Dental insurance covers dental treatment costs. This insurance covers tests, tooth cleanings, fillings, crowns, implants, and orthodontic treatments like braces. Dental insurance protects against unexpected bills and emergencies.
Dental insurance options vary. The variety of coverage options, the size of the provider network, the cost implications and feasibility, the provider’s reputation and customer service, and the presence of extra benefits must be considered when choosing a Texas dental insurance provider.
In this article, we will examine a selection of superior dental insurance providers in Texas, contrasting them based on these dimensions.
Top Dental Insurance Providers in Texas
Some of the top dental insurance providers in Texas are:
- Delta Dental: Delta Dental is the largest dental insurance company in the US, with over 80 million members. Delta Dental offers PPO and DHMO plans in Texas, with different levels of coverage and cost-sharing. Delta Dental also has one of the largest networks of dentists in Texas, with over 15,000 participating providers. Delta Dental plans cover preventive care at 100%, and some plans also cover orthodontia and implants.
- Ameritas: Ameritas is a mutual insurance company that offers PPO dental plans in Texas. Ameritas plans have no waiting periods for preventive and basic services, and some plans have no waiting periods for major services as well. Ameritas plans also have high annual maximums of up to $5,000 per person. Ameritas plans to cover preventive care at 100%, and some plans also cover orthodontia and implants.
- Humana: Humana is a health insurance company that offers PPO and DHMO dental plans in Texas. Humana plans have low deductibles and copayments, and some plans have no deductibles or copayments at all. Humana plans also have no waiting periods for preventive care, and some plans have no waiting periods for basic and major care as well. Humana plans cover preventive care at 100%, and some plans also cover orthodontia and implants.
- Guardian: Guardian is a mutual insurance company that offers PPO dental plans in Texas. Guardian plans have flexible coverage options, with different levels of coinsurance and copayments. Guardian plans also have high annual maximums of up to $6,000 per person. Guardian plans cover preventive care at 100%, and some plans also cover orthodontia and implants.
- Cigna: Cigna is a health insurance company that offers PPO and DHMO dental plans in Texas. Cigna plans have low premiums and deductibles, and some plans have no deductibles at all. Cigna plans also have no waiting periods for preventive care, and some plans have no waiting periods for basic and major care as well. Cigna plans cover preventive care at 100%, and some plans also cover orthodontia.
Comparison of Dental Insurance Providers in Texas
These parameters can help you compare Texas dental insurance providers:
- Coverage choices: This covers preventative, basic, and major dental treatments. The plan covers a portion of the cost after deductibles and copayments.
- Provider network size: This refers to the number of dentists that participate in the plan’s network. The larger the network, the more choices you have when selecting a dentist. It also affects the cost of out-of-network treatment, which may be higher or not covered at all by some plans.
- Cost and affordability include premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. It’s also the plan’s yearly maximum benefit per individual or family.
- Reputation and customer service: This includes the plan’s claims processing, invoicing, online tools, and customer support. It also includes member and third-party critiques of the strategy.
- Additional benefits: This refers to any extra features or perks that the plan offers to its members, such as discounts on vision, hearing, prescription drugs, wellness programs, and more.
