Having a dental insurance plan is important, but it can be confusing to choose the right one. There are several factors to take into consideration, including how much you will pay for the plan, what types of coverage you will receive, and what dentists accept the plan.
Basic services are covered
Whether you have an insurance plan or not, it is important to understand the types of services that are covered by your dental insurance. A good place to start is by reading the benefits description.
Usually, your dental insurance will classify your procedures into three different categories: Basic, Major, and Preventive. Each category covers a certain percentage of your dentist’s bill. While the exact percentage of your costs will vary from policy to policy, you can expect your benefits to be generous for diagnostic and preventive services.
Depending on your policy, you may also be able to get coverage for cosmetic treatments such as composite veneers and porcelain veneers. You may be required to pay a modest copayment for these services.
Some plans may also have a waiting period before your benefits are covered. This is an insurer’s way of limiting their financial exposure. Some policies will waive this waiting period for insureds who have had prior dental coverage. In addition, you may be limited to having certain procedures performed every six months.
A basic dental insurance plan will typically cover some basic services, such as cleanings and fillings. These procedures are typically easy, non-surgical, and do not involve a large laboratory expense for the dentist. However, you should verify that your dental insurance will actually cover these services before you sign up.
Exclusions from dental insurance
Whether you’re in the market for new coverage or you’re simply looking to make the best of an existing plan, you should know that Principal offers a multitude of options. In addition to the aforementioned PPO designs, you can opt for a dental health maintenance organization (DHMO) plan or a prepaid design. You’ll also find a number of other benefits such as a mobile app and an annual maximum spend on dental care.
While you’re comparing plans, you should be on the lookout for deductibles, co-pays and other out-of-pocket expenses. This is where the small print comes into play. The best part about the Principal solution is that the company will cover all your pre-existing conditions and will pay up to $2,500 for dental care after you meet your deductible. Moreover, your insurance provider may even allow you to visit your favorite dentist, if you so choose.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to ask your Principal representative about any other perks that you might qualify for. Among them is a mobile app that lets you check in on your dentist’s office, track your dental x-rays, and make appointments, among other things. Plus, you can use this app to recommend and request that your favorite dentist be included in your coverage plan.
Dentists that accept principal dental insurance
Having a Principal dental insurance plan is a good way to get a wide variety of dental services. In addition to saving money on your dental care, these plans may also provide emergency coverage.
While having a dental insurance plan can help you get the care you need, you should not expect to have all your procedures covered. You will need to pay for a portion of the costs if you visit an out-of-network provider. Typically, you will need to make a payment at the time of service. However, you should be able to find a number of in-network providers that will work with your plan.
In-network dentists have a contract with your insurance company. In exchange, they offer pre-negotiated rates for their services. Unlike out-of-network providers, in-network offices will be able to provide you with regular checkups and 100% coverage for preventative care.
In-network dentists will allow you to choose a specific dentist. This can make it easier to find an appropriate dentist. In-network dentists also tend to charge less at the time of service.
There are two main types of dental insurance plans: Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). PPOs provide a wider variety of options for your dental needs, while HMOs restrict you to an in-network network of dentists.
