Full Coverage Dental Insurance

Full coverage dental insurance differs significantly from the discount dental plans that many insurance companies offer to individuals and families. Typically, full coverage plans are partially or wholly sponsored by employers due to their higher cost and larger range of benefits. Nearly every procedure is covered to some degree, and preventive and diagnostic services are often available for little or no charge to plan members. Employer-sponsored dental insurance often features the option to participate in a dental HMO or PPO; these plans offer different ranges of service and flexibility while protecting members against unexpected dental emergencies and consequent high costs.

One of the most popular choices in full coverage dental insurance, dental HMOs require that members choose a primary care dentist to provide their basic dental care. Specialist visits are available with a referral in most cases, and emergency care from an out-of-network dental facility is usually covered to some extent as well. HMOs usually require a copayment by members for services; preventive and diagnostic procedures including cleanings and x-rays are usually provided free of charge or at a minimal copayment level. More extensive procedures and specialty care requires a higher copayment by members, but significant savings can still be realized over the total cost of these procedures. Most dental HMOs do not have an initial deductible, but many do have an annual maximum benefit which limits the yearly cost to the insurance company.

The most common form of full coverage dental insurance is the dental PPO. These versatile plans allow members to visit any dentist of their choice, but the full benefits are only available by visiting in-network providers. An annual deductible usually applies; once this is met, the PPO pays for a significant portion of any dental health procedures. As with the dental HMO plans, diagnostic and preventive services are usually available at extremely low cost or free to members; other procedures are typically covered at about 50% depending on the cost of the plan. Most dental PPO plans limit benefits through an annual maximum; some plans allow the unused portion of that maximum benefit to rollover into future years, with some restrictions.