Most people understand the benefits of visiting the dentist every other year. After all, cavities don’t heal on their own, and a minor toothache can turn into a major headache if not treated early.
But if you’re skeptical about the importance of dental insurance and whether it’s really worth it, you’re not the only one.
If you’re like me, your dental insurance card probably sits in the back of your wallet, collecting dust between your twice-yearly cleanings. If your teeth require minimal care outside of regular visits, you can save money by skipping a dental plan.
Of course, dental insurance has its benefits, and some people need dental insurance to keep their costs down. But the bottom line is that not everyone needs dental insurance.
Here are six good reasons to cancel your dental insurance plan.
1. You don’t use it
If you only visit the dentist twice a year, and maybe once or twice to fill an odd cavity, you may end up spending more on dental insurance than if you just paid out of pocket for all your appointments.
Although dental insurance premiums are cheaper than health insurance premiums, it’s not a good idea to keep dental insurance if you rarely use insurance. If you have group dental insurance through your employer, those two-week deductions add up over time, cascading into a hefty chunk of change that could be put to better use.
2. You can get a discount when paying in cash
It is a common misconception that you need dental insurance to cover the huge cost of dental treatment. The truth is that most regular dental services, like scheduled cleanings, are cheaper than you might think. In addition, most dentists offer discounts for patients who pay with cash rather than insurance.
Let’s look at some numbers to illustrate this point. According to Dental Economics’ 2017 annual survey, the average cost of a comprehensive dental checkup ranges from $84 to $127, depending on where you live. If your dentist offers a 5% cash discount, the cost of your cleaning may be less than the cost of your annual premium.
3. Many plans have limited coverage
To sell you a dental plan, many insurance companies promise benefits, such as 100% preventive care or discounts on teeth whitening. But the truth is that many dental plans have very limited coverage for certain types of oral care you may need.
For example, a good dental plan will cover the cost of two cleanings each year. But other “routine” dental work, such as fillings, crowns, and root canals, is not always fully covered. In addition, the annual x-rays taken by your dentist insists you need is not always covered, either. If you have perfect teeth and only need an annual cleaning, you will probably end up paying out of pocket for some dental services.
4. You have already had your wisdom teeth removed.
One of the biggest benefits of having dental insurance is that it usually covers a portion of the cost of wisdom teeth surgery, which most people need to have. Depending on your plan, this could mean $800 to $1,000 in savings—much of the change that would otherwise be paid out of pocket.
But if you already had wisdom teeth, keeping a dental insurance plan is less valuable. Most people do not need to undergo major (and mostly expensive) dental surgery as adults. Also, if you have a good health insurance plan, it will likely cover at least part of the surgery, especially if your wisdom teeth are negatively impacting your health in other ways.
5. Your dentist may suggest unnecessary procedures.
There are many things that can go wrong with your mouth, at least as far as the trained professional eye can see. But the line between dental problems that need to be addressed quickly and minor problems that can go unnoticed is not always clear.
When you walk into a dental office and hand in your insurance card, a big dollar sign lights up above your head. Having insurance allows money-hungry dentists to recommend procedures that you may not actually need. If you don’t have insurance, it’s unlikely that your dentist will recommend a treatment that isn’t 100% necessary, as most people aren’t willing to spend their own money unless there’s a good reason to do so.
6. Most dentists offer payment plans
If you have bad teeth and spend a lot of time at the dentist, dental insurance can definitely help you. However, be aware that if you really want to get rid of dental insurance, most dentists offer payment plans for these more expensive procedures.
For example, if you need a root canal treatment but don’t have dental insurance, you can probably pay for the treatment over a set period of time rather than paying the full amount up front. If you are used to paying monthly premiums for dental insurance, paying for treatment is no different.
Things to consider before canceling dental insurance
There is no doubt that dental insurance can be valuable. If you’re one of the lucky few who spends hours in the dentist’s chair every year, it’s likely that your dental plan will save you some serious money. In this case, keeping your dental insurance is probably in your best interest. But if you’re thinking about leaving your dental plan, there are a few things you should consider.
First, be honest with yourself about your oral health. If you average three cavities a year throughout your life, don’t expect that to change anytime soon. Some people need more dental care than others, even if you take good care of your teeth, and that’s where dental insurance comes in.
It’s also a smart idea to run some numbers and make sure you can afford to pay for your dental treatment out of your own pocket. Call your dentist and find out how much cleanings, x-rays and fillings cost without insurance, and don’t forget to ask about cash discounts.
Also, consider your financial situation realistically. If you needed an emergency removal or a new crown, could you comfortably pay for more expensive procedures using your savings? If not, consider keeping your dental plan until you have an emergency fund for that purpose.
First of all, there is one thing to remember before canceling your dental coverage: if you want to return your plan, you need to wait until the end of the annual open enrollment period to buy a new one.
You cannot cancel your dental plan and reinstate it whenever you want. When you get rid of dental coverage, you will not be covered until open enrollment begins, which takes place each year from November to January. The only exception is when you have a qualifying life event (QLE), such as moving from one state to another, losing employer-sponsored dental coverage, or getting married.
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