Pros & Cons of Dental Insurance

Dental coverage is becoming less and less common as a part of employers' health insurance plans, and adults with Medicare may be surprised to find that dental care is not included. Before you purchase a dental insurance policy, though, evaluate the pros and cons.

If you or your family have extensive dental health needs that go beyond the annual checkup and regular cleanings, dental insurance can help you save on costs, covering expensive dental care such as fillings, root canals and even orthodontics.

Dental insurance may not be a good idea for everyone. Bankrate estimates that private dental insurance premiums can cost between $225 to $396 per year. Deductibles and co-pays may add to the cost. Many dental insurance policies have an annual cap of $1,200 to $1,500.

If you've spent more than $1,500 a year on dental health care in the past, or have ongoing dental conditions, paying for dental insurance may be a good idea. Otherwise, depositing the money you'd spend on premiums into a personal savings account or your employers flexible health care spending account may be a better use of your money.