Individual Dental Insurance Guide

Unlike health insurance, enrollment for dental insurance is quick, easy and painless. You can enroll at any time of the year; it just takes minutes. Most dental plans have guaranteed acceptance, and unlike employer-sponsored plans, individual dental insurance allows you to shop and compare a variety of coverage options.  

When it comes to cost and dental care expenses, unfortunately, even routine dental care can be shockingly expensive.

Individual dental insurance is designed to save you money while also boosting your oral health with preventive incentives that get you to the dentist for those cleanings and checkups. 

Can dental plans help reduce dental costs?

Absolutely! But not all dental plans for individuals are created equal, so shop with care. Selecting a plan simply because it has a low monthly premium might leave you wanting more when it comes to actual coverage for expensive procedures.

Also, scheduling appointments for routine dental exams and treatments is one thing, but it’s vital to consider that problems sometimes develop quickly and unexpectedly. You might end up with a severe toothache requiring a root canal or accidentally chip or crack a tooth. In those moments, you'll be really glad you have insurance!

With the right coverage, such as one of the dental insurance plans for individuals offered by Spirit, you can enjoy greater peace of mind because you won't have to sacrifice receiving the highest quality care whenever you need it, even in the event of an emergency.

Shop affordable individual dental insurance plans

If you're an individual in search of a policy that will cover your needs without breaking the bank, Spirit has several great dental plans for individuals to consider. Once you're all signed up, you won’t need to delay getting treatment if you're experiencing symptoms, and you'll be able to see the dentist regularly to catch problems in their earliest stages. Perfect!

Some of the perks that come with our low-cost dental insurance plans include:

• No waiting periods
• Next-day effective dates (see your dentist tomorrow)
• Freedom to choose any dentist
• Access to a top network for quality care and savings

Ready to check out our dental plans to compare costs and benefits? Here's a brief breakdown of what these types of plans have to offer. 

Spirit PPO dental insurance plans

If you don't mind selecting a dentist from a network, Spirit PPO dental plans are here to help you save money. These plans help you reduce out-of-pocket costs by seeing in-network dentists offering 25-50% instant savings on services.

You can still see any dentist in- or out-of-network, however, the plan might not cover as much, and your out-of-pocket costs may be higher.

Spirit Flex dental insurance plans

Do you want to be able to select any dentist without needing to stick with providers in a network? Then a  Spirit Flex Dental plan might be precisely what you're looking for.

This is known as a fee-for-service (indemnity) plan, so you'll be reimbursed for your dental services. The reimbursements will vary, but this individual dental insurance policy may cover 50-100% of the cost, which can help you save quite a bit.

Spirit Flex plans also provide PPO benefits if you decide to see a dentist in-network giving you the best of both worlds!

Something to consider: You may need to cover the difference if you see a dentist who charges more than our fee schedule allows.

Dental and vision insurance coverage

When you enroll in a Spirit dental plan, you’ll also have the option to include vision coverage. Spirit Vision provides you with access to EyeMed Network providers for savings on exams, glasses, contacts, LASIK discounts and more—all for a low-cost rate. Get your dental and vision insurance bundle in one swoop with Spirit Dental. 

Dental coverage options for individuals and families

Finding an affordable dental plan ensures your smile stays protected with preventive care incentives, easy access to care and savings when you need it. An ounce of prevention saves you money in the long term, and low-cost dental insurance offers peace of mind, keeping your smile healthy and happy.

Senior dental insurance

Maintaining optimal oral health as teeth and gums begin to wear down in your golden years is key to living your best retirement life—which makes seeing your dentist regularly even more essential. When you’re on a fixed budget, a low-cost dental plan can complement your Medicare coverage, delivering maximum value for your specific needs. Senior dental insurance for dentures and implants helps keep your costs low and protects your budget, leaving you with the freedom to do more of what you love.

Family dental insurance

Setting your kids up for success is always on parents’ minds. Comprehensive family coverage doesn’t have to be expensive. A low-cost family dental plan can help you cover:

• Preventive care cleanings and checkups
• Wisdom tooth extraction
• Child orthodontia for braces or Invisalign
• Emergency needs for unexpected events, like a chipped tooth

Choose dental insurance for families to save money and keep your kids focused on what matters most.

