Dental plans typically cover dental checkups and other dental procedures not covered by health insurance. Here’s what to know when choosing a dental plan.
Dental insurance basics
Dental insurance works like health insurance in some ways, but there are differences, too.
How dental insurance works:
- You may pay a monthly premium for coverage (if you enroll in an individual plan or some group plans)
- You pay a deductible for some coverages
- You also pay part of the bill through a copayment or coinsurance
- You typically do not have to pay out-of-pocket for preventive dental visits
How dental insurance is different from health insurance:
- Waiting period: There may be a waiting period before you can use your dental benefits (if you enroll in an individual plan)
- Benefit maximum: Dental benefits generally are limited up to a set amount per year
Choosing a dental plan in Minnesota
Here are things to think about when choosing a dental plan:
- Cost: If your mouth is generally healthy, choose a lower-cost plan that covers preventive and diagnostic services only. See dental plan rates for individuals and families.
- Coverage: If you want more coverage at an affordable price, choose a plan with more benefits if you use a dentist in network
- Flexibility: If you want more comprehensive and flexible coverage, choose a plan with the ability to see any dental provider in or out of network
Buying Minnesota dental insurance
You can buy dental insurance the following ways:
- From a private insurance company: Enroll in an individual plan from an insurer, such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
- Through an agent: Ask an agent for dental insurance options
- Through your employer: Find out if the company you work for offers a dental plan for employees
Exploring dental plan options from Blue Cross
All Blue Cross dental plans cover preventive services and include access to a national network of dental providers. Plan benefits vary based on the plan type and how it was purchased (individually or through an employer).
Here are some Minnesota dental plan options from Blue Cross for individuals, families or people who have Medicare coverage:
- Blue Cross Value Plan: Covers preventive and diagnostic services with no waiting period.
- Blue Cross Preferred Plan: Provides coverage for common dental services, plus you’ll get richer benefits if you use an in-network dentist.
- Blue Cross Freedom Plan: Offers traditional comprehensive dental coverage that allows you to see dentists in and out of network.
Learn more about dental plan options for individuals and families
See dental plan options for small employers
See dental plan options for large employers
Enrolling in a Blue Cross Dental plan
If you are enrolling in an individual Blue Cross dental plan, you can shop plans and enroll any time online or by mail. Coverage generally starts the first of the month after your application and payment are received.
You do not have to be a Blue Cross health plan member to enroll in a Blue Cross Dental plan. But if you have health and dental plans through Blue Cross, you have the ease of one online member account, one customer service line and one monthly bill.
If you are enrolling in a group plan, check with your employer.
More about dental plans
Dental plans for you and your family
Dental plans for small group employers
Dental plans for large group employers
Learn about routine dental care
Welcome to Blue Cross Dental plans