Discount Dental Plans: How Affordable Are They?

Discount dental plans are becoming more and more popular these days, especially among the uninsured and underinsured. If you currently don't have dental insurance you might want to consider trying one.

What is a discount dental plan?

These plans work by memberships. You sign up for the plan and the company issues you a discount card which you use when you visit your dentist. Discounts can range from 20% to 60% depending on the procedure.

Since discount plans are not insurance, you are responsible for paying for your services at the time they are performed, but at a discounted rate.

How affordable are they?

Discount dental plans can cost anywhere from $8 a month to $29 a month, depending on which company you choose. But there are a few things you should consider before opting for a plan.

Again, keep in mind that these plans are NOT INSURANCE, and you are responsible for paying your bill. For more information about dental plans and how to choose the right one, click here.

Having investigated numerous dental insurance plans and comparing dental discount plans with dental insurance, I have developed a sort of "rule of thumb" for how much you should pay for dental plans.

Here's my advice...

Don't pay more than $20 a month for a dental plan that includes total dental care for your entire household--and also includes vision, prescription and chiropractic.

And the dental plan you choose should include these additional features:

• No age limits
• Pre-existing problems accepted
• No paperwork for you to fill out
• No limit on visits or services
• Orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry included
• No waiting period
• Specialists included, where available
• You can change dentists
• No annual pre-payment required--pay by month
• Monthly payment includes entire household

If the plan you're considering does not offer all these benefits--for less than $20 per month per household-- you should consider choosing another plan.

During my research of more than 30 companies, I found one that offers a plan that satisfies my perception of what a "good" discount plan should include.

It includes dental, vision, pharmacy and chiropractic for about $20 a month per household. It's a reputable company with a great track record (I checked out their rating with the Better Business Bureau). They've been in business about 15 years.

For more information about this plan click here.

Mike Griffith
mike@ourdiscountdentalplan.com

Click here for a FREE copy of my report "6 Questions You Should Ask Before Buying a Discount Dental Plan."