Finding the right dental and vision insurance for self-employed individuals can be challenging.
With so many options available, how do you choose the best dental plan for your needs?
In the states we serve, this type of coverage has become increasingly popular, and this review should help you compare to find the best for your needs and budget.
As an independent agency, self-employed dental (and vision) insurance plans have become one of our most requested benefits.
There are over 16 million workers in the United States who fall under self-employment.
And part of being the boss means having the best dental insurance so your business doesn’t skip a beat.
However, it also means asking a lot of good questions like:
- What’s the difference between Marketplace dental insurance vs. off-exchange dental insurance?
- How much does self-employed dental and vision insurance cost?
- Which dental plans have no waiting period for major work?
At BenZen, we help entrepreneurs like you every day find affordable benefits with peace of mind.
Whether you’re a freelancer, independent contractor, or consultant you’re in the right place to find dental insurance online with free assistance and no obligation.
Questions?
We make it easy for small businesses to find affordable health plans and benefits. Get free assistance from a licensed expert Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm EST.
Licensed in: FL, GA, MD, MI, MS, NC, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA
BenZen Insurance
An Independent Agency
Licensed: FL, GA, MD, MI, MS, NC, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA
Get instant quotes on UnitedHealthcare dental & vision plans. Before signing up, check with your doctor to confirm they are in network.
Dental plans have limitations. Always review the policy before you enroll.
How Self-Employed Dental & Vision Insurance Works
Most dental insurance plans work like a membership: you’ll pay a monthly premium for access to a network of doctors that offer services at a negotiated price.
While you don’t need insurance to see a dentist, having a comprehensive plan can help you save money, especially for more expensive procedures.
Dental visits can be expensive without insurance. Depending on where you live a checkup might cost $100-$200. Expect to pay more if you haven’t been in a while.
And a single tooth implant will cost you $3,000-$5,000 without insurance. Ouch!
It’s easy to see how dental insurance could help you financially to keep your business on track, but there are things to remember when shopping.
Example 1: Marketplace Dental Plan
Waiting Periods
Many dental insurance plans have waiting periods of 6 or 12 months depending on the work you need done.
These can be frustrating, but waiting periods help keep prices low for everyone else.
Waiting periods help to discourage people in poor health from purchasing dental insurance, getting work done and immediately canceling their policy.
Annual Maximum
This is the total amount your insurance company will pay towards covered dental services in a year.
Unlike health insurance, there is a “cap” or a maximum on what your carrier will pay annually.
Once you reach this limit, you’re responsible for the remaining costs for the rest of the year.
Coinsurance
Once the deductible is paid, you’ll share the remaining cost with your insurance company based on the procedure.
This cost-sharing is usually a percentage up to the annual maximum benefit.
Marketplace Dental vs. Off-Exchange Dental
With self-employment dental plans there are two main options for purchasing dental insurance:
- Marketplace Plans: These plans are available through your state’s health insurance exchange.
They are typically affordable and ideal for preventive care like checkups and cleanings.
However, they often have waiting periods of 6-12 months for major procedures and there are restrictions on when you can enroll.
- Preventative (exams, cleanings): no waiting period
- Basic (filling, simple extraction, etc): 6-month waiting period
- Major (dentures, crown, implants): 12-month waiting period
- Enrollment: only during Open Enrollment or Special Enrollment
- Annual Maximum: generally $700-$1,000
- Implants: some plans
Example 2: Marketplace Dental Plan
| Category | Plan Pays | Waiting Period |
|---|---|---|
| Preventative | 100% | No |
| Basic | up to 80% | 6-months |
| Major | up to 50% | 12-months |
2. Off-Exchange Plans: Purchased directly from insurance carriers & brokers. These plans offer more flexibility but may come with a higher premium.
The top plans have no waiting periods and day 1 coverage for expensive procedures. Ameritas and UnitedHealthcare are two of our most popular off-exchange dental plans.
- Preventative (exams, cleanings): no waiting period
- Basic (filling, simple extraction, etc): 60% on day 1; 80% after 12-months
- Major (dentures, crown, implants): up to 20% day 1; 50% after 12-months
- Enrollment: any time of year
- Annual Maximum: generally $1,000-$3,000
- Implants: most plans cover 50% after 12 months at $1,500-$2,000
Example 3: Off-Exchange Dental Plan
| Category | Day 1 | 12-months | Waiting Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preventative | 100% | 100% | no waiting period |
| Basic | 60% | 80% | no waiting period |
| Major | 15%-20% | 50% | no waiting period |
| Implants | n/a | 50% | 12-months |
Why Self-Employed Dental & Vision Insurance Is Important!
When you work for yourself, any health issue can hurt cash flow, and your teeth are no exception.
Read this guide to find the best dental & vision insurance for self-employed and protect your bottom line!
Oral health is easily overlooked when you’re running a business. Ignoring a toothache or putting off routine dental exams can lead to bigger, more expensive problems down the road.
- Peace of Mind: Regular checkups and cleanings are vital for maintaining oral health. Having coverage allows for proactive care without worrying about immediate costs.
- Financial Protection: Unexpected dental emergencies can hurt your bottom line. Insurance helps manage these costs, preventing significant financial burdens.
- Improved Overall Health: Untreated dental issues can affect your overall well-being. Dental insurance encourages preventative care, contributing to better health.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Self-Employed Dental Plan in Florida & Georgia
With numerous plans available, consider these key factors to make an informed decision:
- Coverage: Analyze the types of procedures covered (preventative, basic, major). Do you prioritize preventative care or anticipate needing major work?
