Working full-time for a large company or organization offers perks when it comes to dental and health insurance. The nearly 40 million self-employed individuals in the United States don’t share the same sentiment.
As employees quit their jobs in record numbers, self-employment is becoming the new norm in a few years. The self-employed are still left to find the top-notch dental insurance plans that suit both their needs and their budgets.
Being your own boss is great. It offers better work-life balance and a more flexible schedule. However, as the cost of living increases year over year, the recent growth in healthcare expenditure and dental care cost inflation make it daunting to find suitable dental insurance cover. Currently, the American Dental Association estimated that adults pay on average between $490 and $780 per year for dental care.
However, the struggles of accessibility to premium dental and healthcare facilities need not hamper a self-employed individual. Millions of Americans find it a lot easier to obtain personal dental care insurance. Moreover, they consider purchasing a group plan that benefits both themselves and their families.
Dental insurance either completely covers major preventative care procedures, or it partially covers basic or major procedures. As a self-employed person, you look for the best dental insurance without breaking the bank and explore additional health benefits that may be available.
Top Five Dental Insurance Options for Self-Employed
1. UnitedHealthCare
Currently, UnitedHealthCare offers four different types of dental insurance plans. These range from the most basic to premium plus care plan options. UnitedHealthCare has an expansive network of providers that they work with through UnitedHealthOne.
Monthly premiums range is $17.98 to $48.38 per month depending on your type of plan. However, this insurer does not cover major services when you only have a basic plan. In addition, it offers limited coverage for orthodontic care.
Most people who currently have plans from UnitedHealthCare find that it is easier to work with a well-established and trusted insurer — especially for the self-employed.
2. Delta Dental
A little bit pricier with an extensive network of providers, Delta Dental plans range from $24.00 to $55 per month. Depending on the type of plan you have, some of their existing plans cover a range of different dental procedures and major preventative care.
Cost-sharing is a bit lopsided, and not all orthodontic procedures will be 100% covered. In addition, it may require you to pay out of pocket, as some plans cap at $1,000. Luckily, annual deductibles are also quite low at $50 per annum, so the self-employed and freelancers have access to affordable dental insurance.
3. Renaissance Dental
With an established network of over 300,000 providers, the self-employed definitely reap the benefits of Renaissance Dental. Their Essentials Plan, which is the most basic, starts at $32 per month, and it covers 100% of preventative care. Renaissance Dental’s more expensive Plan III costs just over $50 per month, and it covers 100% for preventative services, 80% for basic services, and 50% for major services.
Unfortunately, some plans choose your dental provider, which makes it a bit tricky for the self-employed who have limited options to choose from in their area. Additionally, annual benefit maximums are quite low — capping at $1,000.
4. Humana Dental
Humana Dental has some of the best customer service ratings, according to AM Best, and it has more than 260,000 different dentists to from which to choose. This makes it quite convenient for the self-employed who live in rural and remote areas.
Humana Dental’s plan starts at $17.99 for the Preventative Value PPO plan, and it completely covers routine cleanings and even x-rays (one of its more popular budget-friendly choices). Its Bright Plus PPO plan starts at $25.43 per month, and it covers cleanings, exams, and x-rays up to 100%, with an annual deductible of $50 for individuals. However, some major services are limited, and not all of their current existing plans are available in every state.
5. Cigna Dental
Cigna Dental is one of the most preferred dental insurance providers in the United States, and it covers more than 17 million people. Furthermore, individuals do not need to obtain a referral or have a personal dentist when they take out a plan from Cigna.
The most basic plan starts at $19 per month that only covers 100% of preventative care, and a more expensive plan of $35 covers an assortment of preventative care, with an additional $1,000 for orthodontic care. There are many great things when it comes to Cigna’s plans, and the plans customize for individuals and families.
Unfortunately, Cigna Dental has a 12-month waiting period for restorative and orthodontia services, and this varies depending on where you currently reside.
Final Considerations
The self-employed may not have the benefits offered by major companies and organizations when it comes to dental and medical insurance. However, there are a handful of best dental insurance plans currently available and specifically designed to cater to those who need a basic and affordable dental plan.
Every one of these insurers offers a variety of coverage and additional services when it comes to their plans. To get the best and most suitable coverage, always review each plan and how it works.
