Most people in the U.S. have some form of medical insurance. Dental insurance is less common, but roughly 75% of adults have it. Both of these types of policies are important! Still, if you are relatively new to insurance, you might wonder what the difference between these plans are. This blog post provides a basic guide that will help you understand and use your benefits in a way that supports your head-to-toe wellness.
Medical Insurance: The Basics
Medical insurance provides general coverage for issues that affect your overall health. For example, you can use it when you attend your annual physical, if you have a sudden emergency, or if you need help to manage a chronic condition. It often also covers things like prenatal care, mental health services, and chiropractic and massage therapy.
Medical insurance does not typically cover routine oral health services. Therefore, you should not expect it to help with things like your biannual checkups and cleanings or basic treatments like fillings and crowns.
Dental Insurance: The Basics
Dental insurance usually covers the cost of preventive oral health services, like cleanings and checkups, at 100%. It also greatly reduces your out-of-pocket expense for services like fillings, crowns, root canal therapy, dentures, and more.
Also, keep in mind that dental insurance often works differently than medical insurance because it often enforces an annual cap on the value of your benefits. For example, it might provide just $1,000 – $2,000 per year. Medical insurance does not have such limits.
Is There Any Overlap?
In some cases, there is a bit of overlap between dental and medical insurance. For example, they might both apply to certain types of oral surgery, such as dental implant placement or reconstructive services.
Every Policy Is Unique
Remember that the world of insurance is complex, and every policy is different. It would be wise to look at the documents for both your medical and dental insurance so you gain a better understanding of what they cover. If you are in a situation where you are unsure whether you should use your dental or medical coverage, ask the support staff at your dentist’s or doctor’s office. They can provide guidance that will help you maximize your coverage and minimize the stress of using your benefits.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Lewis has worked in dentistry for more than 15 years, and she loves to provide compassionate, skilled care that does not break the budget. Our team welcomes dental insurance, and we are in-network with several popular plans. To learn how we can assist you with your benefits or to request an appointment, contact our office in Allen at 972-954-9728.