- Network: Does the plan offer in-network providers near your location in Florida or Georgia? In-network providers typically offer lower costs compared to out-of-network options.
- Cost: Compare monthly premiums, deductibles (amount you pay upfront before insurance kicks in), and co-pays (fixed amounts you pay for specific services).
- Waiting Periods: Some plans have waiting periods for major procedures. Consider “no waiting period” plans for quicker access to essential care.
- Maximum Annual Coverage: This is the maximum amount the insurance company will pay for covered services in a year.
Questions?
We make it easy for small businesses to find affordable health plans and benefits. Get free assistance from a licensed expert Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm EST.
Licensed in: FL, GA, MD, MI, MS, NC, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA
BenZen Insurance
An Independent Agency
#1st Place – Best Dental & Vision Insurance for Self-Employed: DentalWiseMax
UnitedHealthcare dental plans underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company have become widely popular with their new DentalWise products.
High annual maximum benefits up to $3,000, no waiting period, day 1 coverage and increasing benefits.
Highlights:
- DentalWise Max plans include vision (and hearing in many states).
- DentalWise 2000 covers implants with a separate $1,500 benefit.
- DentalWise Max 3000 has one of the highest annual benefits of any self-employed dental plan on the market.
Get instant quotes on UnitedHealthcare dental & vision plans. Before signing up, check with your doctor to confirm they are in network.
Licensed: FL, GA, MD, MI, MS, NC, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA
Dental plans have limitations. Always review the policy before you enroll.
DentalWise
Affordable dental only coverage from UnitedHealthcare with no waiting periods.
Brochure (pdf)
$20
Estimated monthly starting price.
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Dental Only
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DentalWise Basic
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DentalWise 1000
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DentalWise 2000
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No Waiting Periods!
DentalWise Max
The convenience of dental & vision in one plan! Higher benefits. No waiting periods.
Brochure (pdf)
$35
Estimated monthly starting price.
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Dental & Vision (plus Hearing)
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DentalWise Max 1000
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DentalWise Max 2000
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Coverage On Day One!
Unlike Marketplace plans with limited enrollment periods, off-exchange dental plans offer the freedom to enroll any time of the year.
Plus, the most popular dental plans have high annual maximums, increasing benefits and no waiting period for preventative, basic and major procedures.
#2nd Place – Ameritas Primestar
How Much Does Dental & Vision Insurance Cost?
What you pay for self-employed dental insurance will vary and depends on a few key factors:
- Location, Location, Location: Dental costs vary by region. So, where you live plays a big role in determining the premium.
- Age is a Factor: Similar to other insurance types, your age can influence cost. Generally, younger individuals pay less as they’re statistically less likely to require major dental procedures.
- Picking Your Plan: The type of plan you choose significantly impacts the price. Plans with higher annual coverage limits typically come at a premium compared to those with lower limits.
Self-Employed Dental & Vision Insurance in Florida
| City | DentalWise Basic | DentalWise Max 1000 |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville | $20.00 | $37.00 |
| Tampa | $20.00 | $37.00 |
| Miami | $27.00 | $45.00 |
Self-Employed Dental & Vision Insurance in North Carolina
| City | DentalWise Basic | DentalWise Max 1000 |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | $25.00 | $35.00 |
| Fayeteville | $25.00 | $35.00 |
| Durham | $25.00 | $35.00 |
Self-Employed Dental & Vision Insurance in Georgia
| City | DentalWise 1000 | DentalWise Max 3000 |
|---|---|---|
| Athens | $25.00 | $40.00 |
| Savannah | $25.00 | $40.00 |
| Villa Rica | $27.00 | $45.00 |
Self-Employed Dental & Vision Insurance in Texas
| City | DentalWise 1000 | DentalWise Max 2000 |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas | $29.00 | $35.00 |
| Houston | $29.00 | $35.00 |
| San Antonio | $29.00 | $35.00 |
Self-Employed Dental & Vision Insurance in Virginia
| City | DentalWise Basic | DentalWise Max 3000 |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond | $21.00 | $50.00 |
| Norfolk | $21.00 | $50.00 |
| Charlottesville | $21.00 | $50.00 |
Choosing Dental & Vision Insurance for Self-Employed Professionals
Here are a few things to consider when shopping for the best self-employed dental insurance.
You can purchase private (off-exchange) dental insurance any time of the year directly from the insurance company or licensed broker.
You are not restricted to the annual enrollment period.
Additionally, when shopping for coverage don’t focus solely on price. Compare:
- Waiting Periods
- Maximum Annual Benefits
- Coinsurance
- Provider Network
Compare waiting periods, annual benefit maximums, and covered procedures.
Make sure the plan you choose offers the help you need when you need it (waiting period vs no waiting period).
If your plan has a waiting period, keep in mind you’ll need to prepare 6-12 months in advance
Our most popular dental plans don’t require income verification, occupation or health questions. And we made it easy to quote and enroll on your own 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you need assistance, we’re happy to help at no additional charge!
Looking for Small Group Benefits?
If you have 2-20 employees (up to 50) learn more about group health plans and how to get started!
Let’s Get Started!
We make it easy to find affordable plans & benefits.
Start a quote or schedule a free consultation with a licensed expert Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm EST
Ted McNeil
Owner, Broker
BenZen Insurance
An Independent Agency