What’s the best way to save money on important dental care? Plenty of people simply take advantage of their dental insurance plans. However, many uninsured patients may instead sign up for an in-house membership plan offered by their dentist. How do dental insurance and in-house savings plans work? And which option is the right choice for your budget? Your dentist is here to answer these questions in order to help you get the treatment you need without breaking the bank.
How Does Dental Insurance Work?
Under a traditional dental insurance plan, your insurance company will help cover the cost of certain treatments. The coverage provided varies depending on the service; many insurance companies will pay the full cost of preventive care but will only cover 50% of the cost of major dental procedures.
You will need to pay a monthly premium in order to stay enrolled in your dental insurance plan. Additionally, you might be required to meet a deductible before your coverage kicks in.
How Does an In-House Membership Plan Work?
The exact details of an in-house membership plan can vary from practice to practice, but generally speaking, you can expect it to completely cover basic dental care, such as routine checkups and cleanings. On top of that, you will also be able to enjoy discounts on many of the other services that the dentist offers.
In-house membership plans do not come with monthly premiums; you simply need to pay an annual fee. On top of that, there are no deductibles that need to be met, meaning you can take advantage of the discounts offered by the plan right away.
Which Option Is Right for You?
When trying to figure out the answer to this question, it’s important to consider the details. For example, some in-house membership plans will provide discounts for services that typically aren’t covered by dental insurance. Before signing up for any kind of plan, you should make sure that you fully understand what your coverage will look like.
The amount of dental work you need can go a long way toward determining the type of plan that’s right for you. An in-house savings plan is typically better for patients who expect to have very little dental work done since the enrollment fee will usually be more affordable than insurance premiums. On the other hand, if you’re planning on seeing the dentist frequently, you may ultimately save more money with a dental insurance plan.
Remember, you can always speak to your dental team if you have any questions about dental insurance or the practice’s in-house membership plan. Be sure to clear up anything you don’t understand so that you can ultimately make the decision that’s right for both your wallet and your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Ryan Shaffer went to the University of Nebraska Medical Center for his dental degree. He is a proud native of Nebraska and is happy to be able to bring high-quality dentistry to the Lincoln community. His practice, South Ridge Dental, accepts many different insurance plans and offers a convenient, affordable in-house membership plan. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Shaffer, visit his website or call (402) 423-1616.