Can I get dental insurance during COVID-19?

COVID-19 has changed a lot about dental offices and procedures. However, even during the pandemic, getting dental insurance or changing your plan is fast, easy, and totally doable from the safety of your home. There are several ways to obtain dental insurance, even during the current crisis. We’ll cover how COVID-19 might change the way you obtain dental insurance, who can benefit from dental insurance at this time, and how you can get dental insurance during COVID-19.

How COVID-19 might affect your dental insurance

It’s important to note that though you can still purchase dental insurance at this time and dentist offices in over 40 states are now open for elective procedures.¹ If you live in a state that is offering only emergency dental services, you may be able to receive some care through a teledentistry consultation.

The pandemic might also have an effect on whether or not you have dental insurance coverage. If your employment situation has changed due to COVID-19, you enrolling in individual dental insurance is one of a few options you may have.

Who needs dental insurance during COVID-19?

Taking good care of your oral health can be expensive. Dental insurance often covers most of the costs of preventive dental care and can save you money on most major dental problems that might come up. Dental insurance usually covers a range of preventive and major dental services, including oral exams, cleanings, x-rays, root canals, fillings, extractions, and crowns.

The American Dental Association recommends visiting the dentist for a checkup and cleaning at least once to twice a year in order to practice proper oral hygiene.² Since many dental insurance plans cover that sort of preventive care at 100%, dental insurance premiums can help pay for themselves.

If you have kids, dental insurance can pay off even more. Did you know that cavities are the most common chronic condition for children and adolescents?³ Cavities can be expensive to fill without dental insurance – and when left untreated, they can cause pain, discomfort, heat sensitivity, and even tooth loss. Add regular cleanings, X-rays, fillings, crowns, and root canals on top of that, and the costs can really add up. Taking your kids to the dentist regularly starting at a young age can set the stage for a lifetime of good oral health.

You can get dental insurance during COVID-19

Even with current limitations, purchasing private dental insurance from Guardian Direct is still fast, easy, and secure from the safety of your home.

However, it’s important to note that some other types of dental insurance can only be purchased during certain times of year. For example, if you’re looking to purchase dental insurance via a Medicare Advantage plan, you may have to wait until open enrollment in the fall. If you’re signing up for dental insurance on a group plan through your employer, you’ll typically sign up shortly after starting at the company or during your company’s enrollment period.

So, if you want to purchase dental insurance right now, individual dental insurance can be a good option since it’s available for purchase year-round and it only takes a few minutes to enroll.

How to get dental insurance during COVID-19

There are several ways to purchase private dental insurance. You can purchase individual dental insurance from a trusted dental insurance company online, through a broker, or over the phone. The process is simple and straightforward.

Buying dental insurance through Guardian Direct is fast, easy, and secure. Available in 44 states and the District of Columbia, insurance from Guardian Direct is available for purchase online 365 days a year. Learn more about dental insurance from Guardian Direct.

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Brought to you by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian), New York, NY. Material discussed is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only and it is not to be construed as tax, legal, investment or medical advice. This is not dental care advice and should not be substituted for regular consultation with your dentist. If you have any concerns about your dental health, please contact your dentist's office.