Dental health is an essential part of overall health and well-being, but it can be expensive to maintain. That’s why having dental insurance is crucial – especially in California, where the cost of dental care is higher than many other states in the U.S. With numerous dental insurance providers in California, choosing the right policy can be overwhelming. This article will help you understand the key factors to consider when selecting the best dental insurance in California for you and your family.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Dental Insurance
Before diving into the list of the best dental insurance providers in California, let’s take a look at the factors you should consider when purchasing dental insurance:
Coverage
The level of coverage offered by insurers varies widely, so it’s essential to understand what procedures and services are included in your policy. For instance, some policies may exclude orthodontic treatment or only offer partial coverage for complex procedures like root canals or implants. Make sure you carefully review the coverage details and limitations before purchasing a policy.
Cost
The cost of dental care can be substantial, and having insurance can help offset some of these expenses. However, the cost of dental insurance can vary significantly, depending on the level of coverage and deductible. Consider your budget and evaluate what you can afford to pay in premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. Look for policies with high coverage limits that are still affordable.
Network
Most dental insurance policies have a network of dentists that are contracted to provide services to policyholders. Check if your preferred dentist is in the network of the policy you’re considering. If not, you may need to pay a more significant proportion of the cost of dental procedures. Some policies may allow you to choose your dentist, but this may come with higher costs.
Quality of care
The quality of dental care offered by insurers can vary dramatically. Look for policies with positive reviews from customers and ensure that the insurance company has a good reputation for providing quality dental care. Check the credentials of the dentists in the network, as well as their experience and training.
Best Dental Insurance Providers in California
Without further ado, here are the best dental insurance providers in California:
Insurer |
Plan Name |
Highlights |
|---|---|---|
Delta Dental |
PPO |
Large network of dentists, low copays for common procedures. |
Anthem Blue Cross |
PPO Plus |
High coverage limits, no waiting period for preventive care services. |
Cigna |
Dental 1000 |
Low deductibles, no waiting period for preventive care services. |
Humana |
Complete Dental PPO |
No waiting period for major procedures, orthodontic coverage. |
UnitedHealthcare |
Dental Premier |
No waiting period for preventive care services, options for orthodontic coverage. |
Delta Dental
Delta Dental is one of the most popular dental insurance providers in California. They offer comprehensive PPO plans with a large network of dentists. Delta Dental’s plans come with low copays for common procedures like cleanings, fillings, and X-rays. Their PPO plans also provide coverage for orthodontics and specialist services. However, Delta Dental does not offer coverage for some advanced procedures like implants and cosmetic dentistry.
Delta Dental’s PPO plans range from $20 to $40 per month, depending on the level of coverage and deductibles.
Anthem Blue Cross
Anthem Blue Cross offers several dental insurance plans in California, including the PPO Plus plan. This plan offers high coverage limits for major procedures like root canals, crowns, and bridges. Anthem Blue Cross does not require a waiting period for preventive care services like cleanings and checkups. The plan also includes coverage for orthodontics and specialist services.
Anthem Blue Cross’s PPO Plus plan costs around $30 to $50 per month, depending on the level of coverage and deductibles.
Cigna
Cigna is another dental insurance provider that offers a range of plans in California, including the Dental 1000 plan. This plan has low deductibles and no waiting period for preventive care services. The Dental 1000 plan includes coverage for basic and major procedures like fillings, extractions, and root canals. However, like Delta Dental, Cigna does not provide coverage for some advanced procedures like implants and cosmetic dentistry.
Cigna’s Dental 1000 plan costs around $20 to $30 per month, depending on the level of coverage and deductibles.
Humana
Humana’s Complete Dental PPO plan offers comprehensive coverage for basic and major procedures, including orthodontics. The plan has no waiting period for major procedures and comes with a wide network of dentists. One unique feature of Humana’s plans is that they offer a loyalty program that rewards you with increased coverage limits and lower deductibles over time.
Humana’s Complete Dental PPO plan costs around $30 to $40 per month, depending on the level of coverage and deductibles.
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare’s Dental Premier plan offers coverage for a wide range of procedures, including preventive care, basic and major procedures, and orthodontics. The plan has no waiting period for preventive care services like cleanings and checkups. UnitedHealthcare’s Dental Premier plan also offers options for orthodontic coverage, making it a great choice for families with children who need braces.
UnitedHealthcare’s Dental Premier plan costs around $35 to $45 per month, depending on the level of coverage and deductibles.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between PPO and HMO dental insurance?
A: PPO dental insurance plans offer a more extensive network of dentists than HMO plans. With a PPO plan, you can choose any dentist you prefer, whether they are in-network or not. However, with an HMO plan, you must select a primary care dentist within the network, and you may need to get a referral from them to see a specialist. HMO plans also tend to have lower costs than PPO plans.
Q: How do I know if my dentist is covered by my insurance?
A: Most dental insurance providers have a list of dentists in their network on their website. You can also call the insurer’s customer service to confirm if your dentist is in the network.
Q: What is a dental waiting period?
A: A waiting period is a period of time between when you purchase dental insurance and when you can use certain services. Waiting periods are typically required for major procedures like root canals or orthodontic treatment, but not required for preventive care services like cleanings and checkups.
Q: Are there any exclusions or limitations to dental insurance coverage?
A: Yes, most dental insurance policies have some exclusions or limitations to coverage. For example, some policies may exclude coverage for cosmetic dentistry or certain advanced procedures like implants or periodontal treatment. Be sure to review the policy details carefully before purchasing insurance.
Q: Can I change my dental insurance policy at any time?
A: It depends on the policy. Some policies may allow you to change or cancel your coverage outside of the open enrollment period, while others may have more strict rules. Check with your insurer to see what their policy is regarding changes to coverage.
Conclusion
Having the right dental insurance policy in California can save you thousands of dollars in dental expenses. Carefully consider the factors discussed in this article, including coverage, cost, network, and quality of care. Selecting the right dental insurance provider can be overwhelming, but the five providers we listed – Delta Dental, Anthem Blue Cross, Cigna, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare – offer some of the best policies in California. Choose a policy that meets your dental needs and budget, and enjoy maintaining your dental health with peace of mind.