Health Insurance with Dental Coverage Plans

Health insurance is essential for safeguarding your well-being and ensuring timely medical care when needed. While most people recognise the importance of health insurance for medical treatments, dental health is often overlooked. However, dental problems can be just as debilitating and costly as medical issues. This is where health insurance with dental coverage comes to the rescue, offering an extensive solution for your overall health.

In this blog, we will delve into the world of health insurance with dental plans, exploring its significance, benefits, and how to choose the right plan for your needs.

What is dental health insurance?

Dental health insurance is a policy designed to cover the costs of dental treatments and procedures. This kind of health insurance can help you maintain your oral hygiene while preventing dental problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, or tooth loss. 

Depending on the insurer, dental insurance plans are available as a base plan, an add-on benefit, or a standalone plan. While buying this cover, make sure to check if it covers in-patient dental treatments, outpatient dental consultations, dental surgeries, root canal treatments, tooth extractions, tooth fillings and more.

Benefits of having health insurance that covers dental treatments
Do you keep searching for “best dental insurance benefits” on the internet? If so, here are the top benefits of dental insurance:

• Cost savings: Dental treatments can be expensive, especially procedures like root canals, braces, or implants. With dental coverage, you significantly reduce the financial burden, as the insurance helps cover these costs.
• Regular check-ups: Dental insurance coverage encourages regular dental check-ups and preventive care. This proactive approach helps in the early detection of oral issues, preventing them from becoming significant problems.
• Access to quality care: With quality dental insurance, you can access a network of experienced dentists and specialised dental clinics, ensuring you receive high-quality dental care.
• Emergency coverage: Dental accidents and emergencies can happen unexpectedly. Dental insurance ensures you are financially prepared to handle these situations, whether it is a chipped tooth or an unexpected infection.

Dental treatments

Here are some of the basic dental treatments that may be covered under a health insurance plan with dental coverage:

• Dental consultation fees: Covers the cost of visiting a qualified dentist for an oral health check-up.
• Tooth extraction: Removal of decayed or damaged teeth is often included under dental coverage.
• Filling of cavities: Covers expenses for treating tooth decay using dental fillings.
• Root canal treatment: Some plans may include coverage for root canals, though this depends on the insurer.
• Scaling and polishing: Professional cleaning of teeth to remove plaque and tartar may be covered under OPD.
• X-rays and diagnostic tests: OPD cover may reimburse charges for dental X-rays used to diagnose tooth issues.
• Gum treatments: Basic treatments for gum infections, such as gingivitis, may be included under some plans.

How do you claim for dental health insurance?

Claiming for individual health insurance with dental cover can vary depending on the type of plan and the insurer you have chosen. Here are the steps involved:

• Review your health insurance policy document and the network of dental providers for cashless treatment.
• Inform your insurer about your dental treatment at least 48 hours before the scheduled date.
• Visit the network hospital or clinic and show the staff your health card or policy document. They will verify your identity and eligibility for cashless treatment. You must also fill out a pre-authorisation form and submit it to the hospital or the insurer.
• After getting approval from the insurer, you can undergo the dental treatment without paying upfront. The insurer will directly transfer the bill amount to the hospital's account. However, you may have to pay for expenses not covered by your policy, such as co-payments or deductibles.
• You can claim reimbursement later if you have visited a non-network dentist or paid the bills. You must submit the original invoices, receipts, prescriptions, discharge summary, and other relevant documents directly to the insurer. You can do this online or offline within a specified time limit.

Dental coverage under OPD add-ons

Many insurers offer dental treatment under outpatient department (OPD) benefits. Here's what is typically covered:

• Basic dental treatments like cavity fillings, tooth cleaning and plaque removal
• Consultation costs of a dentist
• X-rays and diagnostics related to oral health

Waiting period for dental coverage

Dental treatments under OPD or special dental plans often come with a waiting period, usually ranging from 1 to 3 years, depending on the insurer. Ensure you read your policy terms carefully or ask the insurer before purchasing. You can only claim for dental care after the waiting period ends.

Remember:

• Some policies may offer coverage for dental emergencies right away or a reduced waiting period of 3-6 months for essential treatments.
• Routine dental care usually becomes claimable only after the waiting period is over.

Conclusion

A health insurance policy with dental cover can save you money on treatments like cleanings, fillings, and check-ups. It's a smart way to manage oral health expenses.

Since not all policies offer dental benefits by default, it’s essential to compare your options and select the one that best suits your needs. We can guide you toward the right policy. Simply fill out the form on this page to receive free, expert advice tailored to your specific needs. It's quick, easy and can help you save money and time.

FAQs

• 1. Are all dental procedures covered under health insurance?

Only basic dental treatments like cleanings, fillings and extractions may be covered under OPD cover. Cosmetic procedures are usually excluded.

• 2. Can I claim dental expenses without being hospitalised?

Dental treatments under OPD cover do not require hospitalisation. You can claim for consultations and minor procedures.