Dental Insurance that Covers Implants Immediately
Have you ever had to search for implant covered dental insurance with no waiting period? I know how that feels. Seems like everyone needs their own plan, but when you search for a dental implant plan that allows coverage immediately, it almost impossible. If you are done with all confusion and are looking for options to fit yourself, you’ve landed in the right place. Let’s figure it out together!
What is Dental Insurance that Covers Implants Right Away?
Dental implant insurance is like a diamond in the rough. They are not only for aesthetic purposes, but instead can benefit oral health and allow you to be aesthetically better looking and give you a confidence boost with your smile —something that we all need from time to time as well. At least few of us or rather all dreamed about any dental insurance plans which cover possible implants on day one. The answer? Yes, but it’s tricky. The trick is to identifying the plans and insurers that offer you particular coverage.
How Does Dental Insurance for Implants Work?
In other words, a dental implants are not considered basic services by insurance companies. Because implants are typically a big deal, most insurance policies will make you wait ages before they will pay for it or simply will never pay for as long as I can remember. With some patience and a little digging, you can pinpoint coverage that will kick in right away. There are no waiting period dental insurance plans available from certain companies, allowing you to get coverage as soon as you purchase the policy. Most plans base their services by levels—preventative, basic and major (the most expensive category)—and implants generally fall into the costly “major” category.
As someone who was searching for immediate implant coverage, it really helped to break down the details of each plan. Different insurance companies operate differently, and luckily I read some fine print there that saved me from a LOT of headaches down the track.
Does Blue Cross Medical Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
One of the most frequent questions I receive, is does Blue Cross medical insurance cover dental implants? I had the same question. As it happens, coverage depends on your type of plan. Most Blue Cross Blue Shield plans will have dental coverage, but in most cases it requires a separate dental insurance for implants. There is a possibility of insurance coverage if the procedure is found to be medically necessary, but it typically requires authorization and justification from an insurer.
Did you for instance, have coverage with Blue Cross when you got your implant because allegedly what replaces teeth is not “medically necessary” and my so-called dental work was classified as major thereby not covered? It could be worth reaching out to them if you feel your case may meet the standards.
Dental Insurance That Covers Implants 100 Percent
How nice would it be to come across dental insurance that covers implants 100 percent? Unfortunately, this kind of coverage is quite rare. All plans contain co-payments, deductibles and cost sharing, particularly for major procedures such as implants. Many plans do cover implants quite a bit; however, often not at 100 percent depending on your provider and the type of plan you select.
I did find it helpful to call the providers directly and get direct answers about coverage. Your coverage may state it covers implants, but there could be exclusions like not including the implant procedure or the crown. Always ask questions to confirm!
All-on-4 Dental Implants Covered by Insurance
Full arch restoration, such as All-on-4 dental implants, is gaining popularity for those who require complete restoration. I searched high and low for insurance coverage on this when I needed it. This is what I will tell you: The all-on-4 dental implant procedure they do often considers it as a cosmetic work, so they are more difficult to have covered.
However, a few providers may cover some of the costs if implants are medically necessary due to bone loss or tooth loss affecting eating or speaking. I had to prove how it was affecting my overall health to get partial coverage. Always check with your insurance; medical paperwork may help bolster your case!
Best Dental Insurance for Implants
As the hours passed, phone calls piled up and plans stacked on my desk, I came to the conclusion there is no best dental insurance for implants answer as much as it seems like someone should have come up with that by now. This depends on where (both location & environment), age, health and needs. Fortunately, Cigna, Delta Dental, and Aetna offer solid implant coverage. Personally, I had good experiences working with Cigna myself, but I know folks who like Delta Dental for their no-waiting-period plan.
Dental savings plans are a great option if you want to steer clear of complicated insurance. While these are not true insurance, they do cover significant partials on implants at select dentists and can be a good alternative if you have limited funds.
Medically Necessary Dental Implants: Are They Covered?
Although it can be a challenge to receive insurance coverage for medically necessary dental implants, it is worth making the attempt. If you can demonstrate that the implants are necessary for your overall health—meaning i.e. you’re unable to chew properly or need them to avoid bone loss in your jaw—then a number of insurers will pay a certain percentage of that out. My dentist had to send over a pre-authorization explaining that without the implant, my jawbone would lose health.
Full Mouth Dental Implants Cost with Insurance
Full mouth dental implants are expensive and the prices can really hit you hard. My dentist telling me around $40K without insurance. If you have dental insurance, however, that number can drop significantly. For more extensive work such as implants, some plans pay 30% to 50%. This provides a significant savings, albeit not full coverage.
For those considering full mouth implants, I recommend reviewing insurance plans with a focus on deductibles, out-of-pocket limits and co-insurance percentages. This can vary by plan but the right one could save you thousands.
Are Dental Implants Covered by Medicare?
The question on most of our minds is: Are dental implants covered by Medicare? I learned the hard way that Medicare covers dental implants only if you need them after an accident or a health problem. Your insurance might help with implants needed after an accident, but class dental coverage isn’t part of Medicare Part A. If you want Medicare coverage for dental, you might need a supplemental plan.
So I signed up for a Medicare Advantage Plan which had dental benefits included. It was the only avenue I had for obtaining coverage for implants. So if you happen to be on Medicare, check out what Advantage Plans are offered.
Conclusion: Finding Dental Insurance for Implants Right Away
It can be hard to find dental insurance that covers implants immediately. It requires an element of patience, research and sometimes even bargaining. That said, my recommendation is to start by giving your existing insurer a call and finding out what they can offer you. If all else fails, consider plans without waiting periods (or dental savings plans) if insurance is too expensive or complicated.
Dental implants are an investment in your well-being. From having coverage for implants to getting it with no waiting period, be prepared to advocate for your needs. If only I had known then what I know today; being diligent and relentless is key.
Are you looking for dental insurance with coverage for implants? Let me know how it went for you too, I would love to hear your stories and any tips you may have!