Full Coverage Dental Insurance: What to Expect and How to Choose

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Full coverage dental insurance can be a lifesaver for those who prioritize their oral health. On average, a full coverage dental insurance plan can cost between $50 and $150 per month for an individual.

You'll typically expect to pay a small portion of the dental bill out of pocket, known as a copayment, ranging from 10% to 20% of the total cost.

Most plans cover routine cleanings, exams, and X-rays, as well as fillings, crowns, and root canals. Some plans may also cover orthodontic treatments and oral surgery.

What is Full Coverage Dental Insurance?

Full coverage dental insurance covers many common dental procedures, including diagnostic services, preventive dental care, root canals, dental surgery, and emergency dental care.

These plans cover a wide range of services to manage oral health problems and restore function. You'll pay the full insurance premium for each individual on your plan, as well as any required copays when you get care.

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The costs for your coverage will depend on the insurance company and plan you choose. Some plans may have varying premium rates, so it's essential to compare and read coverage details.

Here are some examples of full coverage dental insurance:

  • Delta Dental coverage
  • MetLife coverage

Note: These examples are mentioned in the article as recommended plans to learn about.

Types of Networks

Full coverage dental insurance comes in three main types of networks. These networks determine the level of freedom you have in choosing your dentist.

Dental Maintenance Organizations (DMOs) offer a full range of services within a specific network of doctors, so you'll need to stick with those dentists for maximum coverage.

Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) allow you to seek services outside of the preferred dentist network, but you'll often get discounts for using the contracted dentists.

Here are the main types of networks:

  • DMOs: Full range of services within a specific network
  • PPOs: Discounts for using contracted dentists, with some out-of-network flexibility
  • Indemnity plans: Covers all dentists, giving you the most freedom in choosing your dentist

Types of

Types of networks can be confusing, but let's break it down. Dental insurance networks come in three varieties: DMOs, PPOs, and Indemnity plans.

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DMOs offer a full range of dental services within a specific network of doctors. This means you'll have a set list of dentists to choose from, but you'll likely get better rates since they're part of the network.

PPOs are similar to DMOs, but they allow you to seek services outside of the preferred dentist network. This gives you more flexibility, but you might pay more out of pocket.

Indemnity plans cover all dentists, giving you the most freedom of choice. However, this often comes with higher premiums.

Here's a quick rundown of the main types of networks:

PPO insurance often involves a network of dentists who agree to provide services at a certain cost for policyholders. This can lead to discounts when using contracted dentists.

Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPOs)

EPOs offer reduced fees for policyholders, making dental care more affordable.

In an EPO, a network of participating dentists works together to provide care at a lower cost.

By choosing an EPO, you can save money on dental expenses, which is especially helpful for those with limited budgets.

You'll need to stay within the network of participating dentists to receive the discounted rates offered by EPOs.

Plan Options

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You can find full coverage dental insurance plans through HealthMarkets, which offers an array of benefit options that provide access to network providers.

To get started, contact a licensed insurance agent at (800) 827-9990 to find a plan that fits your budget and meets your needs. This is a great way to explore your options and get personalized recommendations.

Some important things to consider when choosing a plan include estimating your future dental needs, finding a plan that your dentist accepts, and considering your budget and payment preferences. This will help you find a plan that works for you and your family.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Cadillac Insurance Plan

Individual and Family

HealthMarkets can help you find a full coverage dental plan with various benefit options that provide access to network providers.

You can find an affordable dental plan that has scheduled coverage for checkups and routine procedures.

Humana offers dental plans with budget-friendly monthly premiums and low office-visit copays.

View plans and prices available in your area to find the best fit for your needs.

Choosing a Plan

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You can find a full coverage dental plan through HealthMarkets, which offers an array of benefit options that provide access to network providers.

Contact a licensed insurance agent today at (800) 827-9990 to find a full coverage dental insurance plan that will fit your budget and meet your needs.

To choose the best dental insurance plan for you, consider your budget and how much you are comfortable paying. Decide whether you'd prefer to pay monthly premiums, copays at the time of service or discounted fees directly to the dentist.

