Individuals and families can receive superior coverage with the following insurance providers for dental care.
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Even though most health insurance policies do not cover it, dental care is vital for maintaining your overall health. The good news is that dental insurance can be more reasonably priced than you anticipate being able to afford it. You can get dental coverage through an individual plan. Your employer might pay for some or all of it as part of your overall benefits package. Either way, you have options. In most cases, dental insurance will pay for preventative procedures such as cleanings and more extensive work such as fillings and crowns.
The best dental insurance plans offer reasonable monthly costs, excellent coverage, and a high level of customer satisfaction. Some dental insurance policies require you to wait a certain amount of time before eligible for full coverage. Still, some plans let you begin receiving benefits right away. The following are a few of the most advantageous choices available for dental insurance.
Our five picks for dental health insurance companies for 2022
- Highly recommended for family plans: UnitedHealthOne Dental Insurance
- Highly recommended for families that are on a budget: Delta Dental Insurance
- Highly recommended for those who are looking for a discount: Humana Dental Insurance
- Highly recommended for nationwide coverage: Cigna Dental Insurance
- Highly recommended for reward programs: Ameritas Dental Insurance
Highly recommended for family plans: UnitedHealthOne Dental Insurance
- Number of policies: 10
- Coverage: Ranging from $1,000 to $3,000
- Number of states where it is available: 43
Why did we go with it?
Because UnitedHealthOne offers family dental plans that are reasonable and easy to access, we decided to go with their dental insurance. AM Best gives UnitedHealthOne an excellent rating, and the company provides clients with ten distinct dental plan options.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- There are 10 distinct package options.
- Affordable rates every month.
Disadvantages
- Some services can require you to wait in line for a while.
- Unacceptable levels of coverage for orthodontics.
UnitedHealthOne – an overview
Individuals and businesses can get dental coverage through UnitedHealthOne's individual and employer plans.
Golden Rule Insurance Company, which underwrites many of UnitedHealthOne's insurance products, has received an "A (Excellent)" rating from AM Best. This rating indicates the financial strength and stability of UnitedHealthOne's products, as Golden Rule Insurance Company provides coverage for UnitedHealthOne's insurance products.
The following is a list of six of United's most popular dental plans, along with the incentives that each one offers:
- Dental Primary: When using a network provider for dental care, there is a deductible of $50 per person for basic procedures. In addition, there is no copayment required for preventive care. After the deductible is met, coverage for basic services increases to fifty percent in the first year, sixty-five percent in the second year, eighty percent in the third year, and every year. The coverage does not extend to primary services. There is a yearly cap of one thousand dollars per individual.
- Dental Primary Plus: The policy has a deductible of $50 per person for the essential services covered under it. There is full coverage for preventative care at no additional cost. After the deductible is met in year one, coverage for essential services is at coverage of fifty percent, then sixty-five percent, and finally eighty percent. The coverage does not extend to primary services. There is a maximum charge of $1,000 each year.
- Dental Essential: This plan has a deductible of $50 per person for essential services when working with a provider from the plan's network. The coverage for preventive services starts at 80 percent and then gradually increases to 90 percent and eventually reaches 100 percent. After meeting the deductible, coverage for essential services equals fifty percent. After that, this jumps up to 65 percent, and eventually, it reaches 80 percent. The coverage does not extend to primary services. Your benefits will be limited to a maximum of $1,000 per year.
- Dental Essential Preferred: When utilizing a provider that is part of the network, there is a deductible of $50 per person for significant services and $50 per person for essential services under this plan. At first, there will be a coverage rate of 80 percent for preventive care, and then it will increase to 90 percent. Eventually, it will reach 100 percent. After meeting the deductible for the first year, fifty percent coverage for essential services. After that, it rises to sixty-five percent, and then eighty percent. After the deductible has been met, coverage for primary services is at 15%. This then climbs to a percentage of fifty percent, and then eventually sixty percent. There is a maximum annual spending limit of $1,000 per individual.
