Buyers Guide to Individual Dental Insurance

If you're self-employed or work for a company that doesn't provide dental insurance then keep reading. Like doctor bills, dental bills can also be costly for those without insurance, but with an individual dental insurance plan you can cut down on your dental bills and get the dental work you need. Don't let that toothache linger, invest in an individual dental insurance plan today!

When shopping for individual dental insurance, you will find two common types of plans - Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) and Indemnity plans. The DHMO plan is much more affordable, but there is a disadvantage: The DHMO plan requires you to use participating dentists. The DHMO does have an advantage as well: Usually there's no waiting periods. If you really need an affordable plan, and you can handle going to a participating dentist, then the DHMO plan may be right for you. However, if you'd rather pay a little extra for freedom to choose your own dentist, and you don't mind the waiting period for major services, then I would recommend going with the Indemnity plan.

Before making your decision, let's take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of both common types of individual dental insurance plans.

Advantages of the Indemnity plan:

• Freedom to choose your own dentist.
• Your carrier and you will each pay a percentage of the fees you incur.
• A wide variety of plans are available to choose from.

Disadvantages of the Indemnity plan:

• Waiting periods before major and basic services. The waiting period for major services can be as long as 24 months, and for basic services the waiting period can be as long as six months.
• Many Indemnity plans require a yearly deductible (anywhere from $50 and up).
• Indemnity plans usually have minimum and maximum limitations.
• Some Indemnity plans do not include orthodontics.