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Dental Insurance vs. Discount Dental Plan-- Whats the Difference?Just what is a discount dental plan? How does it work and why should I choose one over dental insurance? Great questions. But first lets define the term.A discount dental plan is what some people call it an �affordable alternative� to dental insurance. Here�s how it works. You apply for membership with a company that offers the plan and agree to pay a monthly fee in return for deep discounts on dental services. The company issues you a dental discount card.When you visit the dentist, you simply present the card for an instant discount. Since a discount dental plan is not the same as dental insurance, you are responsible for paying for all services. In return, youre able to get dental care at a more affordable rate. Typical savings range from 30% to 80% off the dentist�s regular charge. Depending on the procedure, you could save hundreds, or even thousands of dollars a year on dental work. Some people are even making money selling discount plans as a home based business. But thats the subject of another article.Now about the differences.You Have To Pay the Piper One major difference between a discount plan and dental insurance is that you pay the cost of dental work, but at a discounted price. Many dentists are willing to work out a monthly payment plan with their patients. With traditional dental insurance, the insurance company pays for the procedure up to a pre-determined amount, and you have to pay the difference. Pre-Existing Conditions No Problem Most discount dental plans include all pre-existing conditions. Dental insurance does not. For example, if you need a particular procedure you can sign up for a discount plan that your insurance company does not cover�and have the procedure done immediately�with no waiting period.No Deductibles With insurance, you face the problem of high deductibles and selective coverage. That�s because many insurance companies don�t cover certain procedures like cosmetic dentistry, cleaning and orthodontics. Discount plans dont require a deductible. Plan Includes All ProceduresWith insurance you could be forced to pay additional charges if your plan pays only a portion of the cost of the procedure. With a discount plan you don�t have that problem. Again, the key is choosing the right plan.NO Paperwork and NO Waiting Period Insurance companies require you to fill out page after page of paperwork. With a discount plan there is no paperwork to fill out, no age restrictions and no waiting period. With a good plan you can schedule a dental appointment the same day you enroll.The Bottom Line Different discount plans provide different levels of service, and have a wide range of price structures, but here are the major characteristics of the best plans, some of which I have already mentioned...1. The plan charges a small monthly fee that includes your entire household, regardless of relationship. That includes brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, in-laws and outlaws.2. A reputable company with a solid history of business for 10 years or more. The rise in health costs have brought with it a rise in unscrupulous companies out to get your hard-earned dollar. 3. There is no waiting period. You should be able to start using the plan within minutes after signing up if needed�even before their dental discount card arrives. 4. The plan has extra perks, including, vision, prescription or chiropractic care--all at no extra cost.If you don�t currently have dental insurance, or if your current policy does not cover certain procedures, you might want to consider a discount plan. Just do your homework and make sure you�re dealing with a company that delivers on its promises.
Article Source: http://modirac.com
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