Why Dental Insurance is a No-Brainer
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Depending on who you talk to, sometimes dental insurance doesn’t get the credit it deserves.
The truth is, dental insurance can save you significantly. Have you ever had unexpected dental bills? If you’re like most people, you’ve either experienced them yourself, or known somebody who has.
Regardless, let’s look at why dental insurance is truly a no-brainer.
I am a Dad. I have a beautiful wife and 2 adventurous teenagers. I need to take them into the dentist to get a checkup complete with cleanings and x-rays. Doing this every 6 months (as it’s recommended) will cost me a national average of $198 per person (from CostHelper.com).
Here’s the math breakdown of my family going to the dentist:
4 people at $198 X 2 times per year (every 6 months) = $1,584.00
Makes sense. But how much is dental insurance that will cover checkups, cleanings and x-rays for no cost or a very small copay?
Here is the math breakdown for that:
A monthly premium for 4 people = $133 monthly X 12 months = $1604.28
So really, there’s only about twenty dollars difference so far…but it’s just the beginning.
What if there is more work that needs to be done? Here is where the no-brainer comes in to play with full force. If, unexpectedly, there’s a need for a filling, root canal, or crown? If I go to a preferred dentist, my fillings are covered and I just pay 30% of the cost after 6 months of being on the plan. If I need a root canal it is covered 50% after I have been on the plan for 12 months.
However, if I don’t have an insurance policy I pay out of pocket 100%, every time. No exceptions.
To recap, buying dental insurance to get checkups, cleanings and x-rays covered is a great thing. But’s just the beginning as crowns, root canals, fillings, extractions, and more can be covered after I have been on the plan for just 6 to 12 months.
It’s likely only a matter of time before you’ll be paying for dental costs. Why not lessen the risk by purchasing a policy today? It may be your best no-brainer move yet.
