By Sally Delacruz


Full-time employees of companies are given the chance to get health coverage, including dental, usually at a reasonable cost. Freelancers, part-time employees and contractors generally don't have this privilege. That doesn't meant that they can't get low cost dental coverage for themselves. It just means they will have to know a few things to find the best and most affordable plan for them.

There are two main types of dental coverage: family and individual. If you are single and not pregnant, then the individual plan is right for you. If you have a family, then the family plan is the one you want to go with. Keep in mind that you can always change from an individual to a family plan later if your situation changes, though your premiums will obviously go up.

Not all family or individual plans are created equal. Some have very bare bones coverage that only pays for certain treatments or doctor visits. Others are much more comprehensive and will include just about any kind of dental work imaginable. The bare bones are much cheaper than the comprehensive ones, so keep that in mind when choosing a plan.

Some plans may seem really affordable on the surface, but can become very expensive when you start to actually use them. Many plans with low monthly payments may have large deductibles that could cost you a lot more in the future. For instance, you may find a plan that is only $25 per month, which is a good price. However, if that plan has a $1000 deductible, that means you have to pay the first $1000 in costs up front, and then the insurance kicks in. You may want to go for a plan that has a higher monthly premium, but a much smaller deductible.

As you conduct your search for a good, affordable policy, always check for fine print about yearly and lifetime limits. A yearly limit is the maximum amount the plan will cover each calendar year. A lifetime limit is the max they will pay overall on your coverage over multiple years. If the limits are too low, you won't get much out of your plan, and it may not be worth the price you are paying each month for it. Keep this in mind before you sign on the dotted line. It may be better to pay a little more for a plan with a higher limit so you can use the plan more effectively throughout the year.

If you or a child have crooked teeth, you may need braces, but they may not be covered under your plan. Before you purchase a policy, make sure that orthodontics are covered, or you may end up having to pay for expensive braces yourself. Also be sure that surgeries are covered, because you really never know when you might need emergency oral surgery.

Another important point to consider is the coverage for preventative care. Your policy should let you have at least yearly checkups, and yearly teeth cleanings as well. These help you avoid bigger dental problems down the line, so most insurers include them in each policy to save money. This is a win-win situation for you and the insurer, so take advantage of these each year.

No matter what your age or family situation, finding an affordable dental plan is easy. Set a budget, do some shopping, and always read the fine print to see what is covered so there are no surprises later. This will save you time and money later on down the line, and ensure good dental health.




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