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Over the years, Canadians have paid more out-of-pocket for healthcare. Dental costs are a big part of this. Without insurance, these expenses can pile up.
Before we let anything get to that point, let’s quickly take a look at why you might need dental coverage in your life:
Preventive Care
- If you're self-employed, you don't get employer benefits. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings help avoid costly problems down the line. Dental insurance often covers these preventive measures, saving you money and keeping your mouth healthy.
- Keeping your oral health in check is also vital after retirement. Dental insurance covers regular check-ups and cleanings, helping you maintain a healthy smile.
Cost Savings
- Dental treatments like fillings and root canals can be expensive. As you age, you might need more dental work. Dental insurance can help reduce these costs, making necessary treatments more affordable.
Emergency Dental Coverage
- Accidents happen, and dental emergencies can be both painful and costly. Dental insurance covers unexpected issues, allowing you to get the care you need without a financial hit. This way, you can focus on your career and life without the fear of sudden expenses.
Overall Health
- Good dental health boosts your overall well-being. Dental issues can lead to other health problems, affecting your productivity and quality of life. Dental insurance helps you stay healthy, letting you work efficiently and live better.
Dental insurance quotes are simply put, estimates of how much a dental insurance plan will cost you. That’s it!
Like life insurance quotes, a dental insurance quote usually includes a detailed breakdown of these costs and coverage details. It helps you compare different dental plans and decide which fits your needs and budget.
They include details about:
- Monthly Premiums: The amount you pay each month for coverage.
- Deductibles: What you pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in.
- Coverage Limits: The maximum amount the insurance will pay for dental services in a year.
- Covered Services: Which dental procedures are covered and to what extent.
- Copays and Coinsurance: Your share of the cost for each visit or service.
To get the best dental insurance quote, you should understand some factors that come into play to determine your monthly rate. Knowing what can increase or decrease the price of your monthly dental coverage can help you determine what rates are best for you:
Age: Your age plays a big role in determining your dental insurance quote. Younger people usually have lower rates because they tend to need less dental work. As you get older, you might need more treatments, which can increase your premiums.
Location: Where you live affects your dental insurance costs. Some areas have higher dental fees, which can increase your insurance rates. For example, dental services might be more expensive in Toronto compared to smaller cities like Halifax.
Type of Plan: Different plans offer different levels of coverage. Basic plans might cover only preventive care, while comprehensive plans cover more procedures. The more benefit maximums, the higher your quote will be.
Dental History: Your past dental health can influence your insurance rates. If you've had a lot of dental work done or have ongoing issues, your premiums might be higher. Insurers look at your dental history to assess risk. The quote provider can ask a few medical questions about your pre-existing conditions.
Note: Smoking history can also have some major impacts on your dental insurance quote.
Deductibles and Copays: The amount you're willing to pay out-of-pocket affects your quote. Plans with lower deductibles and copays usually have higher premiums. If you choose a higher deductible, your monthly cost will be lower.
Coverage Limits: Plans have different coverage limits. This is the dental maximum amount the insurance will pay in a year. Higher coverage limits can increase your yearly maximum, but they offer more financial protection for extensive dental work.
Let's say you have a dental insurance plan with a yearly coverage limit of $1,000. You visit your dentist for a routine check-up and cleaning, which costs $200. Later in the year, you need a root canal that costs $800. Your insurance covers these costs, but you've reached your annual limit. If you need a crown that costs $1,200, you'll have to pay the full amount out-of-pocket because you've already hit your coverage limit for the year. However, if you had chosen a plan with a higher coverage limit, say $2,000 per year, your insurance would cover more of these additional costs.
Now that you have gotten a foundation of what goes into dental insurance, the next step is figuring out how to compare all these quotes companies are offering! It may seem daunting but trust us, it’s easier than it looks.
Here are tips for comparing dental insurance to get the best deal for your needs.
The insurance provider should have access to a nationwide network of dentists. Check what each plan covers. Make sure it includes the services you need, like:
- Preventive Care: Check if the dental benefit plan covers regular check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays.
- Basic Procedures: Look for coverage on fillings, extractions, and periodontal treatments.
- Major Procedures: Ensure coverage for crowns, bridges, dentures, and root canals.
- Emergency Treatments: Confirm that emergency visits and urgent dental care are included.
- Oral Surgery: Verify if the plan covers oral surgeries such as wisdom tooth extraction.
Don't just look at the monthly premium. Just because a policy is expensive does not mean you are getting the most extensive coverage. Pay attention to deductibles, co-pays, and coverage limits. A lower premium might mean higher out-of-pocket costs when you need care. Balance the monthly cost with potential future expenses.
Some plans offer extra perks like orthodontic coverage or discounts on cosmetic dentistry. These can be valuable if you or your family need braces or other special treatments. Each company that offers dental insurance has something about their product that makes it slightly unique. Doing some research can help you determine which policy is most beneficial to you.
Think about your future dental health needs. If you're self-employed or retiring soon, plan for the long term. Ensure the plan you choose will cover potential future treatments as you age.
If you've had extensive dental work before, choose a plan that offers good coverage for treatments you might need again. This can save you money in the long run.
You can get dental insurance quotes from various sources. PolicyMe offers a quick, tech-driven process that provides personalised recommendations in less than 60 seconds. With three plans available, you can find one that fits your budget and health needs.
Additionally, traditional providers like RBC, Manulife, Sun Life, and Canada Life also offer detailed quotes so you can get a better understanding of the products they can offer.
Another way to get quotes is through insurance brokers. Brokers can provide quotes from multiple companies, saving you time and effort.
Many people think dental insurance is out of their budget or simply a coverage they don’t even need. But the reality for most Canadians is that dental insurance is a great way to make sure your finances are put aside for the things that actually matter alot to you, not last-minute dentist trips.
It may seem like a luxurious purchase but there are many affordable plans out there for Canadians. You can find options on PolicyMe that cover basic needs without costing a fortune.
Canadians without dental insurance are three times more likely to skip dental visits due to cost compared to those with insurance.
Dental issues can happen to anyone, and treatment can be expensive. Dental insurance can still be important even if your teeth are healthy now.
It covers preventive care, which helps keep your teeth healthy. Plus, it protects you from unexpected costs if something goes wrong.
Many people think getting a dental insurance quote is a hassle. But it's actually quite easy.
PolicyMe, for example, provides a personalised quote and lets you compare three plans with different levels of comprehensiveness on the same page.
A dental insurance quote calculator is a handy tool to help you find the best plan for your needs.
Here's how it works and why it's useful:
- Quick and Convenient: You can get an estimate with just a few clicks instead of contacting multiple insurance providers or brokers. Most calculators ask for basic information like age, location, and dental history.
- Personalised Results: It takes into account your specific needs and preferences. This helps you see at a glance which plan might be the best fit for your budget and health needs.
- Informed Decisions: It helps you understand what you're getting and how much it will cost. It also helps you avoid overpaying for coverage you don't need or missing out on essential dental insurance benefits.
- Dental insurance helps cover the cost of preventive care, reducing the risk of expensive treatments later.
- Different plans offer various levels of coverage, from basic preventive care to comprehensive services like orthodontics and major procedures.
- Get a personalised dental insurance quote in less than 60 seconds with PolicyMe to find the best plan for you.