Estimate your future dental needs, including regular checkups and cleanings, as well as major dental work or oral surgery. This will help you choose a plan that covers the services you may need.

Find a plan that includes your preferred dentist in its provider network. This will ensure that you can continue seeing the dentist you trust.

Here are some key things to consider when choosing a dental plan:

  • Estimate your future dental needs
  • Find a plan your dentist accepts
  • Consider your budget and payment options

By considering these factors, you can find a dental plan that meets your needs and fits your budget.

Plan Options

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If you're looking for a plan that covers cosmetic dentistry, Careington is a great option. It offers a range of dental plans that include cosmetic services like teeth whitening, veneers, and more, starting at just $9 per month.

There are no waiting periods with Careington's plans, so you can access these services as soon as you enroll. This makes it a great choice for those who need cosmetic treatments right away.

Typically, full-coverage dental insurance does not cover cosmetic procedures, so be sure to check your policy for specifics. However, if you're looking for a plan that specifically includes cosmetic dentistry, Careington is worth considering.

Here are some key features of Careington's plans:

  • No annual maximums
  • Discounts of up to 60% for policyholders
  • No waiting periods for cosmetic services

Cover Crowns?

Full coverage dental insurance is expected to cover crowns, but costs can add up - crowns can range from $500 to $2,000 depending on the material used.

If you're considering a full coverage plan, be aware that crown coverage is a key factor in determining what's included.

Plan Options

Dentists Checking a Person's Teeth
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If you're considering full coverage dental insurance, it's essential to know what's covered and what's not.

Most dental insurance plans do not cover orthodontic care, which includes braces.

Full coverage insurance typically refers to standard dental procedures, not orthodontic care.

If a plan does have orthodontic benefits, it may have a lower maximum benefit for orthodontia.

You should also be aware of the lifetime limit on what the plan will contribute toward orthodontic services.

Here are some key aspects of orthodontic coverage to consider:

  • The maximum amount the plan will pay towards braces
  • The waiting period before orthodontic care will be covered
  • The oldest age a dependent child may be in order to qualify for orthodontic coverage
  • Network limitations

No Waiting Period

Some dental plans have a waiting period before you can access more expensive benefits, but if you need immediate dental work, look for plans with no waiting period.

Ameritas offers dental plans with no wait periods, allowing you to access the benefits you need without delay. Their comprehensive plans cover more than 5.7 million customers across 46 states and Washington D.C.

If you choose a plan with no waiting period, you'll have more control over when you receive dental care. This can be especially important if you have a dental emergency.

Ameritas values its loyal customers by rewarding them with tiered benefits, ensuring that if you stay with the company, you are recognized and appreciated for your continued support.

Copay

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Copay is a shared cost of dental treatment that's not fully covered under your policy. You can receive treatment at a discounted rate.

Humana's dental plans offer low office-visit copays, making it more affordable to get the care you need. This is a great option for those on a budget.

The cost of copays will depend on your insurance company and plan. For example, VADIP plans cover many common dental procedures, but the costs will vary based on your chosen plan.

Here's a breakdown of what you can expect to pay:

  • Full insurance premium for each individual on your plan
  • Any required copays when you get care

It's essential to review your plan's coverage details to understand what's covered and what's not. This will help you make informed decisions about your dental care.

Cost and Coverage

Full coverage dental insurance can be a bit confusing, but let's break down the costs and coverage.

The costs for full coverage dental insurance vary widely and depend on many factors, including the number of people in your family, their ages, and whether anyone needs orthodontic care or dentures.

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You'll typically pay a premium, copays, and deductibles, but the costs can add up quickly. A deductible can be as low as $50, but a high deductible can undermine the value of the insurance.

A full coverage plan is generally considered to have a maximum benefit of $2,500 or higher, though some plans may have a lower maximum in the first year of coverage. The maximum annual benefit is often around $1,500, but this can vary.

