DOES INSURANCE COVER DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Dental insurance companies have different policies when it comes to dental coverage. Most dental insurance policies cover most of your dental expenditures while some even cover all. Before undergoing a dental procedure, it is important to know what your insurance company covers. This way you are fully prepared and know what to budget for and what to leave to the insurance company.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the artificial roots that are put in the jawbone structure to help in the replacement of teeth. Most insurance companies do not cover dental implants because they term it as a form of cosmetic surgery. This means that it is a procedure that is done to enhance one’s overall body appearance and is not necessary for anyway. Most dental insurance companies are for the view that one can do without dental implants, and that is why it is not listed in the insurance policies. This outlook is, however, changing with some dental insurance companies now including dental implants in their coverage.
Dental implants are very important as without them one can experience an array of problems with their teeth. Some of these problems include misaligned teeth, sore gums and loss of bone volume. Getting dental implants is, therefore, not a cosmetic procedure but a life-changing procedure. Dental insurance companies are beginning to see the light on getting dental implants and slowly accepting the procedure. However, as of now, it is very unlikely that your insurance company is going to cover the costs of your dental implants. Dental implants can be very costly and will require you to spend a lot to get them correctly.
One way one can try to get their dental implants covered is by filing a claim to be reimbursed for what you spent on the procedure. This, however, can also be costly and a waste of time if in the end you are not reimbursed for the dental procedure. The best option when it comes to finding insurance for your dental implants is getting medical insurance.
Medical Insurance
As compared to dental insurance companies, medical insurance is your best option when it comes to getting dental implants. You are more likely to find a medical insurance policy that will cover your dental implants. However medical insurance will only cover part of it, and you will experience some out of pocket expenses to cover the rest of the costs. Also, getting medical insurance is not simple, and it will depend on a number of factors. The first factor is if your benefit plan has a line that is inclusive of implants. If the benefit plan has the line for implants, it does not guarantee that you will receive the benefits. A dental consultant comes in at this stage to review your claim for the benefits.
When getting medical insurance for your dental implants, it is important to have it predetermined. This will ensure that you have a better understanding of the costs. Every case is different when it comes to dental implants as the causes for getting them are different as well as the scenarios. Lucky enough, many medical insurance plans do not consider dental implants as a cosmetic procedure because it is important in restoring jaw stimulation through eating and chewing.
Ultimately
If you are thinking of getting an insurance cover for your dental implants, you need to conduct enough research before making a decision. Find out whether your current dental insurance policy covers it and if not look for other options. Also, talk to your dentists as they can give you expert advice on all dental related insurance issues.