Obtaining dental insurance is crucial for Canadians because the majority of the provinces' health care program does not provide coverage, and the ones that do, typically offer it to children between the ages 0 to 12.
For many individuals and families, out-of-pocket dental expenses can put a significant dent in the budget, making the purchase of dental insurance a virtual necessity to offset the costs. Individuals that are not able to obtain dental insurance through an employer's group plan can get Canadian dental insurance quotes online from insurance providers who can fill in the gaps in their provincial plans.
Getting a quote is a wise decision, and it allows you to select the dental plan that is right for you and for your family.
How to get Canadian dental insurance quotes
One of the quickest and easiest ways to obtain a Canadian dental insurance quote is through the internet. Many insurance carriers provide quotes online for dental coverage, along with pertinent information and details of various dental plans.
The internet is a powerful tool for obtaining insurance quotes because it allows an individual to compare plans side-by-side in a relatively short amount of time. Dental insurance plans vary in the services they cover, monthly premiums, and methods of reimbursement. For instance, some plans may cover dental procedures for cosmetic purposes, while others stipulate that they do not.
Like most people, you want to get the dental coverage that you need at a price you can afford. When comparing dental insurance plans, you may find that some of the services offered are not important to you, so the first step is to determine your insurance needs and those of your family. You should consider facts such as: if you have children, they may eventually require braces; as you age, dentures or other dental prosthetic devices are likely to become a need. Taking the time to examine the terms and conditions of more than one plan will enable you to choose the dental coverage that suits you best without necessarily compromising your budget.
Types of dental coverage benefits
Most dental plans offer both preventative and preparative benefits. This means that in addition to coverage for regular diagnostic and preventative services, they also provide coverage for treatment of dental problems. A good dental plan will cover a significant portion of the cost of dental services and required procedures.
Some basic diagnostic and preventative dental services include: examinations every 6 months, cleanings and regular x-rays. Some basic dental procedures include: fillings, root canals, tooth extractions, and gum treatments. Some of the major dental services that are typically covered at 50% of the cost include: dental crowns, bridgework, and partial or complete dentures. In some cases, there are coverage maximums, so be sure to read the terms and conditions of the contract and all its fine print.
Dental Care and Expenses
Common dental problems include tarter build-up, cavities, gingivitis and gum disease, all of which usually result from lack of dental care. Without dental insurance, proper dental care can be relatively expensive. Teeth cleaning, x-rays, fillings, and root canals are some of the typical procedures encountered during a visit to the dentist. A cleaning can range in price from $90 to $200, and a root canal can cost over $1,000.
Dental care is every bit as important as going to the doctor for a check-up. Regular visits to the dentist can prevent potential dental problems as they can be identified before they become major issues. So carefully review your dental insurance quotes, and once you have a dental plan in place, you can visit the dentist regularly without fear of a bill that you cannot afford. More information about dental insurance plans can be found here.
Jason Martin is a researcher/writer for the Affordable Health Insurance website. This site provides Canadians with information about health insurance options.