Everything You Need to Know About Canadian Dental Insurance
What is Dental Insurance
Dental insurance is a type of insurance that helps cover the cost of dental care, including regular checkups, cleanings, fluoride, X-rays, and procedures such as fillings, extractions, and crowns. Dental insurance plans typically have a monthly or annual premium that must be paid by the policyholder, and may also require the policyholder to pay a certain amount out-of-pocket before the insurance begins to cover the cost of treatment. Some plans may also have a maximum annual benefit limit and may not cover certain types of procedures. Dental insurance can be purchased as an individual plan or as part of a group plan through an employer.
Though the majority of plans have baseline coverages, they will also provide supplementary reimbursement up to a certain dollar figure for cosmetic procedures. This includes things such as dentures, endodontics and Invisalign type treatments.
Is Dental Insurance the Same as Health Insurance
Dental insurance and health insurance are two different types of insurance.
Health insurance is a type of insurance that helps cover the cost of medical care, including doctor’s visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and other medical expenses. Health insurance plans may be provided by an employer, purchased by an individual, or provided by the government. They are focused on items that play to your overall health.
Dental insurance, on the other hand, is a type of insurance that helps cover the dental costs of preventative dental care, including regular checkups, cleanings, X-rays, and procedures such as fillings, extractions, and crowns. Dental insurance plans typically have a monthly or annual premium that must be paid by the policyholder, and may also require the policyholder to pay a certain amount out-of-pocket before the insurance begins to cover the cost of treatment.
In some cases, dental insurance may be included as part of a health insurance plan or as an add-on to a health insurance plan. But in most cases, dental insurance is a separate plan from health insurance.
What Does Dental Insurance Usually Cover
Dental insurance plans typically cover a wide range of preventive and basic dental care services, such as:
- Regular checkups and cleanings
- X-rays
- Fillings
- Extractions
- Root canals
- Crowns
Some dental insurance plans may also cover more advanced procedures such as orthodontics (braces), periodontics (treatment of gums and bone), oral surgery and sedation.
Most plans have a maximum annual benefit limit, which means there is a maximum amount of money the plan will pay out per year. Also, most plans have a waiting period for certain procedures like orthodontics and major restorative services.
It’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand exactly what your plan covers and what exclusions may apply.
Who is Eligible for Dental Insurance Coverage
Eligibility for dental insurance coverage can vary depending on the type of plan and the insurance provider.
For employer-provided dental insurance, generally, employees and their eligible dependents, such as a spouse or children, are eligible for coverage. However, some employers may have different eligibility requirements, such as requiring employees to work a certain number of hours per week or to be employed for a certain period of time before they are eligible for coverage.
For individually purchased dental insurance, typically, any person who can pass the underwriting process is eligible to purchase a dental insurance plan.
For government-funded dental insurance plans, eligibility may be based on factors such as income, age, or disability. For example, some government-funded dental plans may only be available to low-income individuals, children, or seniors.
It’s important to check with the insurance provider to understand the specific eligibility requirements for a particular dental insurance plan. A good dental office, such as Boulevard Dental in Saskatoon can assist with this. With their skip the line abilities they can quickly touch base with your provider and get you the answers you need.
How Much Does a Dental Plan Cost
The cost of a dental plan can vary depending on the type of plan, the coverage provided, and the insurance provider. Here are some factors that can affect the cost of a dental plan:
- Premiums: Most dental plans require policyholders to pay a monthly or annual premium. The premium is the cost of the insurance coverage. The cost of the premium can vary depending on factors such as the type of coverage, the insurance provider, and the policyholder’s age.
- Deductibles: Some dental plans may require policyholders to pay a certain amount out-of-pocket before the insurance begins to cover the cost of treatment. This is known as the deductible. The cost of the deductible can vary depending on the type of plan and the insurance provider.
- Co-pays: Some dental plans may require policyholders to pay a portion of the cost of treatment, even after the deductible has been met. This is known as a co-pay. The cost of the co-pay can vary depending on the type of plan and the insurance provider.
- Maximum annual benefit limit: Some plans may have an annual maximum benefit limit, which means there is a maximum amount of money the plan will pay out per year.
- Provider network: Some plans may have a network of providers, and if you go out of network, you may have to pay a higher cost.
- Riders: Some plans may offer riders, which are additional coverage options for specific procedures or groups of people.
It’s important to note that cost is not the only factor to consider when choosing a dental plan. It’s important to compare the coverage and the providers network, as well.
