Since the costs of dental care are skyrocketing day by day, having a dental cover in health insurance might give you much-needed peace of mind. With the help of great dental insurance, you can receive coverage for everything from standard check-ups and cleanings to more sophisticated procedures like extractions.
Many people can efficiently budget for the cost of preserving a beautiful smile, thanks to various health insurance for dental procedures. These insurance policies are simpler to understand than other medical insurance.
Read ahead to have an overview of the basics of dental insurance.
What Is Meant By Dental Cover In Health Insurance?
Given the expertise and specialized equipment required, as well as the effects of inflation, dental treatment can be highly expensive, much like other forms of healthcare. The type of treatment you receive, the number of sittings required for each procedure, and other factors all affect the price of dental care. But if you want to avoid having to pay out of pocket for these dental procedures, you may always choose a suitable dental cover.
Dental insurance is a part of health insurance that covers dental procedures. It pays for the medical costs associated with dental care and related procedures, such as operations and OPD consultations. It makes it easier for the policyholder to take care of their oral health issues without stressing over expensive dental treatment.
Eligibility Factor Of Dental Insurance In India
The available/selected health insurance for dental procedures will determine the eligibility for dental insurance. If it is an individual policy, the minimum age requirement is 18 years and the maximum age is 65 years.
The age requirement for children to be covered under a family policy is 90 days. The precise facts may differ from one insurance and one insurer to another; keep in mind that this criterion is only meant to serve as an overview.
Why Do You Need Dental Cover In Health Insurance?
Here are some of the reasons why you should have dental cover in your health insurance plan:
- Financial Support
Dental care is becoming more and more expensive with time, just like healthcare. Even the most basic dental procedures, like tooth fillings, can be rather expensive, and other big procedures can have a significant impact on your savings. In such a case, health insurance for dental procedures can assist in reducing the financial strain while paying the medical payment.
- Regular Dental Checkups
You can spot health issues before they worsen by maintaining good dental health. Dental health insurance offers you regular dental check-ups for your good dental health. In addition to brushing and polishing your teeth during your routine oral examination, your dentist will also examine your tongue, throat, and entire mouth for cancer and other potentially dangerous conditions. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums can also help prevent significant health issues like heart disease.
- Cashless Hospitalization Facility
You can also receive your treatment at any of the network hospitals in India for cashless hospitalization if you need in-patient dental procedures that require you to be hospitalized and treated under anesthesia. On your behalf, your insurance company will pay the hospital’s bills so that you do not need to worry about the cost of the dental treatment.
Health Insurance Plans With Dental Coverages
| Plan Name | Coverage | Initial Waiting Period |
| Chola Healthline | Up To Rs. 10,000 For Every 2 Policy Years (Under Privilege Plan) | 30 Days |
| Star Comprehensive Insurance Policy | Expenses incurred on acute treatment to a natural tooth or teeth are payable once in every block of 3 years of continuous coverage. | 30 Days |
| Tata AIG Medicare Premier Plan | Up To Rs. 10,000 | 30 Days |
| Aditya Birla Activ Health Platinum Enhanced Insurance Plan | Available For Sum Insured Of Rs. 15 Lakhs And Above | 30 Days |
What’s Covered Under Dental Insurance?
Since dental cover in health insurance is not a typical cover, your policy will determine the specific inclusions. Here is a list of the standard dental insurance coverage. It is advised to review the terms and conditions of your insurance policy for precise information.
- Restorative Procedures: This covers a wide range of procedures, such as dentures, crowns, bridges, root canals, fillings for cavities, and tooth extractions. If you anticipate needing dental treatment beyond routine preventative checkups, you might want to look into dental covers that provide extra coverage for restorative procedures like these.
- Preventive Dental Care: Most health insurance for dental procedures offer free preventative care as part of their coverage. This frequently involves a dental checkup and cleaning every six months, as well as specific kinds of x-rays of the mouth. Children may also be covered for fluoride, sealants, and other treatments.
- Orthodontic Procedures: Aligning teeth and the bite is the main emphasis of this dentistry specialty. If you or a member of your family anticipate the need for this kind of dental care, seek for dental insurance that covers orthodontic services.
What’s Not Covered Under Dental Cover In Health Insurance?
There are some procedures that many dental plans do not provide coverage for, even though most do cover basic dental care and preventive work. Some of them are mentioned below:
- Anything cosmetic like teeth whitening, implants, etc.
- Orthodontic treatments like braces
- Dental care associated with any pre-existing medical condition.
Things To Remember While Buying A Dental Cover
The following are things to watch out for while buying dental cover in health insurance:
- Look For Sufficient Coverage: Look for a plan that sufficiently covers dental treatments and procedures. The plan should provide enough coverage for operations like root canals, extractions, and fillings.
- Check Out Policy’s Provisions: Check the policy’s provisions to see if preventative care, regular dental checkups, and fundamental oral healthcare, are all covered. To find out if certain exams and treatments are covered by the dental plan and if there is a waiting time before you can take advantage of them, read your insurance document carefully.
- Don’t Forget To Compare: Compare the plans to determine which dental insurance coverage best meets your needs by contrasting the various insurance plans. This will help you to make a wise decision when choosing health insurance for dental procedures.
- Check The Network Hospitals: You should always check the network hospitals before selecting a dental cover. A good network of hospitals will ensure easy access to in-patient dental care wherever you need it.
Takeaway
Although examinations, cleanings, and dental X-rays may not be covered as regularly as enthusiastic dentists would like you to, the good news about dental insurance is that coverage is good for preventive treatment. Having insurance may inspire you to seek out preventive care and steer clear of more costly and uncomfortable procedures.
