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Dental insurance can help you cover a variety of dental services to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy. But not all plans are created equal, so it’s a good idea to explore all your options. Aflac dental insurance, for instance, comes with enhanced coverage that can help lower your out-of-pocket costs. Here’s a closer look at what dental insurance is, how it works, and the types of plans available.
A dental insurance policy is separate from your primary health insurance plan. As long as you (or your employer) pay your premiums, you’ll receive partial or full coverage for a number of dental services. It’s important to note that the term “full coverage dental insurance” refers to the plan’s ability to help cover a variety of different dental treatments and procedures. It is not meant to imply total coverage.
Many dental insurance plans feature deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, which you’ll have to pay when you receive dental care. Depending on your insurer and coverage, you may have to stay within the company’s network or have the freedom to use out-of-network providers.1
The main types of dental insurance plans include:2
A PPO uses a network of dental providers that offer dental care for an agreed-upon price. You may also receive care from out-of-network providers at a higher cost. Due to their flexibility, PPOs usually come with higher premiums.
With a DHMO, you can expect lower-cost coverage via a network of dental providers. While some services are completely covered, others might require you to pay a copayment. To get reimbursed, you’ll likely have to stay within the DHMO’s network.
Technically, dental discount plans aren’t dental insurance policies. Instead, these plans offer discounts at participating providers. You can pay for a variety of treatments at discounted rates, which are outlined by each specific plan.
Dental insurance from Aflac provides coverage for the following types of services:
Preventive and diagnostic services include routine cleanings, exams and lots more.
Fillings and non-surgical extractions are a few examples of basic services that an Aflac dental insurance plan covers. These are usually considered simple treatments.
Major services are complex services that typically utilize a dental lab. This includes more involved procedures.
In many cases, dental insurance comes with these features:3
A deductible is a set dollar amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your dental plan kicks in and provides coverage. If your deductible is $100, for example, you’ll be responsible for the first $100 of your dental care.
The set period of time before you can receive coverage for certain dental services is known as a waiting period. Your waiting period will depend on your plan and can range from a few months to longer than a year.
Coinsurance is the rate you pay for specific dental services after the insurer covers their portion. If your plan states you have 20% coinsurance for filings, for example, your insurance company will pay 80%, and you’ll be on the hook for the remaining 20%.
An annual maximum is the maximum amount of money your dental insurance plan will pay toward the cost of dental services in a benefit plan year, which is usually 12 months. It will reset at the start of each plan year.
Reimbursement is a self-funded plan that allows you to visit the dental providers of your choice1. You may pay the providers directly and submit a receipt or proof of treatment so you can get reimbursed.
The cost of dental insurance varies greatly. It’s based on factors such as the insurance company, plan type, and rates for deductibles, coinsurance, and annual maximums. The average enhanced dental care plan, however, is $47 per month, while a bare-bones preventive care plan is $26 per month, on average.4
There are many benefits of getting a dental insurance policy. It can help you avoid high out-of-pocket dental care costs. It may also motivate you to prioritize your oral health and keep your teeth in good shape. Additionally, getting individual dental insurance might be necessary if your employer doesn’t offer it and you want to reduce your risk of serious health complications in the future.
Dental insurance can make dental care more affordable. Since there are so many plans out there, however, it's a good idea to compare them and weigh the pros and cons.
Aflac offers dental insurance with reasonable premiums and a deductible that decreases over time. Plus, there’s minimal to no waiting period for preventive dental care, and you may have the option to pair your plan with vision or hearing services. Chat with an agent today to learn more about dental insurance and get a quote.
1 Forbes - How Does Dental Insurance Work? Updated September 16, 2022. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/health-insurance/how-does-dental-insurance-work/. Accessed April 28, 2023.
2 American Dental Association – Types of Dental Plans. https://www.ada.org/resources/practice/dental-insurance/dental-plan-overview. Accessed April 28, 2023.
3 Investopedia - How Does Dental Insurance Work? Updated March 9, 2022. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/111715/how-does-dental-insurance-work.asp. Accessed April 28, 2023.
4 Forbes - How Much Is Dental Insurance? (Coverage and Cost). Updated September 23, 2022. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/health-insurance/dental-insurance-coverage-and-cost/. Accessed April 28, 2023.
Coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Dental (81000 series)
In Arkansas, Policies A81100AR–A81400AR. In Delaware, Policies A81100–A81400. In Idaho, Policies A81100ID–A81400ID. In New York, Policies NY81100–NY81400.In Oklahoma, Policies A81100OK–A81400OK.In Oregon, Policies A81100OR–A81400OR.In Pennsylvania, Policies A81100PA–A81400PA.In Texas, Policies A81100TX–A81400TX.In Virginia, Policies A81100VA–A81200VA.Dental (82000 series) In Arkansas, Policies A82100RAR–A82400RAR. In Delaware, Policies A82100R–A82400R. In Idaho, Policies A82100RID–A82400RID. In New York, Policies NY82100–NY82400. In Oklahoma, Policies A82100ROK–A82400ROK. In Oregon, Policies A82100ROR–A82400ROR. In Pennsylvania, Policies A82100RPA–A82400RPAR. In Texas, Policies A82100RTX–A82400RTX. In Virginia, Policies A82100RVA–A82400RVA.
Coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company.
Dental, Vision, Hearing (DVH): Policy Series T80000 - In Arkansas, Policy T80000AR. In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. In Oregon, Policy T80000OR. In Texas, Policy T80000TX.
This is a brief product overview only. Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to DE, ID, NJ, NM, NY or VA. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions. For complete details, including availability and costs, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Content within this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, accounting or medical advice regarding any specific situation. Aflac cannot anticipate all the facts that a particular employer will have to consider in their benefits decision-making process. This article contains a general overview and is not intended to portray any specific benefits or details of Aflac policies.
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