Dental insurance is a type of health insurance that helps pay for the cost of dental care. It can cover a variety of services, including preventive care, restorative care, and major procedures.
Principal is one of the largest providers of dental insurance in the United States, and it offers a wide range of plans to choose from.
In this review, we will take a closer look at Principal dental insurance, including its pros and cons, plan options, and pricing. We’ll additionally provide some advice on how to select the best plan for you and your family.
About-Principal dental insurance
| Company name | Principal Financial Group |
| Website | https://www.principal.com |
| Phone No. | 800-247-4695 |
| Type of insurance | Dental insurance |
| Plan options | PPO, DHMO, POS |
| Network size | Over 127,000 dentists nationwide |
| Coverage | Preventive care, basic care, major care, orthodontic care (varies depending on plan) |
How does Principal dental insurance work?
Principal dental insurance works like any other dental insurance plan. The insurance provider receives a monthly premium in exchange for covering a portion of the cost of your dental care.
The amount that the insurance provider will pay will vary based on the dental service you require and the plan you select.
For example, 100% of the cost of preventive care, such as cleanings and exams, is typically covered. Basic care, such as fillings and root canals, is typically covered at 80%. Major care, such as crowns and bridges, is usually covered at 50%.
Principal Dental Insurance Plan Options
Principal offers a variety of dental insurance plans to choose from, including:
- PPO plans ➜ PPO plans give you the flexibility to see any dentist you want. However, you will pay more for out-of-network care.
- DHMO plans ➜ DHMO plans require you to choose a dentist from a network of participating dentists. You will pay less for dental services if you see a dentist in the network.
- POS plans ➜ POS plans are a hybrid of PPO and DHMO plans. You can see any dentist you want, but you will pay more for out-of-network care.
| Service | Coverage | Deductible | Copay | Annual maximum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays) | 100% | $0 | $0 | $1,500 |
| Basic care (fillings, root canals) | 80% | $100 | $20 | $2,500 |
| Major care (crowns, bridges, dentures) | 50% | $250 | $50 | $3,500 |
| Orthodontic care | 50% | $500 | $100 | $1,500 |
Principal Dental Insurance Pricing
Depending on the plan you select, your age, and where you live, the cost of Principal dental insurance will change. However, you should budget $30 to $50 a month for individual insurance.
Here are some of the largest dental groups that are in the Principal network:
- Ameritas (Classic PPO)
- Aetna (Dental PPO with PPO II)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (Blue Dental PPO)
- Dental Select
- First Priority Health
- First Priority Life
- Highmark Companies
- Meritain Health effective 10/01/2021
- Physicians Mutual
- Standard
- Reliance Standard
- United Concordia (Elite Plus)
Pros and Cons of Principal Dental Insurance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide range of plan options | Some plans have high deductibles |
| Large network of dentists (over 127,000) | Some plans have low annual maximums |
| Competitive pricing | Not all plans cover orthodontic care |
| Good customer service | Some plans may have long waiting periods for major services |
| Many plans cover preventive care at 100% | Some plans may have exclusions for certain pre-existing conditions |
| Many plans offer discounts for families and seniors |
FAQs
What is Principal dental insurance?
Principal dental insurance is a type of health insurance that helps pay for the cost of dental care.
Why is dental insurance important?
Due to the high cost of dental care, dental insurance is important. Even simple cleanings and exams for the teeth can run into the hundreds of dollars. Additionally, the cost of more involved dental work, like a crown or bridge, can run into the thousands of dollars.
Who should consider Principal dental insurance?
People looking for a comprehensive dental insurance plan should consider principal dental insurance. You can choose from a variety of plans from Principal to find one that meets your needs and your budget. You can probably locate a dentist in your area who accepts Principal insurance because Principal has a sizable network of dentists.
What are the benefits of Principal dental insurance?
Principal dental insurance offers a number of benefits, including:
• Wide range of plan options
• Large network of dentists
• Competitive pricing
• Good customer service
What is a deductible?
A deductible is the amount of money you have to pay out of pocket for dental services before your insurance starts paying.
For example, if you have a deductible of $100, you will have to pay the first $100 of dental services yourself. After you have met your deductible, your insurance will start paying for your dental services.
What is a copay?
A copay is a fixed amount of money that you have to pay for each dental service, even after you have met your deductible.
For example, Cleaning and examinations can have a $20 copay. This implies that you would still be required to pay $20 out of pocket for each cleaning and examination even after meeting your deductible.
What is an annual maximum?
An annual maximum is the most amount of money that your insurance company will pay for your dental care in a year.
Final Thoughts
In 2023, Principal Dental Insurance continues to be a reliable option for dental coverage. It’s vital to understand your specific dental needs and budget to choose the right plan. Reading the fine print and considering the pros and cons will help you make an informed decision.
Remember, dental insurance is an investment in your oral health. Regular check-ups and preventive care can save you from more extensive and costly treatments down the road. It’s a decision that’s not just about your wallet but also about your overall well-being.
So, if you’re considering Principal Dental Insurance, take your time, do your research, and choose the plan that best fits your needs. Your smile and your bank account will thank you for it!
