Dental Health Insurance - Student Plans - What to Consider When Choosing
First of all, do college students really
need dental health insurance? I remember when I was a college student…as
busy as I was with a full class load and three jobs, I know I didn’t
eat healthy foods much of the time. My teeth would have suffered
greatly had I not seen the dentist twice a year! Some times students
are still covered under their parents’ insurance policies
while they are in college, but most of the time, it is necessary
to obtain dental insurance on your own.
How important is student dental care? Most college students attend a school or
university for an average of 4 to 5 years to obtain their degree. Some may go
on to further their education, but it is critical during those first years of
school to maintain good dental habits in order to prevent dental problems later
in life. Students need to make certain they have checkups and cleanings at least
twice a year.
Schools do provide dental insurance for their students, but they don’t
take the time to actively advertise that choices are available. However, some
private schools (and some public) actually require dental insurance be carried
by their students. Be sure to read all paperwork thoroughly as some schools automatically
sign up students for dental insurance at the time of registration. Even though
student dental coverage is almost always less costly than insurance through an
employer, and students are usually on a limited budget, it pays to do some research
before deciding on a policy. Get educated about what plans your school offers
and compare those to student dental policies elsewhere. A good place to start
is to talk with the school’s student health representative to see if the
school offers any student schemes and if so, the details of each one. Sign up
in the fall so you can take full advantage of all benefits for the school year.
Two options possibly available through a school are a dental insurance student
scheme or a student capitation dental insurance scheme.
Dental insurance schemes don’t require a checkup to assess the condition
your teeth are in at the time of registration. Also, students using this plan
have the freedom to choose their own dentist. This is an advantage for those
who want to keep their current dentist. Another advantage is these schemes will
offer varying levels of prices. Most budgets can be met with this plan.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, dental student capitation schemes will require
a dental checkup. Students will be asked to see the health practitioners located
at the school. If you happen to need immediate treatment, you are asked to obtain
care on your own and then join the scheme. A fee is paid for this coverage is
paid on a monthly or yearly basis. Some schools offer the option of having this
amount added into their tuition fees. Services such as cleanings, fillings, checkups,
and possibly repair of chipped teeth are covered under this scheme.
No matter which scheme you decide to choose, it is worth the peace of mind you’ll
have knowing you have dental coverage during your years in school.
