We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.
This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
The Forum now has a brand new text editor, adding a bunch of handy features to use when creating posts. Read more in our how-to guide
Dental Insurance advice
Norfolk_Jim
Posts: 1,301 Forumite
I took out dental insurance a little over a year ago when my NHS dentist (Miles away) retired and I wanted to move to my local dentist (Private ) as wife does not drive and I work an hour from home so unable to taxi wife / kids to NHS dentist miles away in other town (These are the negs of life in rural Norfok), besides which I was very unhappy with the state of my mouth after using an alternative NHS dentist who took on old dentists patients. The local private dentist is one of the best there is (and charges accordingly:eek: )
HSA looked reasonable for the whole family - and how useful it has been to me. Not only have I had my mouth sorted properly but Mrs Jim turned out to have terrible problems with her teeth needing extensive treatment.
Just looked at the deal for the last 12 months, Paid HSA about £500 and had just short of £4000 back from them. I bet they wish they'd never sent me an advert!
This year though, the premiums are up, it'll be about £600 and the benefits are down - 33% down for check ups and on treatment from covering 75% of costs now only 50% of costs - so not nearly so good from my point of view (but understandable - they must be making losses to build up business)
At the end of a long story, their terms changed so that its not now a rolling annual policy but month to month. Considering how much I'm costing them, 2 more claims in last 30 days alone, I'm wondering if they'll dump me and my family at some point as uneconomic and then I'll be facing not only not being able to afford the dentist but will have to admit to having been refused insurance elsewhere if I look for a new policy.
Should I jump before I'm pushed? Has anyone been dumped by HSA?
HSA looked reasonable for the whole family - and how useful it has been to me. Not only have I had my mouth sorted properly but Mrs Jim turned out to have terrible problems with her teeth needing extensive treatment.
Just looked at the deal for the last 12 months, Paid HSA about £500 and had just short of £4000 back from them. I bet they wish they'd never sent me an advert!
This year though, the premiums are up, it'll be about £600 and the benefits are down - 33% down for check ups and on treatment from covering 75% of costs now only 50% of costs - so not nearly so good from my point of view (but understandable - they must be making losses to build up business)
At the end of a long story, their terms changed so that its not now a rolling annual policy but month to month. Considering how much I'm costing them, 2 more claims in last 30 days alone, I'm wondering if they'll dump me and my family at some point as uneconomic and then I'll be facing not only not being able to afford the dentist but will have to admit to having been refused insurance elsewhere if I look for a new policy.
Should I jump before I'm pushed? Has anyone been dumped by HSA?
0
Comments
-
Does the dentist offer a monthly payment/capitation/maintenance scheme?How to find a dentist.
1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.0 -
Toothsmith wrote: »Does the dentist offer a monthly payment/capitation/maintenance scheme?
Yes they do. Do you think it might be a better option or are you suggesting it as a fallback strategy?0 -
It's certainly worth looking into.
Dental cover offered through the dentist is usually more comprehensive, and much less hassle with claiming. There are different types though, so that's why it just needs looking at - to see what you get for your money.How to find a dentist.
1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply
Categories
- All Categories
- 354.4K Banking & Borrowing
- 254.4K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 455.4K Spending & Discounts
- 247.3K Work, Benefits & Business
- 604K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 178.4K Life & Family
- 261.5K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.7K Read-Only Boards