Finding Dental Insurance to Cover Implant Treatment for Missing Teeth
As tooth implants are hugely considered by experts as the best tooth replacement available today, there’s no wonder why patients in 2022 are beginning to seek out insurance plans to protect them from future tooth loss.
With no other missing teeth method available today that is as strong, stable or long-lasting as dental implants, finding an insurance plan that can help cover the cost of treatment might be wise to consider now.
Oral problems like gum disease, tooth decay and deterioration can all lead to tooth loss – not to mention extractions that might be required or accident.
So planning for future oral health conditions might be able to save you money on restorative dental fees.
Are you interested in dental implants?
Breaking down the cost of dental implants
There are three main types of implants, all with varying methods and techniques – each of which have their independent costs.
On top of this, the price of implants can vary and be dependent on any additional treatments required, your oral condition, the version of the implant and the material of the final tooth restoration.
For example, you will likely pay for the implant itself, the abutment and the crown. This often costs upwards of £2,000.
First things first, does insurance actually cover the cost of implants?
Typically, cosmetic dentistry is not usually covered by dental insurance – and because tooth implants drastically improve your appearance, they are considered cosmetic care and are not seen as essential even though they promote strong oral health compared to dentures.
With most dental coverage plans, insurance tends to not stretch into implant dentistry – as cheaper solutions to replace missing teeth exist.
Insurance companies will mostly cover 100% of preventative dentistry costs but tend to offer very little when tooth loss does occur, which is very common.
HOWEVER, things are changing in 2022
AXA Health offers premium dental insurance packages that have begun to include crowns, bridges, dentures, dental implants, inlays and onlays. All are redeemable after three months of being a member.
The catch here, however, is that they will put 50% towards the cost of private dental treatment that cures the problem rather than treats the symptoms.
“We have a limit of £1000 per person per plan year. Within this limit, we’ll pay a maximum of £500 per person per year towards the cost of crowns, bridges, dental implants, inlays and onlays.” AXA
Vitality also offers 80% of the cost for implants (up to £400 a year).
Other providers like Private Health will cover the failure of the implant but not the treatment.