Choosing a dental insurance plan is a crucial step in ensuring your smile is well taken care of and you’re free from any issues that would plague the beauty or health of your pearly whites! But among the many decisions you’ll face, understanding the distinctions between in-network and out-of-network dental insurance plans is paramount. Keep reading to learn more from your dentist about some of the differences between these two options so that you can make the absolute most of your coverage and ensure that every dollar spent is improving the wellness of your grin!
Why Is Dental Insurance Important?
You’ve probably heard that insurance is like a safety net; in the event of something bad happening, the insurance plan can cover the cost of expenses, repair, or treatment, depending on the circumstances. Dental insurance functions similarly, but one key distinction is the heavy emphasis on prevention.
Dentists and insurance companies alike understand that it’s much more cost-effective to prevent dental problems from occurring in the first place—or at the very least, to prevent them from worsening into serious and costly issues. Every plan is different, but most plans typically fully cover preventive care, while providing partial coverage for other basic treatments and restorative treatments.
Think of it this way; it’s always going to be cheaper to treat something like a small cavity than something like a tooth that’s been entirely lost to decay. This is why dental insurance is so valuable; it assists in mitigating the potentially heavy costs that would result from nasty oral health issues!
How Do In-Network Plans Work?
In-network dental insurance plans involve a network of dentists and providers with whom the company works exclusively with; specific terms are agreed to, including discounted rates for services, in exchange for being a part of the network. One of the primary advantages of choosing an in-network dental plan is significant savings, as well as predictable treatment costs and a streamlined claims process.
What About Out-of-Network Plans?
Opting for an out-of-network insurance plan provides you with greater flexibility in choosing your dentist, which is a benefit that many patients enjoy. By not being restricted to a specific set of providers, you’re not at a disadvantage if you’re in an area with limited options. However, out-of-network plans often come with higher out-of-pocket costs, and sometimes the claims process can be a little more complex.
Regardless of the type of plan you opt for, it’s crucial that you actually use those benefits before the year ends—otherwise, that money is essentially going to waste! With the end of the year rapidly approaching, you shouldn’t hesitate to schedule your next preventive visit and make the most of your plan.
About the Practice
The talented team at Troisi Dentistry has proudly served patients and families in the Chesapeake, VA area for several years under the leadership of Dr. Lucia Troisi. They’re excited to offer a wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatment options and accept a wide range of dental insurance plans! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to set up a visit for you or a loved one, feel free to contact Dr. Troisi’s team online or over the phone for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (757) 548-1611.