The table below summarizes the comparison of the top dental insurance providers in Texas based on these criteria:
| Provider | Coverage options offered | Provider network size | Cost and affordability | Reputation and customer service | Additional benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Dental | PPO and DHMO plans with different levels of coverage and cost-sharing. Preventive care covered at 100%. Some plans cover orthodontia and implants. | Over 15,000 dentists in Texas. Out-of-network treatment may be covered at a lower rate or not at all. | Premiums vary depending on the plan and location. Deductibles range from $0 to $100 per person. Copayments and coinsurance vary depending on the plan and service. Annual maximums range from $1,000 to $2,000 per person. | Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. High customer satisfaction ratings. Easy to use website and mobile app. 24/7 customer service. | Discounts on vision, hearing, prescription drugs and wellness programs. |
| Ameritas | PPO plans with different levels of coverage and cost-sharing. Preventive care covered at 100%. Some plans cover orthodontia and implants. | Over 12,000 dentists in Texas. Out-of-network treatment may be covered at a lower rate or not at all. | Premiums vary depending on the plan and location. Deductibles range from $0 to $50 per person. Copayments and coinsurance vary depending on the plan and service. Annual maximums range from $1,000 to $5,000 per person. | Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. High customer satisfaction ratings. Easy to use website and mobile app. 24/7 customer service. | Discounts on vision, hearing, prescription drugs and wellness programs. |
| Humana | PPO and DHMO plans with different levels of coverage and cost-sharing. Preventive care covered at 100%. Some plans cover orthodontia and implants. | Over 10,000 dentists in Texas. Out-of-network treatment may be covered at a lower rate or not at all. | Premiums vary depending on the plan and location. Deductibles range from $0 to $150 per person. Copayments and coinsurance vary depending on the plan and service. Annual maximums range from $1,000 to $3,000 per person. | Rated A- by the Better Business Bureau. High customer satisfaction ratings. Easy to use website and mobile app. 24/7 customer service. | Discounts on vision, hearing, prescription drugs and wellness programs. |
| Guardian | PPO plans with different levels of coverage and cost-sharing. Preventive care covered at 100%. Some plans cover orthodontia and implants. | Over 9,000 dentists in Texas. Out-of-network treatment may be covered at a lower rate or not at all. | Premiums vary depending on the plan and location. Deductibles range from $0 to $100 per person. Copayments and coinsurance vary depending on the plan and service. Annual maximums range from $1,000 to $6,000 per person. | Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. High customer satisfaction ratings. Easy to use website and mobile app. 24/7 customer service. | Discounts on vision, hearing, prescription drugs and wellness programs. |
| Cigna | PPO and DHMO plans with different levels of coverage and cost-sharing.Preventive care covered at 100%. Some plans cover orthodontia. | Over 8,000 dentists in Texas.Out-of-network treatment may be covered at a lower rate or not at all. | Premiums vary depending on the plan and location.Deductibles range from $0 to $50 per person.Copayments and coinsurance vary depending on the plan and service.Annual maximums range from $1,000 to $2,000 per person. | Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.High customer satisfaction ratings.Easy to use website and mobile app. | Discounts on vision, hearing, prescription drugs and wellness programs. |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dental Insurance Provider in Texas
Choosing a dental insurance provider in Texas can be a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with the different types of plans and features available. However, there are some factors that you can consider to make your decision easier. Here are some tips on how to choose a dental insurance provider that suits your needs and budget:
1. Identify Your Dental Needs And Budget
Assess your requirements and budget before shopping for dental insurance. Dentist visits: how often? What dental treatments do you require? What’s your dental insurance budget? Based on provider coverage, these questions might help you choose. You may desire a PPO plan that covers orthodontia or implants. DHMO plans with low or no deductibles and copayments may be suitable for preventive care and basic services.
2. Research Plan Options And Benefits
After determining your dental requirements and budget, compare plan alternatives and perks. Dentalinsurance.com lets you compare the best Texas plans by zip code and birthdate. To compare service quality and customer satisfaction, examine customer reviews and third-party ratings. The type of plan (PPO or DHMO), coverage options (preventive, basic, and major care), percentage of cost covered by the plan (coinsurance and copayments), provider network size (in-network and out-of-network dentists), cost and affordability (premiums, deductibles, and annual maximums), waiting periods (if any), and additional benefits (discounts on certain services) should be considered.
3. Consider Provider Networks And Plan Restrictions
Another factor to consider when choosing a dental insurance provider in Texas is the provider network and plan restrictions. The provider network refers to the number and location of dentists that participate in the plan’s network. The larger the network, the more choices you have when selecting a dentist. However, some plans may have restrictions on which dentists you can see or how often you can change your dentist. For example, some DHMO plans may require you to choose one primary care dentist who will perform or arrange all your treatment. Some PPO plans may allow out-of-network treatment but at a higher cost or not at all. You should check the provider network and plan restrictions of each plan before enrolling to make sure that you can access the dental care that you need or want.
4. Evaluate The Level Of Customer Service Offered
Customer service is another consideration when picking a Texas dental insurance company. Customer service includes the provider’s claims processing, invoicing, online tools, and support. Customer service impacts dental insurance satisfaction. Look for a supplier with an easy-to-use website and mobile app, quick and accurate claims processing, transparent invoicing, 24/7 customer service, and online chat or phone assistance. To see how the supplier handles complaints, disagreements, and inquiries, check customer and third-party evaluations.
4. Look For Additional Benefits
Texas dental insurance providers’ member perks are another consideration. Extra advantages include savings on vision, hearing, prescription medications, and wellness programs. Additional benefits might save health costs and enhance your health. Find a supplier with extra advantages that meet your requirements. If you use glasses or contacts, choose a provider that provides vision care savings. If you use prescription medicines often, choose a supplier that provides savings.
