If you are relatively new to the world of insurance, you might wonder why you are encouraged to have both a medical and dental policy. After all, your teeth are an important part of your overall health! However, there are some distinct differences between these two types of coverage. In this blog post, you will learn the basics of what they cover and why they are both valuable.
What Do They Cover?
Medical insurance and dental insurance serve distinct purposes, addressing different aspects of your health. Medical insurance primarily focuses on systemic health, providing coverage for illnesses, injuries, and conditions that affect your body as a whole. It helps you gain access to treatments, hospitalizations, prescription medications, and preventive care like vaccinations and screenings. By managing your overall health, medical insurance aims to identify and treat conditions early, often before they worsen.
Dental insurance, on the other hand, places a significant emphasis on preventive oral care. It covers things that medical insurance does not, such as routine checkups, cleanings, X-rays, and other diagnostic services designed to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. Dental insurance also commonly extends its coverage to restorative treatments such as fillings, crowns, and even more complex procedures like root canals. Its preventive nature reduces the risk that minor oral health issues will progress to become major problems.
Is There Any Crossover Between Medical and Dental Insurance?
While medical and dental insurance are designed to address specific health needs, certain situations may involve some crossover. For instance, medical insurance might cover oral health issues if they are directly linked to systemic conditions. For example, in the case of oral surgeries required after an accident or for the removal of cancerous growths, your medical policy might come into play. Similarly, medical insurance often covers sleep apnea treatment, even when such treatment is provided by a dentist.
If you are ever unsure of which policy to use, talk to your care providers and/or insurance carriers to find out how you can maximize your benefits in any given situation.
Use Both Policies to Maintain Your Health
To fully support your overall well-being, you should take advantage of both medical and dental insurance. Together, these policies provide a comprehensive approach to health management. They can help you stay well from tooth to toe!
Meet the Practice
At Centre Smiles Dental in State College, our team is proud to offer a range of oral health services in a welcoming environment. We are happy to accept virtually any PPO dental insurance, and we are even in-network with major plans, including Cigna, Guardian, and United Concordia. If you would like to learn more about how you can use your benefits in our office, get in touch with us at 814-234-0329.