Dental plans/insurance

[babyOcho]

Can anyone talk to me about dental cover?

I am not at an NHS practice and don't know of any around here, so I would need to pay.

I went today as I am having a bit of discomfort where I have a root canal. I basically need to have my root canal removed and redone (around £450) and a filling and then prob a crown. If I go for it (which I will prob have to) it will cost over £1k!

Is it worth joining those dental insurance companies? Will they even take me?

Can anyone suggest one?

TIA

We've been with Denplan for many years and it covers a fair bit, not sure about crowns. However the premium is set by an assessment of the condition of your teeth so a previous root canal counts against you.

I don't think it is going to cover a pre-existing condition, and places like Denplan use your history to come up with your premium.

I am a member of my dental practice and basically get four visits a year (45 minuts with the dentist) for about £25 per month. I also get worldwide emergency/accident insurance, and 10% off any treatment.

The advantage of membership is that you do go for checkups and cleanings, and don't keep putting it off. Hopefully that will mean that they catch anything before it becomes serious.

This doesn't help if you need a root canal now, but something to consider for the future. Your dentist or the endodontist may be able to offer a payment plan where you can spread the cost.

Thanks, I had no idea it cost this much. I should have got it sorted earlier.

I joined because I had 2 tiny fillings doing, so tiny that I didn't even need any anaesthetic! That cost me almost £200 with the check up too.

It is assessed on your current mouth condition, I pay £15 a month. That covers 2 visits to the dentist a year and 2 hygienist appointments for scrape and polish.

The first filling I had was when I was 16, then I had the next one at 22, then those 2 tiny ones at 34 so my mouth was in good nick

Why don't you ring the NHS direct and ask how you find out where your nearest NHS dentist is, at least you could get on the waiting list? My mum and dad did this and found that somewhere only 7 miles away had spaces, and it has saved them a fortune compared to their old private dentist.

Maybe if you have to wait you could have the desparate bits done privtely and put off the crown until you are NHS

Another thing to look into is a healthcare cashback plan, (look on moneysavingexpert for help). Tbey probably wouldn't cover anywehere like £1000, but good if you or your kids wear glasses or need other health-care as well. I have a plan and it has saved me more money than it has cost.

Dental insurance companies can help to cover part of the cost for you. This makes life so much easier for you in the long run. Here is some information about the dental insurance policies in the uk.

www.thecreativecomposite.co.uk/6-best-dental-insurance-uk/

I keep my teeth in good nick and pay for one checkup a year that costs £75

good dental hygiene can save you from dementia and diabetes and cancer
(look up the new research on it)