Having dental insurance coverage is essential for maintaining optimum dental health. While this is a benefit enjoyed by employees along with health insurance, self employed individuals or retired individual have to avail of this proactively. Individual dental insurance provides coverage for dental procedures to individuals or families who are not covered by group dental insurance.
Individual dental insurance refers to any dental plan acquired directly from a dental insurance provider. Individual dental insurance lets you enjoy all the benefits of having dental coverage similar to all those provided through group dental insurance.
Candidates for Individual Dental Insurance
People who are not covered by group dental insurance are all good candidates for individual dental insurance.
- Self-employed
- Family members not covered by group insurance
- Retirees
Group versus Individual Dental Insurance
One major advantage of group over individual dental insurance is that it is relatively cheaper. Because the risk is shared or insurance is bought by a group, discounts are available. However, because group insurance is purchased by an employer, individuals might not have the same flexibility of choosing their plan or coverage.
Dental coverage and your Age
The amount of dental coverage needed is an important factor to consider when choosing individual dental insurance. And age groups have different needs when it comes to dental coverage.
Children to adolescents
People within this age range are usually in the top of their dental health and have less oral health concerns. Individual dental insurance for children to adolescents usually cover preventive and basic treatments. Focus on individual dental insurance that promotes prevention such as routine checkups and good oral habits.
Orthodontic coverage which is not always included in basic dental plans should also be included. However, this only comes as an option and could mean higher premiums. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children should visit a dentist within 6 months of having their first tooth or not later than their first birthday.
Young adults to late adulthood
People in this age range tend to focus on restorative procedures that include replacement fillings, root canals and crown treatments. Wear and tear might have taken its toll even for those who consistently visit their dentist. Be sure that your individual dental insurance covers both preventive and basic treatments while having ample coverage for major services. Because you are expecting more treatments, be sure that your plan has a higher annual maximum ceiling to accommodate bigger expenses.
Middle age to senior years
Upon retirement or during our senior years, expect more chronic dental conditions. Body changes associated to aging could have a direct effect on your dental health. Bone loss or poor absorption of calcium will have a direct effect on your teeth. Individual dental plans that focus on helping manage expenses for complicated medical conditions should be considered.