When it comes to receiving affordable oral healthcare, dental insurance is an excellent tool to use. It provides coverage for preventive and restorative care. But what if something unexpected happens? Will your dental insurance plan cover emergency visits? Continue reading to learn more about dental insurance and what you can expect to receive coverage.
Will Emergency Dental Care Be Covered?
If you have dental insurance, your emergency visit should be partially covered. The percentage of your treatment that is covered will depend on the issue that you have and the treatment you need to address it. It’s pretty much impossible to know exactly how much you will be expected to pay out of pocket and how much is covered by your insurance plan until you visit the dental office to have the issues identified.
What Does Dental Insurance Cover?
Every dental plan is a little bit different, so you should obtain this information from your insurance provider to be certain. Here is what the typical structure of a dental plan looks like:
- 100% of preventive care: This includes checkups, cleanings, and routine X-rays. Many dental insurance plans also completely cover at least one emergency exam per year.
- 80% of basic procedures: These services include fillings and direct bonding.
- 50% of major procedures: This consists of more complex services, like dental implants, dentures, and orthodontic treatment.
Every plan has a cap on how much it will cover each year. This is known as your annual maximum. Once you reach this, you will be fully responsible for the remaining expenses.
How Will Your Dental Insurance Affect the Cost of Treatment?
Patients with dental insurance usually have their initial visit covered by their plan. However, the treatment that you need to resolve your emergency will have a separate cost. Your coverage will depend on whether you receive a basic or major procedure, or a combination of both, so the price can vary quite a bit. Just remember that the longer you put off dental issues, the worse they get, and the more your treatment is likely to cost. By getting the treatment you need now, you can save money in the future.
If you’re concerned about the cost of your emergency care, reach out to your dental team. Options could be available to help you get the care you need without all the financial stress.
About the Practice
At Columbus Dental Arts, Dr. Maiorino, Dr. Fraser, and Dr. Wolf work together to treat patients in the Columbus area. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about emergency care or dental insurance, or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (609) 324-9500.