Dental insurance frequently asked questions

Get to know the basics about dental insurance costs and coverage by exploring our frequently asked questions (FAQs).

What is dental insurance?

Dental insurance is coverage that pays some of the costs associated with preventive, basic and some major dental care. Having dental coverage can be a helpful way to manage dental care costs. That’s because it helps assure you’ll have benefits to pay for some of the care you may need. When you’re looking for a plan that’s right for your needs and your budget, UnitedHealthcare branded dental plans, underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company include a variety of options to meet your needs. Read on to learn more about how dental coverage and benefits work.

View dental plans by state

Enter your ZIP code to see available plans in your area. Questions? Call 1-866-487-9301

Choosing a dental insurance plan

How do I get dental insurance and what does it cost?

UnitedHealthcare branded dental plans, underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company, include a variety of dental plans designed to fit nearly any budget. Each plan will have different payment levels. Your costs will depend on the level of coverage you choose. There are budget-friendly plans that cover the basics — and more comprehensive plans that cover more services. Costs to consider when you’re choosing a plan include premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and copays. Take a close look at the payments required for each plan to decide which dental plan may work best for your budget — and match your care needs. Shop dental plans and compare prices

Can I buy dental insurance without having health insurance?

Yes. It is standalone coverage. You do not need a major medical plan to buy a dental plan.

What's the difference between network and out-of-network dentists? Do I need to choose a dentist in the plan network?

Choosing a network dentist will usually help make your dental care more affordable. Check your specific plan to understand the cost difference. Before you buy a dental plan, check how many network dentists are in your area. If you already have a dentist, be sure to confirm they are part of the plan network.

Are there any dental plans specifically designed for older adults?

Yes. Dental Gen plans are designed for adults age 64 and older. For more details, view the Dental Gen product brochure and call 1-800-273-8115 for sales assistance. Product availability varies by state.

Dental coverage and benefits

What do most dental plans cover?

Most dental plans include coverage for preventive care like routine exams, cleanings and X-rays. Some plans require a copay for preventive services, while others cover those services 100%. Many dental plans also include coverage for basic services like fillings and extractions, and major services like root canals, crowns and more.

How much will dental plans cover? Are there limits to what they'll pay?

Most dental insurance plans have a maximum benefit (limit to the amount and/or number of procedures they’ll pay) for the year. For dental plans underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company, there is an annual maximum from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on your plan. 1

Do dental plans cover more serious dental work?

Yes. Most plans cover dental services like fillings, extractions and root canals. Services covered and how much insurance will pay varies by plan. Make sure to review all the details of a dental insurance plan before you buy.

Does dental insurance cover braces?

It depends. Some plans cover braces and orthodontic work, but not most. If that’s one main reason you’re shopping for dental coverage, you’ll want to look carefully to find a dental plan with that benefit. When you find one, make sure to read all the plan details.

Does dental insurance cover implants?

It depends on your plan. A basic coverage plan (preventive care, simple fillings and extractions) typically won’t cover implants. Some dental plans with coverage for major services will likely pay for a percentage of implant costs. You’ll pay the rest out-of-pocket. How much depends on your plan’s coverage level and annual maximum coverage amount.

Is there a waiting period for dental insurance once I'm covered?

It depends. There is typically no waiting period for preventive services once you become covered. This means as soon as your dental insurance starts, you’ll be able to use the preventive care benefits. Some plans have no waiting period for all types of care. Other plans may have a waiting period of 4 to 12 months for basic and major services.

Ready to compare dental plans and prices?

Golden Rule Insurance Company has a variety of dental plans for almost any budget or situation.

Footnotes

  1. Plan availability varies by state.

Disclaimer

No individual applying for health coverage through the individual Marketplace will be discouraged from applying for benefits, turned down for coverage, or charged more premium because of health status, medical condition, mental illness claims experience, medical history, genetic information or health disability. In addition, no individual will be denied coverage based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, personal appearance, political affiliation or source of income.

References to UnitedHealthcare pertain to each individual company or other UnitedHealthcare affiliated companies.

Each company is a separate entity and is not responsible for another's financial or contractual obligations.

Administrative services are provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates.

Products and services offered are underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company, Health Plan of Nevada, Inc., Oxford Health Insurance, Inc., UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance Company, UnitedHealthcare of the Mid-Atlantic, Inc., UnitedHealthcare of New York, Inc.

This policy has [exclusions] [limitations] [reduction of benefits> [terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued]. For costs and complete details of 'the coverage, call [or write] your insurance agent or the company [whichever is applicable).

Dental benefits are administered by UnitedHealthcare Dental (Dental Benefit Providers, Inc.) Vision benefits are administered by UnitedHealthcare Vision (Spectera, Inc.) Hearing benefits are administered by UnitedHealthcare Hearing.