You may have already decided to get dental implants and discussed with your dentist the benefits of dental implants. Before taking the next step, you may also wonder if your insurance covers dental implants, as this will determine how much you will eventually have to pay for the procedure. Let us help you by going through everything you need to know about dental implants covered by insurance.
Dental Implants and Insurance
If you have a basic dental insurance policy, it may not cover dental implant procedures. Since dental implants are considered cosmetic, what you will need to do is to look at the coverage for cosmetic dental procedures. This can cover the cost of your dental implants partially. Take note of your insurance deductable which may apply, depending on whether you have other recent dental insurance claims. If you have medical insurance, look at the coverage. It may cover dental implant procedures as well, depending on the policy that you signed up for. Otherwise, you can look for an insurance policy that covers dental implants. Another alternative to reduce costs would be to find membership plans for dental procedures.
Knowing When Implants are Covered
Look at your existing insurance policies (both medical and dental) and check to see if they cover dental implants or cosmetic procedures. If the answer is yes, find out the annual maximum. This is the amount that your insurance company will pay for your dental procedures within that year. If you have already reached the annual maximum, you will have to pay for the full cost of the procedure.
Another thing to check would be whether your insurance covers your pre-existing conditions, which are conditions you already had before getting the insurance. For instance, if you already had a lost tooth prior to the insurance sign-up date and pre-existing conditions are not covered, the insurance will not cover the cost of the dental implants.
Costs Involved
When it comes to dental implants, you will likely have to pay a portion, if not all, of the costs involved. To know how much you will probably need to pay, you will need to speak to your dentist and insurance representative. Also, look into copayments and deductibles to determine the amount you might have to pay.
Apart from insurance, some factors that can determine your overall costs include the type of implants used, the number of implants required, the type of prosthetics used, and whether there are other procedures involved, such as getting porcelain veneers.
Check with the Insurance Company
The best place to check regarding your insurance coverage is your insurance company. Some of the questions you can ask include the coverage percentage, whether you are allowed to select your own dental specialist or need to choose from a list provided by the company, which parts of the implant procedures are covered, if you can schedule appointments whenever you like, and whether the insurance has a clause that covers only the least expensive cost of treatment. It may seem like a daunting task, but determining your insurance coverage would greatly help you in planning for your dental implants and achieving the perfect smile you have always wanted.