| There are several types of dental care insurance policies available in the UK. These types of dental care insurance policies are offered by private dental clinics and NHS dental divisions. These insurance policies are known as dental plans or dental maintenance plans; they more or less mean the same albeit with a slight difference.
The most popular types of dental insurance are :
- Full dental insurance cover
- Limited dental insurance cover
- Capitation scheme
- Additional insurance cover
- NHS cover
Full Dental Insurance Policy
Full (or comprehensive) dental insurance provides liability coverage for basic dental work as well as complicated dental issues. The basic dental work includes dentist fees, routine dental treatment, x-rays and dental checkups. Complicated dental work includes cosmetic dental work, orthodontics and dental inserts. There is a limit as to how much and what kind of dental work is possible within a full dental insurance policy. Full dental insurance is offered only by private dentists and happen to be quite expensive. The expenses of such coverage differ from insurer to insurer.
Limited Dental Coverage
This is a very basic dental insurance policy that includes coverage for dentist fees, typical dental work, checkups and x-rays. You will not be covered for cosmetic dental work, orthodontics or dental implants. Limited dental cover is cheap compared to full dental insurance and additional insurance coverage.
Capitation Scheme
A dentist will check your teeth and, based on their condition, will set a premium price. If your teeth are in good condition, your premium price will be lower and, similarly, if your teeth are in an awful condition, the premium price will be higher. Under this scheme you pay a monthly bill rather than paying the overall dentist’s bill making it very cost-effective.
Additional Insurance Coverage
In order to get cover for non-routine dental treatment, you can ask your dental insurer for additional insurance coverage. This has a higher premium and provides liability for mouth cancer, facial accidents, broken jaw and emergencies. This type of insurance can also provide you coverage for any dental crisis that can crop up while you are traveling.
NHS Coverage
The National Health Service (NHS) is a government organization that provides health care to all UK residents. This health care includes hospitalization, dental treatments, eye care, medications and social services. You have to register yourself with an NHS dentist and make sure that you visit the dentist at least once in 15 months. Although not exactly a proper insurance policy, it will provide you coverage for the usual dental work such as fillings, root canal treatments and scaling. It will not cover you for cosmetic dental work such as whitening or cosmetic crowns. NHS coverage is the cheapest dental insurance plan for a UK resident.
Whatever type of insurance coverage you choose, make sure you read your policy thoroughly, especially the fine print. Do not get overwhelmed by the insurance jargon which can be quite misleading, and get as much clarification as possible from your dental insurer.
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