As of July 6, 2024, selecting the right dental insurance plan can be confusing, but with the right information, you can make an informed choice. Dental insurance helps cover the cost of dental care, including check-ups, cleanings, and procedures like fillings or root canals. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best dental insurance plans available this year.
Types of Dental Insurance Plans
Three types of dental insurance plans are: dental preferred provider organization (DPPO), dental health maintenance organization (DHMO) and fee-for-service plans. Here is how they vary.
Dental Preferred Provider Organization (DPPO)
A DPPO is a plan with a provider network, but you’re able to get care outside of the dental network at a higher cost.
Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO)
A DHMO requires you to stay within the plan’s provider network to get help paying for that dental care. Your insurance likely won’t cover it if you go outside of the provider network.
Fee-for-Service Plans
Fee-for-service dental insurance plans, also called indemnity plans, don’t have provider networks and they let you see any dentist. These plans pay a percentage of the service and you pick up the rest of the costs.
A fourth option is a discount plan, which isn’t dental insurance but offers reduced fees at participating dentists. You pay all the costs without help from an insurance company, but you fork over less money for dental care at providers that accept the dental discount plan than if you didn’t have a discount plan.
1. Delta Dental
Delta Dental is widely recognized for its extensive network of dentists and comprehensive coverage options. It offers various plans tailored to individual needs, whether you need basic preventive care or more extensive treatments. Delta Dental plans often include coverage for routine check-ups, X-rays, and discounts on more expensive procedures.
2. Humana Dental Insurance
Humana Dental Insurance is known for its affordability and flexibility. It offers a range of plans that cater to different budgets and dental care needs. Humana’s plans typically cover preventive services fully and provide discounts on other dental procedures. They also have options for orthodontic care, which is beneficial for families needing braces or other orthodontic treatments.
3. Cigna Dental Insurance
Cigna Dental Insurance stands out for its customer service and comprehensive coverage options. They offer plans that cover preventive care, basic procedures like fillings and extractions, and major services such as root canals and crowns. Cigna also emphasizes preventive care, encouraging regular dental visits to maintain oral health.
4. Ameritas Dental Insurance
Ameritas Dental Insurance is known for its straightforward approach and strong coverage for both preventive and major dental services. Their plans often include coverage for orthodontics, implants, and other specialty services. Ameritas is praised for its transparency in coverage details and ease of use when it comes to finding in-network dentists.
5. UnitedHealthcare Dental Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Dental Insurance offers a wide range of plans with flexible coverage options. They provide comprehensive coverage for preventive care and major procedures, with benefits increasing over time to reward consistent dental visits. UnitedHealthcare also offers tools and resources to help members manage their dental health effectively.
Choosing the Right Dental Insurance Plan
When choosing a dental insurance plan, consider your specific needs and budget. Look for plans that cover routine dental care, as well as any anticipated major procedures you might need. Check whether your preferred dentist is in-network to maximize your benefits and minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Methodology
To find the best dental insurance companies, we scored 37 stand-alone dental insurance plans. We got quotes from each company and dug into each dental plan to find out what each one covers, what they reimburse for different types of coverage, and coverage limits and deductibles. Only the top-scoring plans from each company are shown. Benefit details can vary by state, so check the plan brochure for details. Ratings are based on the following criteria:
- Cost. We compared costs for a 30-year-old female in California: 30% of score.
- Annual maximum insurance payout: 10% of score.
- No waiting period for preventive care: 10% of score.
- Basic care payout level: 10% of score.
- Basic care waiting period: 10% of score.
- Major care coverage in the first year: 10% of score.
- Coverage for implants: 10% of score.
- Coverage for orthodontia: 10% of score.
Compare premiums, deductibles, and coverage limits among different plans. Some plans may have waiting periods for certain services, so be aware of any limitations before signing up. Additionally, consider whether the plan covers orthodontic treatments if you or your family members might need braces or other orthodontic care.
Conclusion
In 2024, several dental insurance plans stand out for their coverage options, affordability, and customer service. Delta Dental, Humana Dental Insurance, Cigna Dental Insurance, Ameritas Dental Insurance, and UnitedHealthcare Dental Insurance are among the top choices for individuals and families seeking comprehensive dental coverage.
Before making a decision, review each plan’s details carefully to ensure it meets your dental care needs and fits within your budget. With the right dental insurance plan, you can maintain good oral health and access the dental care you need without financial stress.
