How to Get Affordable Dental and Vision Insurance

Taking care of your teeth and eyes isn’t just about looking sharp; it’s a vital part of staying healthy. But without dental and vision insurance, even routine checkups can come with a hefty price tag. 

The good news? Affordable coverage is out there, and it can help you catch issues early, avoid costly emergencies and support your overall well-being. We’ll walk you through why dental and vision coverage matters, what makes a plan affordable and how to find the right fit for your needs.

Why dental and vision coverage matter

Your teeth and eyes do more than help you chew and see — they offer a window into your overall health. That’s why dental and vision insurance is so important, even though they’re not often included in standard health plans.

Routine dental and eye exams don’t just keep your smile bright and your vision clear — they can also catch early signs of serious health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure and even certain cancers. In fact, you may see your dentist more often than your primary care doctor, making those regular checkups a crucial opportunity to monitor your health. 

With consistent care, you’re more likely to catch issues early and avoid painful, expensive emergencies down the line. And by supporting your oral and visual health, you're also giving your overall well-being a boost.

What makes dental and vision insurance affordable?

Affordable dental and vision insurance is more than just low monthly premiums; it’s about getting real value from your plan. One of the best ways to save is by choosing a plan with a strong PPO (Preferred Provider Organizations) network. These policies give you access to a wide range of trusted dentists, optometrists and specialists who have agreed to provide services at reduced rates. That means lower out-of-pocket costs for every visit.

Another key to affordability? Coverage that emphasizes preventive care. Many dental and vision plans include routine checkups, cleanings and eye exams at little to no cost. Plus, these regular visits help catch issues early — before they become bigger, more expensive problems. Think of it as an investment: By staying on top of preventive care, you can avoid emergency treatments and long-term health complications, saving you money over time. 

How to get affordable dental and vision coverage

Looking for coverage that fits your needs and budget? Follow these simple steps to find affordable dental and vision insurance:

1. Assess your needs

Start by thinking about how often you go to the dentist or eye doctor, any ongoing dental or vision concerns and whether you need coverage just for yourself or your whole family. If you wear glasses, need orthodontic work or have a history of dental or vision issues, those are all important factors to consider.

2. Compare plan types

Dental and vision plans can vary widely. PPOs usually offer more flexibility and access to a wider network of trusted providers — often at lower negotiated rates. Some plans focus on preventive care, while others offer more comprehensive coverage for things like major dental work or specialty lenses. Make sure to check what’s included.

3. Look for preventive coverage

Choose plans that cover preventive care (cleanings, exams, eye tests) at little or no cost. While seemingly basic, preventive care helps catch and address issues early, saving you money and preventing more costly (and potentially painful) emergencies later on.

4. Check provider networks

Make sure your preferred dentist and/or eye doctor is in-network, or that the plan offers access to providers in your area. A strong network not only saves you money, it also gives you peace of mind that you’re seeing trusted professionals.

5. Compare costs

Don’t just look at plans’ monthly premiums. Consider deductibles, copays, coverage limits and out-of-pocket maximums. Sometimes a slightly higher premium means significantly lower costs when you actually use the coverage. 

6. Explore your options

Check with your employer, professional associations or membership organizations — many offer group dental and vision plans at reduced rates. You can also shop the individual insurance market for plans tailored to your budget and needs.

7. Enroll and schedule a checkup

Once you’ve chosen a plan, get enrolled and take advantage of your benefits. Scheduling that first exam or cleaning is a smart step toward better health — and long-term savings.

How Spirit Dental and Vision plans help you save

With Spirit Dental and Vision, getting the care you need — and keeping it affordable — is simple. By bundling dental and vision coverage into one convenient plan, you can streamline your benefits and save money while covering two essential parts of your health.

These plans are designed to work hand-in-hand: While regular dental visits help protect your mouth and catch signs of broader health issues, routine vision exams can detect eye problems early and even uncover other conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. Together, they offer more complete care — and better long-term health outcomes.

Spirit’s vision plans offer access to the EyeMed network, one of the largest and most trusted in the country, giving you big savings on eye exams, glasses, contacts and more. And Spirit Dental plans include features that set them apart:

• No waiting periods: Coverage kicks in right away, even for major services.
• High annual maximums: Get more covered each year as your needs grow.
• Nationwide provider network: Find trusted care near you, wherever you are.
• Easy online quotes and enrollment: Compare plans and sign up in minutes.

Take care of your smile and sight for less

Whether you’re an individual, part of a family, or self-employed, Spirit makes it easy to get comprehensive, affordable coverage that supports your whole health — starting with your smile and your sight.