Money Talks News - Health insurance is a necessity for one simple reason: Very few of us have the money to handle a critical illness. But what about dental insurance?
Dental insurance isn't like medical insurance because it's not just your teeth that are getting capped, it's also your benefits.
Dental insurance basically pays for the first $1,000 to $1,500 worth of care on a percentage basis. After that it's all out of pocket for the patient.
Plans will typically pay in full for cleanings and x-rays, but may only pay half for the cost of fillings or pulling teeth and nothing for cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening.
Forty percent of Americans don't have dental insurance, according to the National Association of Dental Plans. The majority of those who do have it however get it through their employer.
Policies you buy yourself could cost $50 a month. That's $600 a year. So if you are paying for your own policy, should you just brush it off? Well, the ideal person to discuss it with is your dentist.
Some dentists say if your plan costs more than half of what you're going to be receiving per year, then you really have to think about whether it's worth it.
Also keep in mind the power of prevention. Taking care of your teeth and overall health now can save you time, money and pain later.
It's a good idea to think twice before you take out a dental policy. But that doesn't mean there aren't ways to save.
For more tips on how to save, head to the Money Talks News website and do a search for "saving on dental bills."