When you think of dental insurance, you probably think it’s something solely for adults. However, when you have children you need to also consider the best affordable dental insurance for kids as well as an adult plan. Having a child can be expensive under any circumstances and in today’s society there are almost endless ways that children can rack up expenses.
From sports to music lessons to tutors and everything in between, the cost of raising a child is often far higher than many new parents expect. Even when accounting for SCHIP and other government assistance programs, expenses can still add up fast.
Fortunately there are many affordable options available when it comes to dental insurance for kids. The right policy will help lower your child’s out-of-pocket expenses while also providing some protection against future costs.
When you think of dental insurance, you probably think it’s something solely for adults. However, when you have children you need to also consider the best affordable dental insurance for kids as well as an adult plan. Having a child can be expensive under any circumstances and in today’s society there are almost endless ways that children can rack up expenses.
From sports to music lessons to tutors and everything in between, the cost of raising a child is often far higher than many new parents expect. Even when accounting for SCHIP and other government assistance programs, expenses can still add up fast. Fortunately there are many affordable options available when it comes to dental insurance for kids. The right policy will help lower your child’s out-of-pocket expenses while also providing some protection against future costs.
What is Dental Insurance?
Dental insurance is insurance coverage that protects you against the high costs of dental procedures. Generally, dental insurance is offered by an insurance company that contracts with healthcare providers such as dentists, orthodontists, and dental labs.
The dental insurance company pays a portion of your provider’s fee and some plans even cover 100% of the cost for preventive dental care. Most major medical plans don’t cover dental expenses but there are a few exceptions. Some employer-provided medical plans do offer limited dental coverage for children and some cover young adults.
Dental insurance is often a better option for kids than a health insurance policy. While health insurance covers major illnesses and injuries, it doesn’t typically cover dental procedures unless they are deemed absolutely necessary. While some health insurance policies may offer reduced rates for dental care, most dental insurance policies offer a reduced or no fee at all.
Types of Dental Insurance for Kids
There are a few different types of dental insurance policies so it’s important to understand your options. There are two basic types of dental plans: indemnity and managed care. Deductible Plans: These plans feature a $50-$100 annual deductible. Once the deductible is met, the insurance company pays a portion of the remaining expenses. Premium Plans:
These plans have a modest monthly premium of around $30-$50. You will pay this amount each month regardless if your child visits the dentist or not. Copay Plans: These plans feature a low monthly premium of around $10-$20. A copay plan will cover the remainder of medical expenses after your child has met their out-of-pocket maximum amount.
Why You Should Get Dental Coverage for Your Child
No one likes the idea of taking their child to the dentist. However, at some point you must bite the bullet and take them to the dentist for their first checkup. From there you want to make sure that your child gets regular checkups and cleanings to prevent the build-up of tartar. This process can be very easy if you have dental insurance for your child.
Dental coverage is important for several reasons. First, it gives your child confidence in their smile. If they see their dentist regularly they will likely have fewer cavities and other dental issues. Second, it can help with an expensive out-of-pocket expense. Even paying cash for a visit or two to the dentist can really add up over time. Having dental insurance can lower these expenses and ease the financial burden on your budget.
Tips When Shopping for Dental Insurance for Kids
When shopping for dental insurance policies you must understand that dental insurance is not standardized like healthcare insurance. This means that each company can use different terms and conditions for their policies. With this in mind you should review a few key factors when comparing policies from different companies. – Rates: What are the rates for various procedures?
Does the company offer a discount for preventative care? – Deductible: What is the annual deductible amount? Is the deductible per person or per family? – Coverage: Which procedures are covered? What are the company’s exclusions? – Premium: Is the monthly premium affordable given your budget? – Age Limit: What is the age limit for the policy? How does this impact the premium and deductible?
Affordable Dental Plans for Children
This depends entirely on the policy that you choose. However, most affordable dental plans for children are well under $50 per month. This is far lower than most individual dental plans for adults. Adults can also take advantage of dental insurance plans. If you don’t have coverage through your employer you can shop for dental insurance independently.
Your employer may offer dental insurance through a group plan but it’s important to know that this coverage is usually more basic. Group dental insurance policies often cover a very limited set of procedures which are often simple cleanings.
Final Words
As you’ve read above, dental insurance can be an incredibly useful tool. It can provide your child with regular cleanings and checkups while also protecting them from the high costs of future dental procedures. If you are a parent, it’s important to understand the benefits of dental insurance and help your child get the coverage they need.
