re: Is dental insurance worth it? / High cost of services

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Cleanings/xrays included in coverage. Most everything else covered at 80%. Def worth having it when you need to have a crown and root canal and end up only having to pay $200 out of pocket for it.

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How much are monthly premiums? What is max per year?

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I shopped for dental insurance recently. Most are around 30 a month, have probation periods, limits on what they cover, and 1k maximums. It's not worth it.

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Bingo. If you ever run into something major and can't pay for the services straight up...then care credit is a MUCH better option than dental insurance

8 cleanings a year is more than my yearly premium so yes it's worth it even if we don't do anything else

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So you can figure out the $800 you spend but can't figure the premium x 12 to determine if it is less than $800???

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The above is exactly why waiting periods for services exist.

If you look at employee benefits stats, dental insurance is the #2 most popular health benefit behind medical. When you add in retirement benefits, dental falls to #3 behind 401ks.

Higher annual maximums are available. Most companies just get stuck in a rut and continue with their $1000 annual max. The path of least resistance is often taken.

Plan benefits can be written to cover a wide range of services from 95% coinsurance to 0% coinsurance. Folks want their premiums to be in the $20-30 range depending on 3 digit zip though so your standard 100/80/50 plan with a $50 deductible and $1000 annual max. If your employer wants better benefits, it can be had. The insurance company is not limiting the benefits.

It's worth it if you use it.