Advantages and disadvantages of a dental insurance indemnity plan

If you are considering a indemnity-type dental coverage plan, you need to know that there are many potential benefits and drawbacks to such coverage:

1. You will have to pay a deductible on your dental plan
   Many patients dislike the high out-of-pocket costs that come with some indemnity dental plans, as it means that patients are responsible for more money up front.
2. You do not require authorization or referrals to see a dentist
   One of the great benefits of dental insurance indemnity plans is that you can visit any dentist or dental care professional you like. You will not need anyone's permission or approval to see the professional of your own choosing.
3. You may need to precertify for some more complex dental procedures
   Some dental coverage providers will ask for additional paperwork and claims before you get treated for certain conditions. If you need complex dental care right after you register for dental insurance, you may be out of luck.
4. Your provider will pay a large part of your “usual and customary” dental charges
   With other types of dental insurance you may only get small discounts on regular dental charges. With indemnity dental coverage, however, you will be able to enjoy greatly reduced costs. In fact, your provider may pay for 50%, 80% or even 100% of some dental costs.
5. Many indemnity plans have a maximum level for out of pocket costs
   Once you have reached this yearly dollar maximum in dental charges, then the provider will pay for all your “usual and customary costs.” This means that if your dental care costs are very high one year, you may end up having very high dental care bills towards the end of the year.
6. Many dental indemnity insurance plans have waiting times before certain services are fully covered
   If you just sign up for a plan and realize that you need immediate care, you may have to wait to get care or you may have to pay full costs until you are fully covered by your plan.

If you are comparing dental insurance plans for individuals, you need to consider indemnity dental insurance as well as managed care dental coverage. Considering the benefits and drawbacks to indemnity dental plans can help you decide whether this type of dental insurance plan for patients is right for you. In turn, this can help you make a crucial dental coverage decision that can affect the health of your teeth and gums.