Dental insurance

Dental insurance is an policy that provides coverage for eligible dental expenses. Often dental insurances is typically part of a company benefit plan. Many plans offer a tiered model, basic coverage, comprehensive coverage, major services and orthodontic coverage. There may also be a choice between coverage for the individual or for a family. Dental plans come in all shapes and sizes. An informed consumer will spend time reviewing the policy documents to understand the details of the plan, in particular the coverages and the limitations. You shouldn't just accept the default option, it might not be the most suitable for you.

When reviewing your policy there are a few key items that you should make sure you understand. What is covered each year? Is there a deductible? Does the plan have a total dollar limit? How does the plan co-ordinate with any other plan(s) that you may have?

Other considerations are the rules for making changes to the coverage, for example based on life events (marriage or birth of children), what happens in the case of loss of employment (can coverage be continued and for how long). Company plans typically have an annual enrollment period that locks in coverage for one or two years and they often restrict changes between coverages, for example it may only be possible to move one level per enrollment.