Are dental plans worth buying?
I do not have dental insurance and was wondering if a dental plan is really worth buying or not. I am self employed so not sure on what I should get. I have two teeth that are starting to bother me and would like to see a dentist. However, the few plans I have review does not seem like they are really saving you money when a crown still can cost up to 400 – 500 that does not seem like a big saving to me.
I have looked at a few dental insurance plans but with the waiting periods and cost that too does not seem like I would be saving anything by buying them. So what should I be looking for to help me with my dental cost?
Wednesday, Mar. 10th 2010 11:18 AM at 11:18 am
Well it sounds like you may have been looking at dental PPO or an insurance plan that does not have a dentist network. Therefore, allowing you to choose your own dentist.
Those types of dental plans do generally have long term waiting periods and an yearly dollar max. People that buy those types of plan, are people that want to stay with their dentist and are aware of the plans limitations. It is not that those types of plans are not worth buying. They are designed to be more of a long term plan and are not too helpful for short term use.
You may want to look into a dental HMO or Discount plan. They are good for short term or current needs. They both will help you reduce your dental cost. However you would have to choose a dentist that is in their network of providers.
Wednesday, Mar. 10th 2010 1:19 PM at 1:19 pm
$400.00 – $500.00 crowns how cheep. I just had a $1000.00 put in because I did not have any type of insurance or plan. I would suggest try calling your local dentist office and see how much their crowns cost would range without anything.
Then shop out the different dental plans. By doing that, you will know if you getting the saving you are looking for in a plan.
Wednesday, Mar. 10th 2010 1:32 PM at 1:32 pm
It seems you do not have a clear understanding of dental cost when you do not have any plans in effect. I am not sure what state you are in but where I am a crown will run anywhere from $600-$800 depending on the type of crown you want.
The only way you know your true saving in buying a dental insurance or a dental plan is knowing how much your general dentist in your area charges for their services.
If you do not have a clue of cost then any dollar amount can see high to you. I am not making light of $400 -$500 crowns but it is better then $600 – $800 so therefore in this case getting a plan would still be cheaper then not.