| With so many
people being forced to seek private dental care with its associated
unregulated costs, the payment options available to them are
of greater concern than ever.
Self Pay
The patient pays upfront for any dental treatment
as and when they need it. This can be a simple way to deal
with the need for checks ups and minor treatments without
commitment to alternative payment options. However, dental
treatment can be very expensive, and one unexpected treatment
can run up painfully expensive bills.
Cash Plans
This fairly inexpensive option allows patients
to pay a monthly sum to a provider to cover basic treatments
like check-ups, x-rays and oral hygiene, either on the NHS
or privately. If they need any of the treatments covered by
their cash plan they’ll be able to claim a percentage
of their costs back. However, cash plans are limited in what
they cover, meaning patients would still need to pay for more
serious problems themselves.
Capitation Schemes
With regular up-front monthly payments, capitation
plans guarantee a pre-agreed level of care for the patient’s
teeth, though often don’t cover the costs of major treatment.
A thorough examination will be needed and any treatment needed
must be carried out and paid for before an individual can
join the scheme. Prices for capitation schemes will depend
on:
- the state of the patient’s teeth
and gums
- the level of cover they choose
- how expensive their dentist is.
Dental Insurance
Dental insurance
is a reliable option for more comprehensive cover, and is
a particularly valuable investment with the potentially high
costs of today’s dental market. CIGNA’s dental
insurance is available in four levels: Crystal, Opal, Pearl
and Diamond, covering a variety of treatment options and dental
charges.
The misery of dental pain can have far
reaching effects, particularly if the problem isn’t
treated quickly. CIGNA’s dental insurance gives its
members the confidence that they or their family can get the
required treatment when they need it, with affordable premiums
that can be budgeted for.
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