Dental Insurance Coverage for the Self-Employed

By Shelby Tatomir on July 14, 2016 in Insurance

If you’re self-employed or part of the 57 million Americans that are part of the “gig” economy, you know the importance of making an investment in yourself. Nothing proves its return on investment better than dental benefits in a complex dental emergency. That’s why dental plans for individuals from Delta Dental are there for your smile when you need it. Keeping your smile healthy along with preventive care helps you avoid needing complex treatment in the future. So, get to know our dental plans for individuals who are self-employed.

See a comparison of our individual dental plans here.

Why Have Dental Benefits When You’re Self-Employed?
The United States spends over one billion hours every week freelancing. That’s because over 56.7 million Americans freelance – that’s 17 percent of the U.S. Professionals continue to opt out of working for just one company at a time, and that means that employer-offered dental benefits aren’t always an option.

Working on your terms means accounting for all the details yourself, including dental insurance. Whether you’re a freelance photographer, provide transportation with your car, or run a small-business, take these three steps to consider the right dental plan for you:

1. Evaluate Your Needs:
Do you anticipate your family dynamic changing? Do you have a health condition that may require more dental attention? Remember that certain medications can negatively impact your dental health. Factor in every scenario to choose the best coverage for your lifestyle.

Do you have kids? How do they get their dental care? Remember that even if you’ve never had a cavity, dental care is still important. Regular dental check-ups help avoid costly dental issues later on.

2. Consider the Costs
When you’re self-employed, dental coverage affects your bottom line. Do the research on what costs are involved with dental insurance:

• What is the monthly premium cost?
• Is there a deductible? Annual benefit maximum?
• What’s the waiting period?

Jot down these notes. Is there a more affordable option available? If there is, ensure your dentist network gives you access to dental care when and where you need it. Paying out-of-pocket for one dental treatment could be more expensive than your yearly dental coverage.

Just look at the numbers:

dental benefits for self-employed

We recognize dental insurance may not be for everyone. If you are looking for savings on your dental care, here are some alternative options for coverage:

Savings Accounts: Medical savings accounts and health savings accounts are other options for saving up to cover dental expenses. They work like a savings account for dental and health expenses.
Government Assistance: Depending on your personal circumstance, you or members of your family could qualify for no-cost or low-cost coverage such as Hawki for your children or Medicaid.

Learn more about Delta Dental individual plans.

Looking for more on the right preventive dental care for you? Check out this blog: