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Dental insurance remains a worthwhile investment, not only for your smile but also for your overall health and well-being. However, you may find it challenging to choose the right kind of plan because you are unfamiliar with some of the terms and requirements that are included. For example, you may wonder what a deductible is or how you meet it. You’re not alone, but you are encouraged to keep reading to find out the answer.
What is a Deductible?
An annual deductible is the amount of money you are required to pay out of pocket to your dentist for covered services before your dental insurance company starts to pay its portion.
This dollar amount is reset annually (usually), so you can expect to pay it each time your benefits plan renews in January.
How Does a Deductible Work?
With an individual deductible, your dentist will file a claim for a specific treatment (i.e., dental crown). If you have not yet met your deductible, you will pay this first before your insurance company agrees to pay more. If you have already met the designated amount, you will not need to pay it again. Instead, you can expect your insurance to pay its portion so that you save on any out-of-pocket costs.
An example of how this works is that your dentist recommends a dental crown. The cost is $800. If you haven’t met your deductible, and it is $100 for the year, you will pay that amount to your dentist, leaving your balance at $700.
If your insurance agrees to pay 50% of the cost for dental crowns, you can expect your remaining out-of-pocket expenses to total $350. Overall, you will spend $450 if you need to meet your deductible.
Which Dental Services Count Toward Your Deductible?
Not all dental services count toward your annual deductible. For example, most preventive treatments are not included because they are intended to improve your oral health and are typically covered at 100%.
However, if you need a dental filling, crown, root canal, tooth extraction, dentures, a dental bridge, or any other restorative treatment, you can expect it to count toward your deductible.
Familiarize yourself with the details of dental insurance so that you can make the right choice when choosing the best plans for you and your family’s oral healthcare needs.
About the Author
Dr. John Kuan is the co-founder and lead dentist at Brush Dental. Treating patients and families in Royse City, he gladly welcomes dental insurance plans and is in-network with many companies to help individuals save. At Brush Dental, our team is here to ensure you and your loved ones get the most out of your benefits, and we will be happy to explain the details associated with your plan. Contact us via our website or call (469) 723-4000 to discuss how you can start saving before your next appointment.