Does Canada Have Free Dental Care
Similar to vision care, dental care is not covered under Canada’s universal healthcare system, which only covers basic medical needs. This is the case in all Canadian provinces including Saskatchewan, Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec. However, some provinces and territories have programs in place to provide limited coverage for certain groups such as low-income families or seniors. Additionally, some employers offer dental coverage as part of their employee benefits package through a provider such as Canada Life or Blue Cross.
Does My Work Have to Provide Dental Benefits
In most countries, including Canada and the United States, employers are not legally required to provide dental insurance as part of their employee benefits package. However, many employers choose to do so as a way to attract and retain employees, and to provide a comprehensive benefits package that addresses the health and well-being of their workforce. Some employers may offer dental insurance as a voluntary benefit, which means that employees can choose to enroll in the plan and pay for it through payroll deductions or with after-tax dollars.
It’s important to check your employee handbook or speak to your human resources representative to determine what types of benefits are offered by your employer.
What Dental Procedures Qualify Under Dental Insurance
The specific dental procedures that are covered under a dental insurance plan can vary depending on the type of plan and the insurance provider. However, most dental insurance plans cover a wide range of preventive and basic dental care services, such as:
- Regular checkups and cleanings
- X-rays
- Fillings
- Extractions
- Root canals
- Crowns
Some dental insurance plans may also cover more advanced procedures such as orthodontics (braces), periodontics (treatment of gums and bone), oral surgery and sedation.
It’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand exactly what your plan covers and what exclusions may apply, as some plans may not cover certain procedures or may have a waiting period before coverage begins. Also, some plans may have a maximum annual benefit limit.
It’s also important to note that dental insurance plans usually cover a percentage of the cost of treatment, and the patient is responsible for paying the remaining balance out-of-pocket or through co-payments.
Can You Get Dental Work Done Without Dental Insurance
Yes, it is possible to get dental work done without dental insurance. Many dental offices offer, including Boulevard Dental prorivde different payment options for patients who do not have dental insurance. Some options include:
- Paying out-of-pocket: This means paying for the cost of treatment directly to the dental office at the time of the appointment.
- Dental financing: This option allows patients to finance the cost of treatment over time through a loan or a line of credit. Some dental offices work with third-party financing companies that offer payment plans with low or no interest.
- Dental savings plans: These are membership plans that offer discounted prices on dental treatments for a monthly or annual fee.
- Publicly funded dental care programs: Some government-funded programs may be available for low-income individuals or for specific groups such as children, seniors or people with disabilities.
It’s important to check with your dental office to see what payment options they offer and to understand any costs associated with the treatment before proceeding.
Additionally, some dental schools also offer services at reduced rates, and many dentists also offer a sliding fee scale for low-income patients.
What Dental Plan is Right For Me
Choosing the right health coverage depends on your individual needs and budget. Here are a few things to consider when selecting a dental plan:
- Coverage: Determine what types of dental procedures you anticipate needing and make sure that the plan covers those procedures.
- Network of providers: Check if the plan has a network of dentists and specialists in your area. If you have a preferred dentist, make sure they are in-network with the plan.
- Cost: Compare the cost of the plan, including monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and co-pays, with your budget.
- Waiting periods: Some plans may have waiting periods for certain procedures, so make sure you are aware of any waiting periods that may apply.
- Maximum annual benefit limit: Some plans may have an annual maximum benefit limit, which means there is a maximum amount of money the plan will pay out per year, so make sure you are aware of this.
- Rider options: Some plans may offer riders, which are additional coverage options for specific procedures or groups of people.
It’s also important to check the plan’s reviews from customers and the provider’s reputation.
It’s always a good idea to compare different plans and providers to find the one that best fits your needs and budget.
What is the Best Company to Get a Dental Insurance Plan from in Saskatoon
It would be best to research various dental insurance providers and compare their coverage options, costs, and customer reviews to determine which one is the best fit for your needs.
Some popular group health benefit plans in Canada include:
- Sun Life Financial
- Manulife Financial
- Canada Life
- Green Shield Canada
- Desjardins Insurance
- Blue Cross
It’s also important to check if the dental insurance company you are interested in have a network of dentists in Saskatoon, so you can receive the treatment you need from a provider that is in-network with your insurance plan.
You can also check with your employer if they have any dental insurance plan that is available for employees, or check with the government of Saskatchewan to see if there are any publicly funded dental care programs available for you.
Or if all else fails, and you still have questions about the above, reach out to the professionals at Boulevard Dental in Saskatoon. With evening and weekend appointments available and always accepting new patients, they can answer all of your insurance questions at your leisure. Use their fully online booking today and make an appointment.