Dental insurance frequently asked questions

UnitedHealthcare branded dental plans, underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company, include a variety of dental plans designed to fit nearly any budget.

Each plan will have different payment levels. Your costs will depend on the level of coverage you choose. There are budget-friendly plans that cover the basics — and more comprehensive plans that cover more services.

Costs to consider when you’re choosing a plan include premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and copays. Take a close look at the payments required for each plan to decide which dental plan may work best for your budget — and match your care needs.

Shop dental plans and compare prices

Yes. It is standalone coverage. You do not need a major medical plan to buy a dental plan.

The difference between network and out-of-network dentists comes down to two factors: cost and convenience. Read on for more details.

• Network dentists agree to accept a lower negotiated rate on services. This means you pay less before your insurance company pays for anything. When you use network providers, you usually don’t have to submit claims yourself. The dental office will handle the paperwork, saving you time.

• Out-of-network dentists are not limited to negotiated rates and may charge more. Also, some dental insurance plans don’t pay any benefits to out-of-network dentists or pay less. 

Choosing a network dentist will usually help make your dental care more affordable. Check your specific plan to understand the cost difference. Before you buy a dental plan, check how many network dentists are in your area. If you already have a dentist, be sure to confirm they are part of the plan network.

Yes. Dental Gen plans are designed for adults age 64 and older. For more details, view the Dental Gen product brochure and call 1-800-273-8115 for sales assistance. Product availability varies by state.

Most dental plans include coverage for preventive care like routine exams, cleanings and X-rays. Some plans require a copay for preventive services, while others cover those services 100%. Many dental plans also include coverage for basic services like fillings and extractions, and major services like root canals, crowns and more.

Most dental insurance plans have a maximum benefit (limit to the amount and/or number of procedures they’ll pay) for the year. For dental plans underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company, there is an annual maximum from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on your plan.¹

Yes. Most plans cover dental services like fillings, extractions and root canals. Services covered and how much insurance will pay varies by plan. Make sure to review all the details of a dental insurance plan before you buy.

It depends. Some plans cover braces and orthodontic work, but not most. If that’s one main reason you’re shopping for dental coverage, you’ll want to look carefully to find a dental plan with that benefit. When you find one, make sure to read all the plan details.

It depends on your plan. A basic coverage plan (preventive care, simple fillings and extractions) typically won’t cover implants. Some dental plans with coverage for major services will likely pay for a percentage of implant costs. You’ll pay the rest out-of-pocket. How much depends on your plan’s coverage level and annual maximum coverage amount.

It depends. There is typically no waiting period for preventive services once you become covered. This means as soon as your dental insurance starts, you’ll be able to use the preventive care benefits. Some plans have no waiting period for all types of care. Other plans may have a waiting period of 4 to 12 months for basic and major services.