Finding out whether or not dental implant insurance exists can be exhausting. It can often mean that you spend hours on the phone just to speak to a computer that tells you to try again later. The insurance world can seem very difficult to understand and painful to deal with, so, here are some tips to help you find the right insurance for you.
How much is a dental implant without insurance?
Dental implants can cost anywhere between $1,600 to $8,200 per tooth without any form of dental insurance. There are a number of variables that go into determining the cost. Some variables include:
- The location of the tooth being replaced
- The amount of teeth being replaced
- The kind of implant being used
- The location the surgery is to take place in
These are just some of the factors that can play a role in the end cost of the dental implant. Try to see if you can get a quote before fully committing to the surgery so you can at least begin to work with a real number and not an estimate.
Because most dental insurances classify dental implants as a cosmetic surgery, many do not cover it. Because of this, it is difficult to say what you can expect to pay with insurance.
Some insurances will pay for a portion of the procedure, to cover, for example, the tooth extraction, or the crowns that are often accompanying a dental implant procedure. This is why it is vital to do the next step: Check what your coverage is.
What is your existing insurance plan?
The next place to look is at your existing insurance plan. Check with your employer or the insurance company to see what they cover. Some will cover a portion of the surgery and then require you to pay the rest. Others may cover the surgery entirely.
Unfortunately, dental implants are often classified as cosmetic dentistry, which means that many dental plans will not cover it. This is why it is vitally important to see what your existing coverage may cover. You may need to do some research to try to find a plan that will cover it.
Be careful, as you will likely still have out-of-pocket expenses due to the fact that the insurance companies often consider an implant a cosmetic procedure.
Look to see if you’ve already hit your annual maximum, which is the highest amount of money you’d have to pay per year. Otherwise, you are on the hook for the full cost of the treatment out-of-pocket.
You can also investigate what sorts of reimbursement options are available on your existing plan. Understand how this process works with your insurance company and use that option wisely.
Call the company to see what they might be able to tell you to clarify their policies and to determine what is and what is not covered. Even though your current policy may say it covers implants, there may be certain exceptions or exclusions. Even an exclusion clause for implants may not mean that there will be no benefits applied. Double check what procedures are being referred to by using the correct ADA code as the slightest difference between procedures can be the difference between paying out of pocket and having the insurance cover some of it.
Additionally, call your dentist who may be able to recommend helpful resources, or even recommend plans to look into that do cover implants. Your dentist can also tell you what your current insurance covers and will be a valuable resource.
Alternatively, you can pursue something like a dental savings plan. These sorts of plans can sometimes offer a contracted percentage off the preferred treatment without deductibles or maximums. Whichever type of insurance you decide to go for, the internet holds many resources to help you make a decision. Be sure to do careful research before committing to any plan as you want to know you are getting the best deal you can.
If you have questions regarding getting a dental implant, call us at Upland Dental Group & Implant Center in Upland, CA a call at (909) 985-1966 to schedule an appointment today.
