Dental insurance and dentist based plans - best buys / what to look out for

property.advert

I've been on a £15 a month plan for ages which is organised by my dentist and which covers 2 check ups, 2 hygienist visits and 10% off any treatment and where all x-rays etc. are free. I think it is great value but whilst this is convenient for work, it is not near my home and as I want to add my wife and child to such a scheme, it is impractical to add them to the current one. So I'm looking at alternatives at dentists near where we live.

I've always been sceptical about cash back plans like HSA because I don't understand why you would have insurance when you are definitely going to make a claim. Why pay for the bureaucracy are my thoughts ?

Then you have people like Tesco selling plans as well as Denplan, I presume BUPA and AXA and everyone else. Some dentist have their own versions of these plans (like I have now) and some cost way more.

I wonder which is best for 2 adults and 1 child of 4 years old ?

lisyloo

I would have thought you'd want to pick your dentist on quality of service.
It's one of those area where it's pretty important to have a good one.

property.advert

lisyloo wrote: »

I would have thought you'd want to pick your dentist on quality of service.
It's one of those area where it's pretty important to have a good one.

I take that as a given, though above a website, a google search and a trip to have a look and chat, just what can you ascertain ?

Obviously stand alone insurance covers any dentist but some places have their own plans so to speak. Some have none.

I'm not going to pick one on cost, though financing the ongoing cost is important, hence the thread.

lisyloo

though above a website, a google search and a trip to have a look and chat, just what can you ascertain ?

I wouldn't do it that way.
I'd want to talk to real people who've had the dentist actually poking around their mouths.
Neighbours, colleagues, relatives, friends etc. who work/live in the same locale.
Mums at the same school?

You're right that some use their own plans, so if you find a really good dentist you'll be forced to go with whatever they use won't you??

My dentist uses DPAS which seems to be more "no frills" than BUPA.
I get "no frills" documentation rather than glossy brochures, but I'm quite happy with that if it keeps the price down.
If you find a good trustworthy dentist then they should have set up a decent scheme for their customers.

property.advert

We've moved into a new town, the other parents from nursery are widespread, we have no real resources to draw upon really for word of mouth recommendations.

I am more concerned about people's views and experiences on in house versus stand alone insurance and especially their experience with their insurers, be they good or bad. I've never used Denplan, HSA and the like, nor Tescos ! and I'd welcome some comments on how they and other companies compare.

LizzieB

Hi property.advert, not sure where you are so can only advise on my area.

I am currently registered with a brilliant dentist (in Birmingham) and am part of the Denplan scheme. I ended up having to go private as childhood and young adult experiences of dental care (both at home and at the dentist) had been absolutely dreadful, but I am so glad that I have got Denplan. Yes, I had to pay upfront for my treatment to become 'dentally sound' but knowing that I can go to a dentist who I've known for seven years and who I trust is worth the investment.

I have had to have a few root fillings done (due apparently to my first dentist having the 'let's take it all out' frame of mind at the age of 9/10) so my premium is at the more expensive end, but I would not give it up for peace of mind. Only today I had £210 worth of treatment done, and walked out without handing a penny over.

My OH and I like to go abroad when we can and it is always comforting to know that I have dental cover if anything happens. All in all, I am certainly pleased with Denplan.

HTH

muskoka

I also have ~Denplan. Pay about £44 a month. Comes out of bank direct. Sounds a lot, but I've had previous dental operations, follow up surgery. Have to see hygienist every 3 months (shes brilliant). Travel abroad lots (used to anyway). Had an emergency claim - contacted Denplan whilst in Canada. They were fantastic. Cant say better than that & I travel across London to get to my dentist. I do know I've got a top notch policy - covers me for anything anywhere in the world. Wouldn't change dentist for all the tea in china. Hes brilliant

I'm the worlds worst when it comes to dentistry - I am a major, major shaking wuss. Visiting this dentist is like - home from home. All the staff are welcoming, treat you like a person, have all the time in the world for you. I'm just grateful I found this dentist

property.advert

Seems Denplan doesn't work with all dentists ?

diable

I had a plan with a company that Tupe'd us in, shame I was there for only two months as their dental plan was fantastic, £2500 work for free ;o)))

The only advice I can give is read the T+C's and the small print thoroughly ;o)))

property.advert

Looking around it seems you've got to be ultra careful.

Lots of insurance packages are unrealistic in their reimbursement maximums. They may say 100% up to your plan limit but if your dentist charges £1000 for a crown and their scale of charges says £350 then you are only getting £350, even if you have an annual limit of £1000. One has examinations at around £20. Quite where in 2011 you get that done for £20 I do not know. Wales perhaps ?

diable

You need to have the dentist on your side to make the system work...........