- Dental Premier Choice: This coverage has a combined deductible of $50 per person for both practical and basic dental procedures when received from a provider who is part of the network. When it comes to preventative care, there is no copayment required. After meeting the deductible, coverage for essential services equals fifty percent. After year one, this rises to a 65 percent success rate, and after year two, it reaches an 80 percent success rate. After meeting the deductible, significant services are initially covered at a rate of 10 percent, which then rises to 40 percent and 50 percent. The annual maximum payout under this plan is $1,500.
- Dental Premier Elite: The combined deductible for an individual under this plan is $50. It applies to routine and significant medical care from a non-network physician. After the initial deductible, the coverage will initially cover essential services at 50 percent. Still, this will climb to 65 percent, and ultimately 80 percent. The initial coverage for primary services is 15 percent, after which it will climb to 50 percent and eventually to 60 percent. When it comes to preventative care, there is no copayment required. This policy has a yearly limit of $2,000 for its maximum payout.
Highly recommended for families that are on a budget: Delta Dental Insurance
- Number of policies: 5
- Coverage: Ranging from $500 to $2,500
- Number of states where it is available: 50
Why did we go with it?
Because it offers reasonably priced plans for the entire family, Delta Dental is our top recommendation for financially constrained households. Additionally, Delta Dental provides an HMO dental plan with no yearly maximums or deductibles, making it simpler to pay the necessary coverage.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- HMO plan that does not have any annual maximums or deductibles.
- Costs are reasonable
Disadvantages
- Depending on the plan you have, it may not cover certain operations.
- A waiting period is included with specific plans.
Delta Dental – an overview
Delta Dental is the nation's largest dental coverage provider and maintains a network that includes more than 155,000 dentists now in private practice across the United States.
AM Best has affirmed both the financial strength rating and the issuer credit ratings for the company, which resulted in the assignment of an "A" (Excellent) rating to Delta Dental.
Plans for individuals, groups, and those purchasing insurance via the marketplace established by the Affordable Care Act are all available through Delta Dental. Delta Dental provides programs tailored to meet the needs of families with limited financial resources.
The following is an overview of two different insurance plans offered by Delta Dental:
- DeltaCare USA: This plan is prepaid on an annual basis and includes, among other benefits, no deductible or annual dollar maximums; no copayments or low copayments for most diagnostic and preventive services; coverage for more than 300 procedures, including additional cleanings, bleaching, and tooth whitening; and no exclusions for pre-existing conditions or missing teeth. If you were to enroll, one of the requirements would be to select a primary care dentist from among the chosen providers in the network.
- Delta Dental PPO: This is the company's preferred-provider option scheme. Participants have access to a network of dentists who are willing to charge reduced costs for the procedures covered by the program. The amount paid for covered services is calculated as a percentage of the total fee charged by the dentist. You'll be responsible for a certain proportion of the total cost, and the insurance company will cover the rest. The insurer will vary depending on the plan you choose. Participants in the program might be required to pay a deductible in addition to any additional charges for non-covered services or sums that exceed the yearly maximum.
Highly recommended for those who are looking for a discount: Humana Dental Insurance
- Number of policies: 3+
- Coverage: Ranging from $1,000 to unlimited
- Number of states where it is available: 48
Why did we go with it?
Humana is an excellent choice to consider if you are interested in receiving reductions to the cost of your dental insurance policy. When you utilize a provider who is part of the insurer's network, you are eligible for fee reductions regularly.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- There is no lag time associated with some plans.
- Rebates from service providers who are part of the network.
Disadvantages
- Cost increases for several different plans.
- Exorbitantly high rates of coinsurance
Humana Dental Insurance – an overview
Individuals and groups can obtain dental coverage through Humana, one of the leading dental insurers in the United States and offers dental insurance policies. When subscribers receive dental services from a dentist who is part of a dental network, they are eligible to save anywhere from 10 percent to 60 percent, according to the information provided on the company's website.
