Oral health is critical to your overall well-being. The mouth is thought to be a gateway between your body and the outside world, and if it isn’t properly cleaned and maintained, it can lead to poor oral hygiene, which has been linked to chronic diseases like diabetes and digestive system disorders. The cost of dental care is typically high, but dental treatment insurance can assist you in covering the costs of your regular oral checkups or even more expensive treatments.
In this article, you will learn about the best dental coverages, how to obtain them, and which dental insurance companies are the best, particularly in the United Kingdom.
So, let’s get started!
What is a Dental Treatment Insurance?
Dental treatment insurance is a type of health insurance that covers the costs of necessary dental treatment. Generally, many standard health insurance plans do not cover dental treatments and care. Dental insurance has long been considered separate from medical insurance, though some providers frequently offer a package that includes both medical and dental coverage.
Many people can effectively budget for the cost of maintaining a beautiful smile thanks to dental insurance policies. When compared to medical insurance policies, understanding dental insurance policies is a piece of cake. The majority of policies are straightforward and specific in terms of which procedures are covered and how much you must pay out of pocket.
Dental Treatment Insurance UK
If you’re curious to know whether you need dental insurance in the UK, the first thing you should know is that most dental services are not covered by many medical insurances in the country. Oral or dental problems can arise at any time, either as a result of poor oral hygiene or as a result of an illness or accident.
Dental insurance provides coverage that can help you save money while also ensuring a healthy mouth. You’ll pay rates that dentists have agreed to accept for providing services. Dental insurance should be part of your financial planning, whether you have coverage through your job or purchase a plan on your own.
Benefits of getting dental treatment insurance plan in the UK
Dental insurance protects your oral health. These plans provide numerous advantages. Some of them are as follows:
- They cover all types of oral treatments, including critical illness and surgery.
- Many of them cover basic care, such as medical check-ups.
- Some plans also provide the patient with a free consultation.
- Treatments such as tooth capping, root canal therapy, and teeth whitening are typically covered in part by dental insurance plans.
- Furthermore, some insurance companies provide discounts on major treatments such as bracing and implants in addition to guaranteed benefits in some of their policies.
How dental insurance works
Dental insurance can help you save money on dental care that you would otherwise have to pay for on your own. Most dental plans work like this:
You pay a premium
This is frequently a monthly fee for having dental treatment insurance. If you have dental insurance through your job, it may be deducted from your pay. When you buy a plan on your own, you pay the monthly premium to the insurer directly.
There may be a waiting period
This means you may have to wait up to 6 months before receiving coverage for dental care beyond preventive oral exams.
You may need a primary dentist
Some dental insurance policies may require you to select a primary dentist. This is the dentist you will see if you have any issues, and they will also coordinate any specialized dental care you may require.
Your dental insurance policy may include one or more deductibles
A deductible is the amount of money you must pay for dental care out of pocket before your plan begins to share the costs.
Preventive dental care is frequently provided at no cost
This entails getting an oral exam every 6 months, as well as certain types of routine X-rays. As part of their preventive care, children may receive more routine care. When you choose a plan that includes no-cost preventive care, this is included as part of your dental insurance.
Top dental treatment insurance company in the UK
Here is a list of the top best UK Dental Insurance policies to help you maintain a healthy mouth:
- AXA
- Bupa
- WPA
- Dencover
AXA
Axa has been in business for years and is one of the largest private health insurance providers in the UK. Axa’s dental insurance covers mouth cancer, routine treatment, a 50% claim-back for remedial or restorative treatment (up to £1,000 per year), a hospital stay of up to £60 per night for up to 30 days, the option of visiting any NHS or private dentist for accidents and emergencies, and up to £12,000 worldwide accident cover.
Bupa
Bupa is a well-known private healthcare provider in the United Kingdom. It owns and operates hospitals, nursing homes, and dental practices across the country. Its comprehensive dental policy covers up to £150 per year for routine treatments, 75% of treatment costs up to £700 per year, £600 per year for emergency cover, £5,000 for dental injury, oral cancer treatment with no annual limit, and 100% claim-back on NHS treatments.
WPA
WPA has a 110-year history as a non-profit organization, and the company has over 80 local offices throughout the UK. Their dental insurance covers routine treatments and check-ups, pre-existing condition coverage, emergency coverage (including coverage abroad), dental damage caused by facial injuries, and oral cancer treatment. They provide coverage for all dentists in the United Kingdom.
Dencover
Dencover is the only company on our list that specializes in dental insurance – it is their sole product. The company was founded in 2006 with the goal of providing affordable dental coverage. Dencover offers five levels of private dental coverage to choose from.
How to apply for dental treatment insurance?
There are diverse ways to obtain dental insurance:
- As part of your employment benefits, your employer may provide you with dental coverage. If so, you can apply for it during the annual open enrollment period. There may be various types of dental plans available to you that can help cover the type of dental care you anticipate needing.
- If your employer does not provide dental insurance, or if you lose your job or start your own business, you can purchase a dental plan on your own. This can be done through a state health exchange or directly from a health insurance company.
Dental treatment insurance coverage
What your dental insurance covers is determined by the plan you select. When looking for a dental plan, you should think about the following types of coverage:
- Preventive dental care
- Restorative care
- Orthodontic care
Preventive dental care
Most dental insurance plans cover certain preventive care costs. Every six months, this usually includes a dental exam and cleaning, as well as certain types of mouth X-rays. Sealants, fluoride, and other services for children may also be covered.
Restorative care
This includes everything from cavity fillings and tooth extractions to root canals, crowns, bridges, dentures, and other procedures. These treatments range from minor to major. The more complex and specialized your dental care, the higher the cost. If you anticipate needing dental care beyond your preventive dental exams, you may want to look into dental plans that provide more coverage for restorative services like these.
Orthodontic care
This dental specialty focuses on tooth and bite alignment correction. If you or a family member anticipates requiring this type of dental care, look for dental insurance that covers orthodontic services.
Dental Treatment Insurance under a Health Insurance Policy
A variety of well-known insurance companies offer health insurance policies that include dental coverage. In that case, you’ll be required to pay the premium for both your health and dental insurance. Dental coverage through a health insurance policy is a good option if you practice good oral hygiene and have good oral health.
Stand-Alone Dental Insurance Coverage
Many health insurance companies now offer dental insurance as a separate, stand-alone insurance product. It is ideal for people who suffer from oral diseases. If you purchase separate dental insurance, you may have to pay higher premiums depending on your coverage needs.
How much does Dental Insurance cost in the UK?
Dental insurance costs are determined by a variety of factors, including your oral health, overall health, age, and gender. Dental insurance premiums can range from £70 to £300 per year, depending on the insurer and policy. Many provide varying levels of coverage, ranging from basic routine care to extensive treatment plans. As a result, you have the option of deciding how much you want to spend and how much coverage you want.
FAQs about Dental Treatment Insurance UK
What is stand-alone dental treatment insurance?
A stand-alone dental insurance policy is one that is not part of a health insurance plan. Such plans provide comprehensive dental treatment benefits at a low cost.
How can i choose the best dental insurance?
The best dental insurance plan is determined by the policyholder’s specific needs. However, when choosing a dental insurance plan, it is critical that you thoroughly read the policy document before purchasing any plan in order to make an informed decision.
Should I get a dental insurance?
It is critical to have dental insurance because you can develop dental or oral problems as a result of not taking proper care of your teeth or as a result of an accident or illness. However, with dental insurance, you can expect financial assistance in times of need as well as overall dental care.
