Dental insurance plans are like guardians for your smile, ensuring that you can keep your pearly whites healthy without breaking the bank. These plans typically cover a range of dental services, from routine cleanings and check-ups to more complex procedures like fillings and root canals.
By paying a monthly premium, you gain access to a network of dentists who offer discounted rates for their services. This makes it easier and more affordable to maintain your oral health. Whether you’re dealing with a cavity or just need a regular dental exam, having dental insurance gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you can take care of your teeth without worrying about the cost.
Dental insurance plans come in various flavors, each tailored to meet different needs and preferences. Some plans focus on preventive care, covering routine cleanings, exams, and X-rays at little to no cost. While others offer more comprehensive coverage, including restorative procedures like fillings, root canals, and crowns.
For those seeking flexibility, there are also indemnity plans that allow you to visit any dentist you choose, while managed care plans like PPOs and HMOs offer a network of dentists to choose from and varying levels of coverage. No matter your dental needs or budget, there’s likely a dental insurance plan out there to help keep your smile bright and healthy.
7 Companies that offer the Best Dental Insurance Plans
Meanwhile, if you want to purchase dental insurance by yourself, we make it very simple to find the best and cheapest plan. Below are some of the top insurance companies that offer the best dental insurance plans:
Delta Dental
Delta Dental, the largest dental insurer in the U.S. Provides comprehensive coverage across all states, Puerto Rico, and other territories through its 39 independent dental insurance companies. With a vast network of over 150,000 dentists nationwide, Delta Dental serves more than 80 million customers.
Their offerings include HMO and PPO plans, along with managed fee-for-service and discount options. Pros of Delta Dental include its extensive provider network, discounted fee options, high ratings, and strong financial standing. However, some drawbacks include low maximum benefits and limited coverage for orthodontic care.
Anthem
Anthem, a major insurance provider in the U.S., covers 42 million people across 14 states. With various dental insurance plans to choose from, members can access helpful resources and digital tools. As part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Anthem boasts one of the largest dental provider networks nationwide.
However, its plans may lack customization options, and availability is limited in certain areas. While Anthem is suitable for standard coverage needs and offers bundling options with health and vision policies, it may not be ideal for personalized coverage or small businesses. Additionally, the company faced a data breach hack in 2015, affecting millions of members.
Guardian
Guardian has a big team of over 120,000 dentists. With the Guardian Diamond dental insurance plan, you get 50% coverage for dentures and implants after waiting for 12 months. While there’s a lifetime maximum of $1,000 for dental implants, you can use the full $1,500 annual maximum to help pay for your dentures. The plan doesn’t make you wait for preventive and basic care, which includes things like oral exams, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, and simple extractions. Top of Form
Humana Dental
With approximately 20 million members and a market share of about 8%. Humana, Inc., based in Kentucky, is becoming more prominent in the U.S. health insurance market. It provides various dental policies and has a network of 260,000 dentists nationwide. Humana offers PPO, DHMO, discount, and value plans to suit different budgets.
Its pros are: An extensive network with 260,000 dentists offers diverse options, including plans for veterans; some plans provide an annual allowance for in-office teeth whitening services. In addition, Humana’s dental subsidiaries have an excellent financial strength rating of A- from AM. Best Cons: low maximum benefits; limited coverage for major services. Not all plans and benefits are available in every state.
Ameritas
The Ameritas PrimeStar Complete dental plan is suitable for people of all ages, especially seniors on Medicare. This plan also includes benefits for hearing exams and aids, which can be helpful as Medicare typically doesn’t cover these expenses. With PrimeStar Complete, you receive a $75 hearing benefit, and coverage for hearing aids starts at $200 in the first year, increasing to $300 in the second year and $400 in the third year.
Both plans offer PPO coverage, allowing you to visit in-network or out-of-network dental providers. While preventive services have no deductible, there’s a $50 per person per year deductible for basic and major dental work. Benefit coverage for these services increases after the first year of coverage.
Renaissance Dental
Renaissance Life & Health Insurance Company of America in Indiana serves over 13 million customers nationwide, offering access to a network of 300,000 dental providers. Also, their dental insurance plans include a variety of options and a Healthy Savings Card accepted at over 175,000 locations. The company prides itself on top-notch customer service, with an impressive 99% call resolution rate.
Its advantages are no waiting periods for preventive and diagnostic services; some plans allow freedom to choose any provider; Extensive network of over 300,000 dental providers.
And coverage for implants and crowns is available. A (excellent) financial strength rating by AM Best. Positive consumer ratings with 3.9 out of 5 stars based on 17 reviews on ConsumersAdvocate.org Cons: Annual benefit maximums are relatively low, at $1,000.
Cigna Dental
Unlike many dental insurance plans that only cover orthodontics for children up to a certain age, the Cigna Dental 1500 plan has no age limit. With this plan, you can utilize the $1,000 orthodontia lifetime maximum to cover half of your in-network costs after a $ 50 lifetime deductible.
Also, preventive care and diagnostics are fully covered in-network with no waiting period. While basic services such as fillings, extractions, and emergency treatment are covered in-network at 80% after a six-month waiting period.
Our Final Verdict
Dental insurance plans offer individuals and families the peace of mind of knowing that they have financial support for their oral health needs. Also, by providing coverage for routine check-ups, preventive care, and treatment for dental issues, these plans help ensure that everyone can maintain healthy smiles without worrying about the cost.
Whether you choose a plan with a large provider network or one that offers discounted fees, dental insurance can play a vital role in supporting your overall well-being.