Most dental plans have an annual dollar maximum, which is the maximum dollar amount the plan will pay toward the cost of dental care. These plans will cover you up to a maximum dollar amount, which is determined by the type of policy you select.

Here's a rough idea of what you might expect to pay for full coverage dental insurance:

  • Average premiums for a 27-year-old non-smoker: $11 to $60 per month
  • Average premiums for a 59-year-old: $25 to $50+ per month
  • Average deductible: $50
  • Maximum benefit: $1,000 to $3,000 per year

Keep in mind that these are just rough estimates, and the actual costs will depend on your specific situation and the insurance provider you choose.

Some full coverage plans may also have out-of-pocket costs, such as copayments or coinsurance fees, which can add up quickly. Be sure to carefully review the plan details and compare prices to find the best option for you.

Finding a Plan

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Contact a licensed insurance agent today at (800) 827-9990 to find a full coverage dental insurance plan that will fit your budget and meet your needs. This is a great way to get personalized advice and find a plan that suits you.

To find an affordable dental insurance plan, consider the plan premiums, copay, coinsurance, and benefit maximum. These costs can vary greatly between plans, so it's essential to compare them carefully. You can also consider a dental discount plan, which is not insurance but offers discounts for services at participating dentists.

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a full-coverage dental plan:

  • Estimate your future dental needs, including regular checkups and cleanings, as well as potential major dental work or oral surgery.
  • Find a plan that your dentist accepts to ensure you can continue seeing them.
  • Consider your budget and how much you are comfortable paying in premiums, copays, or discounted fees directly to the dentist.

Finding a Plan

Finding a plan that fits your needs can be overwhelming, but it's worth the effort. You can find a full coverage dental plan through HealthMarkets, which offers an array of benefit options that provide access to network providers.

Contact a licensed insurance agent today at (800) 827-9990 to find a full coverage dental insurance plan that will fit your budget and meet your needs.

Patient having a Dental Treatment
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To enroll in a VADIP plan, simply choose a Delta Dental or MetLife plan and enroll online. After enrolling, you can manage your plan and benefits online through your insurance provider's website.

When searching for an affordable dental insurance plan, consider the following factors: plan premiums, copay, coinsurance, and benefit maximum. Don't just focus on price – a good dental plan should give you the coverage you need to maintain your dental health.

Here are some essential coverage options to look for:

  • Routine teeth cleanings to prevent costly issues later in life
  • Regular dental exams to detect dental concerns early
  • Dental X-rays to identify potential issues before they become serious problems

If you're considering a dental discount plan, keep in mind that it's not insurance and you'll receive discounts for services at participating dentists, paying the dentist directly for your services at a discounted price.

To choose the best dental insurance plan for you, consider your future dental needs, find a plan your dentist accepts, and consider your budget.

Examples by State

If you're looking for a full coverage dental insurance plan, your state's options are likely to vary. For instance, in Alabama, Renaissance offers the MAX Choice Plus plan.

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In Alaska, Ameritas offers the Dallas Smile Plan, which is also available in Hawaii and Idaho. This plan is not the only one offered by Ameritas, as they also offer the Dallas Smile Plan in Louisiana, Minnesota, and North Dakota.

If you're in Arizona, you can choose from Humana's Extend 2500 plan or Renaissance's MAX Choice Plus plan. Similarly, in California, you have options like California Dental's Plan 595 or Dental Health Services' SmartSmile plan.

In Colorado, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield offers the Essential Choice Incentive plan, which is also available in Connecticut, Georgia, and New Hampshire. This plan is not the only one offered by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, as they also offer the Essential Choice Incentive plan in Nevada, New York, and Wisconsin.