The following dental plans are offered, and each one comes with the features listed below:
- Dental Loyalty Plus: The ability to visit any dentist, regardless of whether or not they are a provider or non-provider under the network. Complete coverage for preventive care services. One-time deductible. There is no pause for waiting. The maximum yearly benefit is $1,000 the first year, increasing to $1,250 the second year and $1,500 the third year and every year after that. The coinsurance rates vary depending on the operation. Your share of the costs will become a smaller percentage of the total after the first and second years of having the plan.
- Dental Preventative Value: After the deductible is met, there is complete coverage for preventive care services. The coverage excludes significant services. After the deductible is met, coverage for certain fundamental services is at fifty percent. The individual deductible is $50, and the maximum lifetime deductible is $150. There is no required waiting time and no maximum benefit amount.
- Bright Plus PPO: Individuals are given a deductible of $50, while families are given a deductible of $150. The maximum allowed for the year is $1,250. All of the costs associated with preventative care are going to be covered. The vast majority of other services are not covered by the insurance, except for fillings and essential extractions, which are reimbursed at sixty percent once the deductible has been met.
- Dental Savings Plus: It is important to note that this savings program is not a replacement for traditional dental insurance. You can save up to 40 percent on preventive services by using these savings. Charge reductions for major and minor services rendered by in-network medical professionals. Not even a deductible! No deductibles. There is no pause for waiting. There is no limit on the number of services that may be utilized during any given year, up to a twenty percent savings on orthodontic treatments. The majority of prescriptions are offered at a discount of 37%.
- Complete Dental: The plan provides full reimbursement for all necessary preventative care services. Essential services are covered at 80 percent after the deductible (some limitations apply). In comparison, significant services are covered at 50 percent after the deductible (some limitations apply). The waiting time for preventative treatment is not required. If you can provide documentation of prior dental insurance, Humana will remove the waiting period for basic and primary services.
Highly recommended for nationwide coverage: Cigna Dental Insurance
- Number of policies: 3
- Coverage: Ranges from $1,000 to $1,500
- Number of states where it is available:49
Why did we go with it?
Because it offers low prices across its whole country-wide network of dentists, Cigna Dental is an excellent option for people who are frequently on the move.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- Large dental provider network
Disadvantages
- There is a limited selection of plans available in each state.
- Costs are more expensive for some procedures.
Cigna Dental Insurance – an overview
Through its extensive network of more than 93,000 dentists, Cigna offers three distinct dental plan alternatives to its customers. Cigna's dental network covers the entire country, so you can still get the dental care you need through the company even if you're out of town.
AM Best has awarded Cigna with an "A (Excellent)" grade, which indicates that the company possesses robust financial strength.
The following is a list of individual insurance policies offered by Cigna Dental:
- Cigna Dental 1500: Preventative services provided in-network, which cost nothing. Individuals are responsible for a deductible of $50, while families are responsible for a deductible of $150. After meeting the deductible and paying the coinsurance, coverage for restorative therapies is up to $1,500 per year. Coverage for orthodontic treatment is available for up to $1,000.
- Cigna Dental 1000: Preventative services provided in-network, which cost nothing. After meeting the deductible and paying the coinsurance, the policy may reimburse up to $1,000 annually for rehabilitative therapies. Individuals are responsible for a deductible of $50, while families are responsible for a deductible of $150. There is no coverage for orthodontic care.
- Cigna Dental Preventive: Preventative services are provided in-network, which cost nothing. There is no coverage provided for rehabilitative services. There are no deductibles for individuals or families to worry about. There is no coverage for orthodontic treatment.
Highly recommended for reward programs: Ameritas Dental Insurance
- Number of policies: 3
- Coverage: Ranges from $750 to $2,500
- Number of states where it is available: 50
Why did we go with it?
When it comes to an insurance plan for dental care that includes a rewards program, our top recommendation is Ameritas. Participants can raise their yearly maximum reward by going to the dentist every year and keeping their appointments.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- The opportunity to accumulate incentives and boost the maximum benefit received.
- All of the costs associated with preventive care are taken care of.
