Medical expenses form a huge part of your expenditure every year, which is why opting for a comprehensive health care plan is important. However, many of these plans do not include dental coverage. According to a report from the American Dental Association, adults between 19 and 34 years of age spend an average of $492 on dental work every year. This cost rises with an increase in age. A dental plan helps cover all these costs and reduce the price of premium services. Read on to know more them.

Types of dental plans
You have a few different plans to choose from, similar to how it is in a health care plan. These types include:

• Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO)

In this kind of plan, you get a network of dentists who will either accept a set co-pay or they will not charge anything. However, this also means that you will be restricted to visit only the dentists within the network.

• Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

You will be provided a list of dentists who have accepted this type of plan. You do get the choice to go for a doctor who is not on the list but the out-of-pocket charges will be higher.

• Discount or referral dental plan

You are provided with a select group of dentists to visit. A set discount will be applicable for the service you get from them. This discount or referral does not pay for your treatment, but the dentists agree individually to offer you a discount on it.

• Dental indemnity plans

A third-part insurance company or provider pays for the claims of the individual after it is transferred from the person’s employers. These providers are paid a set amount as a fee for their service.

Coverage
Different dental plans and policies cover a portion of the cost for various treatments and services. These can include root canals, oral surgery, preventive care, and tooth fillings. Some plans also cover periodontics and prosthodontics like bridges and dentures, and orthodontics. An individual policy generally does not comprise prosthodontics and periodontics in the first year.

Dental plans tend to follow a structure of payment: 100-80-50. The preventive care services are covered completely or 100%, whereas only 80% of the basic procedures are covered, and 50% of the major surgeries and other complex procedures are covered. Dental plans come with an annual cap or the maximum coverage. Any prices or charges above this amount has to be paid by you.

Two of the best dental insurance providers
Two of the best-known insurance companies for dental plans are given below.

• Cigna

This is a global health service company with a network of more than 93,000 dentists worldwide. Its global coverage will ensure you are provided for even on your international trips. It offers different dental plans to suit your preferences. You can also opt for a plan that includes orthodontic and restorative care, and you are not charged deductibles or copayments for preventive care. The DPPO plan offered by this provider is available for consumers of all age groups, with charges made per person every month. The prices for the plans vary depending on your location.

• Humana

Humana is counted among the largest insurance companies in the country, offering dental plans to groups and individuals. They have their own dental network, and individuals enrolled for this service save between 20% to 60% of the costs. Humana offers a 100% coverage for preventive care and value pricing, which sets them apart from the competitors. You can choose a plan as per your needs and budget, and receive care from a network of 270,000 doctors.