Here's a list of states with multiple plan options:

  • Alabama: Renaissance (MAX Choice Plus), NCD Nationwide (3000 Plan)
  • Arizona: Humana (Extend 2500), Renaissance (MAX Choice Plus)
  • Arkansas: Renaissance (MAX Choice Plus), NCD Nationwide (5000 Plan)
  • California: California Dental (Plan 595), Dental Health Services (SmartSmile)
  • Colorado: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Essential Choice Incentive), NCD Nationwide (5000 Plan)
  • Connecticut: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Essential Choice Incentive), Humana (Extend 5000)
  • Florida: Humana (Extend 2500), Ameritas (Dallas Smile Plan)
  • Georgia: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Essential Choice Incentive), NCD Nationwide (3000 Plan)
  • Hawaii: Renaissance (MAX Choice Plus), Ameritas (Dallas Smile Plan)
  • Idaho: Renaissance (MAX Choice Plus), Humana (Extend 5000)
  • Illinois: Humana (Dental Value Plan C550), NCD Nationwide (5000 Plan)
  • Indiana: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Essential Choice Incentive), NCD Nationwide (3000 Plan)
  • Iowa: Renaissance (MAX Choice Plus), NCD Nationwide (5000 Plan)
  • Kansas: Humana (Extend 2500), Humana (Extend 5000)
  • Kentucky: Humana (Dental Value Plan C550), Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Essential Choice Incentive)
  • Louisiana: Ameritas (Dallas Smile Plan), NCD Nationwide (3000 Plan)
  • Maine: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Essential Choice Incentive), Ameritas (Dallas Smile Plan)
  • Maryland: NCD Nationwide (5000 Plan), Renaissance (MAX Choice Plus)
  • Massachusetts: Ameritas (Dallas Smile Plan), Renaissance (MAX Choice Plus)
  • Michigan: Humana (Extend 2500), Humana (Extend 5000)
  • Minnesota: Ameritas (Dallas Smile Plan), Renaissance (MAX Choice Plus)
  • Mississippi: NCD Nationwide (5000 Plan), NCD Nationwide (3000 Plan)
  • Missouri: Ameritas (Dallas Smile Plan), Humana (Extend 5000)
  • Montana: Delta Dental (Immediate Coverage Plan), (Immediate Coverage Plan lacks implant coverage)
  • Nebraska: Humana (Extend 5000), NCD Nationwide (5000 Plan)
  • Nevada: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Essential Choice Incentive), Ameritas (Dallas Smile Plan)
  • New Hampshire: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Essential Choice Incentive), Ameritas (Dallas Smile Plan)
  • New Jersey: NCD Nationwide (3000 Plan), NCD Nationwide (5000 Plan)
  • New Mexico: Renaissance (MAX Choice Plus), NCD Nationwide (3000 Plan)
  • New York: Anthem BlueCross BlueShield (Essential Choice Incentive), Humana (Extend 2500)
  • North Carolina: Renaissance (MAX Choice Plus), NCD Nationwide (5000 Plan)
  • North Dakota: Ameritas (Dallas Smile Plan), NCD Nationwide (3000 Plan)
  • Ohio: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most dental insurance will cover?

Most dental insurance plans cover 100% of preventive care, including routine cleanings and exams. Basic care typically covers 100% of simple procedures like fillings and extractions.

Does dental insurance cover all expenses?

No, dental insurance typically doesn't cover 100% of expenses, but it does cover a significant portion of costs for preventive care and various procedures. Full coverage plans may include crowns, root canals, and more, but details vary.

How do I know what my dental insurance will cover?

To determine what your dental insurance covers, review your plan's details, which typically follow a 100-80-50 coverage structure. Check your plan documents or contact your provider to confirm specific procedures and services included.

What is the best dental insurance for Florida?

For Florida residents, Florida Blue Dental is a top choice for quick claims processing, while Delta Dental is ideal for cleaning and exams with no waiting periods.

Does dental insurance cover 100%?

No, comprehensive dental insurance does not cover 100% of costs, with deductibles, copays, and coinsurance often still applying. Learn more about what's covered under your plan.

Ann Lueilwitz

Senior Assigning Editor

Ann Lueilwitz is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a proven track record of delivering high-quality content to various publications. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Ann has honed her skills in assigning and editing articles that captivate and inform readers. Ann's expertise spans a range of categories, including Financial Market Analysis, where she has developed a deep understanding of global economic trends and their impact on markets.

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