Disadvantages
- Insufficient coverage for orthodontics.
In insurance, Ameritas is widely recognized as one of the most reputable companies offering dental insurance. In addition, Ameritas provides its enrollees with a Dental Rewards program. Participants in this program have the opportunity to increase their annual maximum benefit, which you can then use to assist in the payment of more expensive procedures in the future. This is accomplished by seeing a dental provider annually and submitting a claim.
AM Best has given the company an "A" rating, which denotes excellent performance. In contrast, Standard & Poor's has given it an "A+" grade, indicating strong performance.
The following is a list of benefits that are included as standard with every Ameritas dental plan:
- All of the costs associated with preventive care are taken care of by the new network providers.
- The standard prices that network providers charge customers are discounted by between 25 and 50 percent.
- Participants are free to see dentists who are not part of their plan's network.
- The Dental Rewards program is included in all of the plans.
- Participants can receive discounts on their medicines at any of the more than 60,000 pharmacies members of the participating network.
The final ruling:
Because dental care plays a crucial role in overall health, having a good dental insurance plan is essential for maintaining good oral health. The best dental insurance policies have very brief waiting periods, reasonable monthly costs, and comprehensive coverage that extends to routine dental care and more extensive dental work. UnitedHealthOne is the company that we recommend most highly for dental insurance.
UnitedHealthOne provides dental insurance coverage for the whole family at competitive prices with other providers. Ten different dental plans offering differing degrees of coverage are available for patients to select from. In addition, AM Best gave UnitedHealthOne an A grade for financial stability, which indicates that the company will be able to pay the costs associated with your claim whenever you submit it.
Comparing all our top picks:
COMPANY
|
CATEGORY
|
NUMBER OF POLICIES
|
PROVIDERS IN NETWORK
|
COVERAGE
|
WAITING PERIOD
|
NUMBER OF STATES WHERE IT IS AVAILABLE
|
| UnitedHealthOne |
For family plans |
10 |
100,000 |
$1,000 to $3,000 |
Varies |
43 |
| Delta Dental |
For families that are on a budget |
5 |
155,000 |
$500 to $2,500 |
Varies |
50 |
| Humana |
For those looking for a discount |
3+ |
270,000 |
$1,000 to Unlimited |
Varies |
48 |
| Cigna |
For nationwide coverage |
3 |
93,000 |
$1,000 to $1,500 |
Varies |
49 |
| Ameritas |
For reward programs |
3 |
Unknown |
$750 to $2,500 |
Varies |
50 |
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
What kinds of expenses are covered by dental insurance?
Most dental procedures, such as teeth cleanings, preventative care, crowns, and fillings, are covered by dental insurance. Some dental insurance policies may also cover a percentage of orthodontics, periodontics, and prosthodontics. Most dental insurance plans do not include coverage for aesthetic dental procedures like teeth whitening.
How much does it cost to get dental insurance?
Deductibles can be as low as $50. However, there may be an annual maximum on the number of treatments the insurance policy pays, such as $1,000 or $1,500. You may also be obliged to stay within a network or face the possibility of paying higher prices for providers who are not part of the network.
Compared to acquiring dental insurance on your own, having an employer that provides coverage for dental expenses as part of its benefits package is typically more cost-effective. A monthly premium is required, similar to that of health insurance. A deductible must be satisfied before the insurance provider will pay for any of your services.
Does the cost of dental insurance justify its value?
Most of the time, dental insurance will only cover a part of the procedures and preventive care that you require. You might be better off paying out of pocket for annual examinations and cleanings but nothing else if that's all you need. On the other hand, much like with health insurance, if you need an unforeseen surgery like a root canal, your savings could be rather significant.
How do we determine what the best options are for you?
When developing this list of dental insurance providers, we considered several aspects. We sought businesses that provided customers with varied plan alternatives to pick from. We chose insurance companies with solid ratings for their financial stability and ability to satisfy their customers. We sought plans that had affordable premiums and excellent coverage options for a wide range of essential and preventative medical procedures.
