Will a Health Insurance Plan Cover My Dental Expenses

While growing we all learn certain things, how much of you remember those ads in which the character says that eating too much candy means giving an invitation to germs, and our parents also worried about us and our teeth. When we don’t know about this too much we are all scared of this kind of information, but by the time we all know the real truth and after that we start taking care of our teeth. But how much do we know that Health Plan also covers the “Dental Expenses”.

Many of us usually defer our visits to the dentist unless it is very painful. Also, at the same time getting dental treatment is a far more costly affair too. Dental expenses are rising at a great pace and creating a hole in the pocket for an overall treatment.

Dental Treatment is Expensive

Now a time dental is a big issue for us because having any kind of problem with tooth make us chaotic and if problem became big then we must spend at least Rs 2000 – Rs 3000 and I think it’s too much amount that we are going to spend. Well, It’s an OPD treatment’s amount if the problem will be really big then it took much time and money also.

Dental implant expenses can range from Rs 20,000 to Rs 80,000 for an individual. Orthodontic (braces) treatment. May cost somewhere between Rs 40,000 to Rs 3,00,000. And if we talk about the common root canal treatment (RCT) it may cost Rs 3,000 to Rs 8,000 per sitting. The list of expenses aggravating continues for the dental treatments in the current scenario.

Such unexpected or maybe planned expenses, create a big hole in your pocket and you will find ways to cover such expenses. Many people believe that their dental expenses will be covered under their health insurance policy. But let us have an insight into this aspect.

Some different health insurance companies provide dental cover in their health plans and being a problem in the tooth is also a concern for health and such kind of issue makes it a bigger problem. Well, if you think you have health insurance and you get treatment through an insurance plan then it’s a really good deal for you. But the point is, does really your health insurance plan cover the dental issue also or not?

Will a Health Insurance Plan Actually Cover Your Dental Expenses?

While growing we must face the problem of teeth a lot of times, like having pain in teeth because of germs, having fallen somewhere and got hurt in the tooth, and sometimes having pain because of not doing brush properly. Well at that time our parents always said to us that we brushed up properly, but we didn’t care at all, and one more thing at that time, we don’t take things too seriously, and having problems with teeth was the result of recklessness.

This is a bit tricky question that needs to be substantiated with facts. We all get attracted to only the visible and most talked about features of the health insurance plans. Or, for that matter, any other insurance plan by the insurance companies. In the light of those eye-catching benefits, many of us tend to miss out on the complete policy details. And do not read the policy wordings before buying.

For most health insurance plans, dental expenses are not covered under the purview of the policy benefits. Dental expenses are not covered explicitly under the coverage and even if they are covered. It is subject to certain limits and restrictions. The scope of including dental expenses is still far away from reality.

Any dental treatment that comprises cosmetic surgery, dentures, dental prosthesis, dental implants, orthodontics, orthognathic surgery, jaw alignment or treatment for the temporomandibular (jaw) joint, or upper and lower jaw bone surgery and surgery related to the temporomandibular (jaw) unless necessitated by an acute traumatic injury or cancer and also requiring Hospitalization is usually not covered.

However, hospitalization expenses pertaining to dental treatment may be financed from your health insurance policy.

Are There Any Specific Dental Insurance Plans?

Most health plans cover dental expenses only when caused due to some kind of accident. Typically, stand-alone dental insurance plans in India are still not a reality. But lately OCARE,  India’s first,  and only,  independent Insurance Process as a Service  (PAAS) platform, launched the first-ever Dental Insurance Product in the country.

A Group Insurance product offers a sum assured of Rs 25,000/‐. It is the maiden Dental insurance, which is being offered as a specific product in India. It can be clubbed with health insurance and available under the general health insurance plans, where dental expenses are not covered and only the hospitalization and medical costs arising due to a dental emergency are covered.

Ways to Cover Dental Expenses under the Health Insurance Plan

Though Outpatient Patient Department (OPD Treatments)

Many health insurance plans like HDFC ERGO Health Suraksha offer optional benefits like outpatient dental treatment on an additional premium over and above the base premium subject to policy conditions.

Under Appolo Munich’s Easy Health Plan, outpatient dental treatment is covered after a waiting period of 3 years. The coverage is provided only under the Premium Plan with a cap on the scope of coverage. Up to 1% of the Sum Assured can be utilized as a benefit amount up to a maximum of Rs.5000 if Sum Assured ranges from  Rs.4 lakhs to Rs.10 lakhs. The maximum limit increases to up to Rs.7500 if a coverage level of Rs.15 lakhs to Rs.50 lakhs is chosen.

Bharti AXA’s Smart Health Insurance Plan considers dental treatment in the list of exclusions, out-patient emergency dental treatment due to an accident is covered under this plan. The coverage is provided under the optimum plan variant up to a maximum of Rs.3000 and Rs 5,000 for a Sum Insured of Rs 3 lakhs and Rs.5 lakhs, respectively. The plan also offers a follow-up treatment by the same dentist up to a maximum of 15 days, considering the maximum allowable limit.

Reasons why Dental Expenses are not Under Main Stream Benefits of a Health Insurance policy

The common psychology of the insurers may be that claims for procedures that fall under cosmetic dentistry. It may be vast and excessive, and policyholders might opt for high-end and advanced dental procedures, which will result in increasing claims for the insurers. Secondly, many believe that dental treatment does not come under the purview of the health services offered by insurers.

Lastly, It is essential to read the policy document and wording carefully before buying. Also, one should look at the overall benefits offered under the health plan and make a cost-benefit analysis to opt for a plan offering dental treatment. Even if the plan provides you with such provision, I am sure the scope of coverage will be limited or restricted. India is still waiting for more options and innovation of plans offering a broader scope for dental treatments and covering dental expenses.

Some Health Plans with Dental Expenses options

There are limited health insurance plans, that cover dental expenses. Sometimes, you have to pay extra for adding dental coverage to the plan. Those plans covering dental costs have their terms and conditions for covering dental expenses.