Healthcare Costs are on the Rise
Should You Get Dental Coverage?
Learning some basics about these plans can help you decide.
With healthcare costs constantly on the rise, you may be asking yourself if you really need dental coverage. Should you risk going without and paying for services out-of-pocket, or buy a dental plan?
Here are a few things to consider.
- Dental insurance can help make some procedures more affordable.
Whether or not you have dental insurance, dental care is expensive. Having a dental plan can help lower those costs. You never know when you might crack a tooth, get a cavity or have a dental emergency and get hit with an expense you weren’t planning for. Dental insurance can give you peace of mind knowing you'll have help covering the cost of such emergencies.
2. Dental insurance can cover routine check-ups and other preventive services.
Most dental plans cover oral exams, cleanings and X-rays every year. Getting these preventive services can not only help you have a healthy smile but can also lower your health risks by finding problems before they become serious. Studies have linked poor dental health (such as gum disease or tooth loss) with higher rates of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack or stroke than in people with good dental health.
3. You’re more likely to go to the dentist if you have dental coverage.
According to National Association of Dental Plans, people with dental coverage are more likely to go to the dentist, receive restorative care and have better overall health. Dental coverage is about making sure you get preventive care, reducing your cost in emergencies and maintaining your overall health. In a nutshell, having dental coverage can motivate you to use that coverage, and help you save big at the dentist’s office.
Tip: Get coverage before you have a problem. Be aware that you can’t buy dental insurance and get immediate coverage for non-preventive procedures. There’s usually a six- to 12-month waiting period for major procedures such as root canals or oral surgery.
Get dental coverage through Alight