Question: I currently have dental insurance that I’ve held for about a year, but I’ve never used it since it doesn’t cover free cleanings. I’m starting to consider not renewing the insurance and instead getting a membership. What do you think?
Initially, I tried to go to a nearby dental school, but their hours aren’t very flexible. If I can fit it into my schedule, I’ll visit them, but I’m still figuring that out.
I’ve never had cavities in my life, but I haven’t been to the dentist for about a year. Hopefully, nothing serious has developed. I still have wisdom teeth, but I can go home country and get rid of them if I know the problem ahead.
Dentist Membership vs Dental Insurance
byu/Conscious_Jury_9074 inFrugal
Posted by Conscious_Jury_9074
4 Comments
Dental insurance that doesn’t cover cleanings is terrible insurance, switch to real dental insurance instead.
Both of our dentists dissuaded us from dental insurance and suggested dental membership plans instead. You pay a monthly or annual fee, there is no waiting period, and everything is covered, including crowns, implants, etc. Prices are posted so you will know your costs prior to having the procedures. We’ve used them for the last three years and have been very happy with the service.
Many plams also offer vision, and hearing benefits as well if that’s something you’re interested in.
I did a membership plan during the pandemic because I had some extra funds to address some dental work that I as an American had to put off for years due to a lack of insurance or as in your case, just a crappy insurance plan that didn’t cover much.
The membership was good for a year and saved me about $7,500 so it was very much worth it.
I did one of those membership plans (dentrite) and it worked well when I needed just cleanings. But then the hygienist said I needed deep cleanings, and the membership plan didn’t cover that. So i signed up for insurance that did cover it but then I was balance billed a bunch of extra charges….so now I’m trying to get most of my dental cleanings done in other countries because there is very little regulation in the dental industry in the US, and the costs are never disclosed correctly up front.