or so expensive that they would not be worth the increase in premium price.

Although dental insurance can be costly, it plays an essential role in overall physical health, and it must be taken into serious consideration before a dedicated dental plan is rejected. Although certain services will not be covered by a plan, many standard and routine procedures are, and these can help to keep teeth healthy and a patient out of the dentist's chair as long as possible.