Real Dental Insurance
 

I'm trying to find some real dental insurance not one of those cheap discount plans that shaft the dentists and the customers. Unfortunatly all I can find on google is these discount plans. I want a plan that will cover all or a percentage of the dentists fees (not their set price per operation type). I like having quality care while at a dentist and these discount plans cause dentists to hurry and do shotty work. Anyone know of any good dental insurance companies?

www.ehealthinsurance.com lists dental plans.

Hope that helps.

First let me say that while I'm an insurance professional, I don't do health or dental insurance, and most of what I know is from personal experience with the system and what I read in the trade journals.

That said, the way that dental insurance usually works is when the doctors sign up with a particular plan (i.e. Blue Cross/Blue Shield), they agree to charge the "usual and customary rate" for the area. Basically the dentist is not allowed to charge twice the price as the guy down the street. It keeps everybody honest. The larger the insurance company, theoretically the better chance they have of getting the dentist to keep their rates low. That saves everyone money. However, it can also lead to the pressure that you're concerned about, but the dentist usually drops out of that plan if they feel that they can't serve their customers well.

Obviously you'll get a better rate if you can get coverage with a larger group, like your employer (that fact is universal in insurance, regardless of the type). However, from your post, it sounds like that is not an option. You might explore the option of finding some other large group that offers insurance like a trade association or even a church (although that one is kind of rare from what I have heard).

I don't have any actual recomendations of insurance carriers for you, but hopefully this will help you with your seach. I'd be happy to answer any other questions that you have, so let me know.

Rekna, make a quick survey of professionals in your area. Call and ask for costs of normal procedures without insurance. Cavities, cleanings, crowns, canals, etc. Do they give cash discounts? Ask which plans your favorite dentists support and go from there.

I've found if your plan isn't subsidized by an employer there's not much economic value to dental insurance. They pay for a little preventative work, and some percentage of major work, but you can often get the same deal or close to it as an "uninsured." A healthcare savings plan may make more sense.