Student dental insurance

If you’re currently enrolled in college, fresh off your parent’s insurance plan, finding the right coverage option for you starts with figuring out your needs. If you’re healthy and don’t need a lot of coverage, a budget-friendly plan that gets you in for your cleanings and maybe a filling works great. If you need immediate coverage for a specific dental need, make sure the plan covers your needs with no waiting period.

Veteran dental insurance

As a veteran of the military, you may be eligible for VA coverage. If those plans don’t meet your needs, private dental insurance can get you what you want. Compare plans by looking at premiums, deductibles, specific procedures covered, and waiting periods. And thank you for your service!

Self-employed dental insurance

Working as a contractor, freelancer or gig-worker, you know a good opportunity when you see it. Dental insurance helps keep your monthly expenses in check, helping you avoid unexpected costly dental issues and ensuring your oral health keeps you focused on the task at hand. 

Frequently asked questions about dental insurance for individuals

We know you may have questions about individual dental insurance. We have answered some common questions below to help you better understand.

What is the best individual dental insurance?

The best individual dental insurance will depend on your specific dental needs and budget. It's important to compare plans and providers to find one that offers the coverage you need at a price you can afford. Look for a plan that offers coverage for preventive care, basic procedures, major procedures, and orthodontic care, if needed. Consider factors such as deductibles, co-payments, and annual maximums. It may also be helpful to read reviews or ask for recommendations from friends or family.

How much does individual dental insurance cost?

The cost of individual dental insurance varies depending on factors such as your location, age, and the type of plan you choose. Spirit Dental offers a variety of coverage options to fit any budget. When you choose one of our dental plans for individuals, your monthly premium might be anywhere from $36 to $70. This rate will be based on various factors, such as where you’re located and the plan you select. In addition to a monthly premium, all Spirit Dental plans have a one-time deductible of just $100. Our dental insurance plans also provide high annual maximums ranging from $1,200 to $5,000. Reach out to us today if you have any questions about our annual maximum dental insurance.

Do you have tips on how to choose individual dental insurance?

Here are some things to consider when you choose individual dental insurance:

• Assess your dental needs: Determine what kind of dental care you need and what procedures you are likely to require in the future.
• Check coverage: Look for an individual dental insurance plan that covers the procedures you need, including preventive care, basic procedures, major procedures, and orthodontic care if necessary.
• Compare plans: Compare plans from different providers to find one that offers the coverage you need at a price you can afford. Look at factors such as deductibles, co-payments, and annual maximums.
• Check provider networks: If you have a preferred dentist or dental specialist, check that they are included in the provider network of the plan you are considering.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews or ask friends or family for recommendations to get an idea of the quality of service provided by the insurance provider.

Can you get individual dental insurance anytime?

Yes! Unlike medical insurance, which you can usually only purchase during open enrollment, private individual dental insurance offered by companies like Spirit can be purchased anytime throughout the year. Whether you are self-employed, between jobs or retired, you can start the enrollment process whenever you're ready to sign up for a stand-alone dental plan. It’s that simple. 

How long does it take for individual dental insurance to work?

One thing to remember is that some dental insurance companies offer plans with waiting periods that could last anywhere from a few months to over a year. Basically, after you sign up, your coverage won't immediately kick in. This can be super frustrating.

Dental insurers will cover preventive care, basic services and major services. Some individual dental insurance plans might impose a waiting period on all categories of care, while others might only require a waiting period for certain types of care.

To avoid the headache, confusion and hassle of having to wait to see the dentist after becoming insured, just search for no waiting period dental insurance, like the plans offered by Spirit Dental. On the first day that your insurance becomes active, you'll be able to see the dentist.

Spirit Dental has the individual dental insurance plan that’s just right for you!

Ready to start shopping for full-coverage dental insurance plans that will give you exactly what you need at a price you can afford? You can sign up for a Spirit Dental individual dental insurance plan online, which only takes a few minutes. It's fast and easy to get dental insurance quotes online.

Once you’ve signed up, you’ll receive your ID card in the mail in about 10 business days. Then, on the effective date of your policy, you can make seeing the dentist more affordable.

Have questions? We're here to help! Contact us anytime for support and guidance.