Among Friends

[spumoni99]

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@jlkz wrote:

@bargainsgirl @Desertdi 

I Understand the implant issue; however, all it takes is one fall or one car accident ( Lord forbid ) to make dental insurance worth it.

Some insurance does pay for 50% of an implant up to a certain $ amount.  

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@jlkzI would think auto insurance would cover if you had dental damage from a car accident?

[Mary Bailey]

@Sunshine Kate    I process dental claims.

Check for exclusions, check for frequency limits and if there is a waiting period. Is there a yearly max? Is there a lifetime max? You get best benefits when you see a dentist in network.  PPO is better than HMO.

Let me know if I left something out.

[Tinkrbl44]

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@Sunshine Kate wrote:

For those that have dental insurance, do you think it pays to have it?

I'm thinking of applying for it, but not sure it's really worth it.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

TIA

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@Sunshine Kate 

Personally, I think it's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. 

Dental insurance is a safety net. 

Some years you'll use it all, other years, not so much.

I always compare it to auto insurance ....

When your renewal comes, do you get mad because you didn't have a car accident and didn't get to use it during the past year?

That's my two cents on the subject.     

[Mz iMac]

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@Mary Bailey wrote:

   I process dental claims.

 PPO is better than HMO.

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@Mary Bailey  Don't leave us hanging.  Please clarify.

[Mary Bailey]

@Mz iMac     PPO usually has the biggest discounts & usually does not need a referral to see a specialist. Usually can also see dentists that are not in network. Usually has a maximum amount that it pays out. Usually a lot of freedom.  

HMO usually have to pick a specific dentist and only go to that dentist.  Must have a referral to see a specialist even if in the same office. Usually does not have a maximum to pay out.  Premiums are usually lower than PPO.

Now seeing the word "usually" reminds me to give examples of some exclusions. 

I've seen plans that don't cover anesthesia (even for multiple surgical extractions) unless there is specific medical condition; 

or only dentists that are in-network are covered;

or out-of-country claims are only covered if it is a dental emergency,

or missing tooth clause (must have extraction while on plan for bridge, partial, implant to be covered). 

or occlusal guards only covered for specific conditions.   

Exclusions can be anything at all. I've seen plans that have many and plans that have none.

[Imaoldhippie]

@Sunshine Kate ............Yes it is well worth it.  I have it and have had quite extensive necessary work done and my insuranced saved me a ton of money.  I am having more work done after the new year and my insurance will save me money again.