How do Dental Memberships Compare to Insurance Premiums?

Exactly How Are Teeth Supposed to Line Up? We’re Expanding!!!

With the increasing complexity of the insurance landscape, a lot of people are turning away from their traditional insurance options toward savings clubs and memberships run by the practices they frequent. But how do you know which is really the better deal?

That depends, of course, on a couple of factors:

Do you have access to group dental insurance through an employer?

While there are exceptions to every rule, generally you’ll have affordable access to better dental plans if you work for a larger employer - places like Accenture or Publicis, for example. Larger companies are usually able to negotiate better rates for better benefits from insurance carriers. If you source your own dental insurance, you’ll usually wind up with a plan that costs you more a month for fewer benefits.

Are your gums healthy? Do you anticipate a lot of dental restorations in the next couple of years? (think crowns, fillings, bridges)

This will have a direct correlation to what makes the most sense for you - if you are reasonably healthy, don’t need a lot of dental work, and are paying a high premium, you may be overpaying for benefits you don’t really need. Similarly, if you need a lot of work and have very bare bones insurance, a membership plan may be a better option for you. If you have access to good benefits at a reasonable rate and need a consistent amount of dental work, traditional insurance is likely the way to go!

How does the cost compare between a dental membership and traditional insurance?

Let’s take two examples:

1. Joe is insured by a large corporation for $30 a month, and comes in for 2 check ups, one with x-rays, and a moderate filling. 
   1. With his insurance, he might expect to pay $360 in yearly premiums and another $200 in copays and deductibles
   2. With a membership plan, he would pay $389 in yearly premiums, and $250 for his filling. 
2. Brenda is insured with a self-funded plan for $50 a month and needs the same treatment as Joe.
   1. With her insurance, he might expect to pay $600 in yearly premiums and another $300 in copays and deductibles
   2. With a membership plan, she would pay $389 in yearly premiums, and $250 for his filling. 

As you can imagine, the figures can change quickly depending on what you currently pay and what you need. Curious how your coverage stacks up? Contact our admin team today and we’d be happy to run through a breakdown specific to your situation!