Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Invisalign® is a discreet alternative to braces, but you may also be concerned about its cost. The question on your mind: Does dental insurance cover the cost of Invisalign trays? In truth, it depends entirely on what kind of insurance plan you have. At Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics, serving patients throughout the Philadelphia, PA, from our Bala Cynwyd, Bensalem, and Montgomeryville, PA, offices, our patients often have questions about Invisalign and insurance . We will take time to discuss coverage options with you in detail before you commit to any procedure.
The first part of this process is having our staff contact your insurance company for a conversation about your orthodontic coverage.
3 Questions You Should Ask the Insurance Company
- Does your insurance plan cover orthodontic treatments? Not all dental plans include orthodontic coverage, and some have restrictions or require that deductibles be met.
- Be aware of “lifetime maximum” plans. These plans max out at a certain dollar amount.
- Is there a waiting period for your plan? This is the time it takes for your benefits to go into effect. If you’re newly signed up for insurance, find out what the active date is.
- Co-insurance: In most cases, if orthodontic treatment is covered, the provider will cover 50 to 80 percent of the costs.
The average cost of complete Invisalign treatment can be anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000, sometimes more depending upon the severity of the dental adjustments that need to be addressed. When you visit our office, we will make sure you have a firm estimate of costs to share with your insurance company. Then, we can determine your potential out-of-pocket costs and, if necessary, find financing options to make Invisalign affordable for your budget.
Does Your Insurance Plan Cover Orthodontic Treatments?
You might think that just because you have a dental plan, your insurance will cover orthodontics. Not true. Even if it does, there may be restrictions on the type of treatment covered. For instance, many companies will pay for metal braces for children but not for adults because they consider adult braces cosmetic since teeth have fully developed. The same is sometimes true of Invisalign. Keep in mind, if Invisalign is covered, it will only be for a set percentage of the treatment.
Watch for “Lifetime Maximum” Plans
Some insurance companies set a maximum dollar amount for orthodontics treatment over your lifetime. These amounts vary from carrier to carrier, but it works like this: If your Invisalign treatment costs $3,000, and your plan maxes out at $1,000, you’ll be responsible for the $2,000 difference. If you don’t currently have insurance, shop around for a plan that offers the best coverage.
Is There a Waiting Period for Your Plan?
Also known as the “qualifying period,” this is the time it takes for your plan’s benefits to go into effect. Sometimes there are two waiting periods, one for the dental side of the insurance and another for the orthodontics side. Don’t assume that just because you have activated your dental insurance that your orthodontic coverage is also active. Confirm wait times with your insurance carrier before scheduling anything beyond a free Invisalign consultation.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
The best way to find out more information about Invisalign insurance coverage is to attend your free consultation at Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics. We’ll go review the options and come up with a plan that’s right for you. Give our office a call at (610) 617-0700, or send a message online to book your appointment.