Dental insurance can make it much easier to afford biannual dental checkups and other services that your child needs for a healthy smile. However, you may be worried about your insurance plan’s annual maximum putting a limit on how much coverage is available. The good news, though, is that there are actually some plans that don’t come with this drawback. Here’s what you should know when looking for the right insurance plan to cover your child’s dental needs.
What is an Annual Maximum?
The annual maximum is the total amount that your dental insurance is willing to pay for dental treatments during a given 12-month period. It’s often based on the calendar year, but this can vary depending on which plan you have. Once this amount is exceeded, you will have to pay any remaining dental fees out of your own pocket until the next benefit period.
What are the Best Dental Insurance Plans with No Annual Maximum?
There are a few dental insurance companies that offer plans that don’t come with any annual maximum, which means there’s no upper limit to how much coverage is available for your child’s dental care. These companies include Delta Dental and Physicians Mutual.
Of course, when choosing the dental insurance plan that’s truly best for you, it’s important to consider more than just the annual maximum. For example, there’s also the matter of the premium, which is what you need to pay to receive coverage. Many companies that offer plans with no annual maximums may expect you to pay the entire premium upfront.
Additionally, you will also need to check whether a given plan is an HMO or a PPO. Most plans that lack annual maximums are HMOs, which will only provide coverage if you choose an in-network dental provider. In contrast, a PPO offers you more freedom in selecting a dentist, although this is in exchange for higher premiums.
What Can You Use Dental Insurance to Pay For?
Once you’ve chosen a plan without an annual maximum, it’s important to have a firm grasp on what exactly it can help pay for. You can usually expect dental insurance to provide some level of coverage for:
- Preventive services such as dental checkups and cleanings.
- Minor restorative treatments such as fillings.
- Major restorative treatments such as dental crowns.
- Orthodontic treatments.
Having a firm grasp of the details of your child’s dental insurance is important. If you’re unclear about the specifics of your plan, remember that you can always speak to your pediatric dental team.
About the Author
Dr. Ryne S. Paulson went to Creighton University in Omaha, NE for his dental degree, and he completed a two-year residency in Hawaii. He loves helping kids get the dental care that they need. His practice, Casper Children’s Dental Clinic, is in-network with a number of dental insurance plans such as Delta Dental and also accepts out-of-network plans. To schedule a consultation for your little one with Dr. Paulson, visit his website or call (307) 266-1997.