Opting for dental insurance can be helpful as it can help many people cope with the burden of dental care.
Several health insurance policies are available in India including specific policies like cancer insurance. However, the field of dental and oral health is often overlooked. It may come as a surprise, but dental disorders are on the increase in India, with cavities and periodontal disease being the most common.
Dental health is also associated with other health issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and pregnancy. Due to the heavy consumption of tobacco products, India is often referred to as the oral cancer capital of the world.
The overall prevalence of dental caries in India is 63.9%. It is higher among those who consume a mixed diet (74.8%) consumption of junk food, among girls (54%), and among the lower socioeconomic class (41.7%). The prevalence of periodontal problems is around 16%.
Dental disease can be a huge financial burden for many because the treatment is quite expensive. Dental implants cost around Rs 1 to 1.5 lakh, cosmetic facial restoration costs around Rs 1.5 to 4 lakh, fillings cost around Rs 3,000 to Rs 6,000 per tooth and root canal treatment ranges from Rs. 4,000 at Rs. 7000.
According to a recent survey conducted on oral health and dental insurance awareness:
– Over 92% agreed they would go for dental checkups and preventative treatment, if covered by insurance.
– 85% of patients visiting private dental clinics were asked about the importance and use of dental insurance.
– About 90% of those surveyed expressed interest in purchasing dental insurance.
– Not just a single patient had dental insurance and most people were unaware of this insurance coverage.
Benefits of dental insurance
However, opting for dental insurance can be helpful as it can help many people cope with the burden of dental treatment. To cover the costs of dental treatment or intervention, you can choose a health insurance policy that provides coverage for the cost of dental treatment. Dental insurance covers expenses incurred in connection with dental procedures or treatment such as diagnostic, preventive, or curative that are believed to be needed by a dentist. You will not benefit from an exclusive dental insurance plan, but under the health insurance policies you will be covered for unforeseen dental expenses.
Coverage available under dental insurance
Here are the dental procedures that are usually covered by a health insurance plan
– Dental x-rays
– Routine examinations
– Filling of the teeth
– Dental extractions
– Root canal procedures
– Follow-up treatments
The dental coverage available depends on the conditions specified for a health plan and may vary from plan to plan.
Dental insurance plans in India
If you don’t like to pay the huge dental expenses out of pocket, then it is advisable to choose a dental insurance plan for you and your loved ones. Let’s review some of the best health plans that offer dental coverage in India.
– Bharti AXA Smart Health
Bharti AXA Smart Health Plan offers comprehensive coverage against all medical costs resulting from hospitalization. This plan also offers coverage to deal with daily medical expenses. Medical costs for emergency outpatient dental treatment following an accident are covered.
To note: The dental plans mentioned above are not exhaustive. You can also refer to other health plans to pick and choose dental insurance for you and your family.
– Apollo Munich Maxima Health Plan
Apollo Munich’s Maxima Health Plan offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient coverage. With this health plan, you will be covered against everyday health problems that do not require hospitalization. This health plan offers comprehensive health coverage.
Under this health plan, you will receive coverage for dental care, medical consultations, diagnostic tests, glasses and contact lenses as outpatient benefits. Expenses incurred for such medical treatments / procedures are reimbursed up to the actual expenses or the stated sum insured, whichever is less.
– ICICI Pru health economy plan
ICICI Pru Health Saver is a comprehensive health insurance policy that provides hospital coverage for you and your family. It also reimburses all other medical expenses, including dental care, diabetes, pregnancy, and preventive diagnostic screening.
As part of the health savings benefit, this health plan reimburses the cost of dental care. You can request reimbursement of these expenses on presentation of the actual invoices.
To note: The dental plans mentioned above are not exhaustive. You can also refer to other health plans to pick and choose dental insurance for you and your family.
The author is the CEO and Founder, Comparepolicy.com
