What is dental insurance?

Dental insurance is a type of insurance plan that covers a portion of the costs of your dental care. Dental insurance can cover treatments from annual cleanings and minor oral health fixes to big-dollar dental claims for crowns and bridges.

What does dental insurance cover?

Dental policies typically include benefits for 3 types of care:

• Preventive care: Routine checkups, cleanings, x-rays, sealants
• Basic care: Fillings, root canals, periodontal treatment
• Major care: Crowns, bridges, inlays, dentures

Who is dental insurance good for?

The short answer is: Everyone. But it’s important to know that you don’t need a job to have dental insurance. Whether you need a longer-term dental plan or short-term dental insurance option to fill gaps in coverage, know that you have plenty of flexible options to choose from.

You can enroll for an individual dental plan, which works for a variety of scenarios including

• You’ve lost your job or are in between jobs.
• You missed the annual open enrollment period through your employer.
• You’re on Medicare but don’t have a dental plan.
• You’re a student or recent graduate.
• You’re a freelancer or part-time worker without dental benefits.
• You do not have access to a group dental plan, but you want coverage.

You may be tempted to skip getting dental insurance, but the costs are well worth it.

Your dentist might see a small cavity that hasn’t become a nuisance quite yet, or spot the early stages of gum disease in your mouth. When dental problems are treated early on, they tend to be easier - and less expensive - to fix. That’s good for your smile and your wallet.

How do I get a quote for dental insurance?

Wondering where to enroll for dental insurance? The good news is you don’t have to go too far: You can quickly and easily compare dental plans through Health Elect. Just submit your ZIP code, birthday, and gender to get instant dental plan quotes in your area.