Freelancing has become a thing in modern society. The definition of employment isn’t the same anymore as people recognize how liberating unconventional employment can be.
For freelancers, they get to choose working hours, where to work from, and the type of projects to work on.
These freedoms, however, don’t protect freelancers and self-employed against the need for insurance cover.
Dental services are pretty expensive. A tooth rebuild can cost you $250, excluding annual checkups and cleaning. Add the costs for family members if you are the breadwinner, and the cost can be staggering.
Paying out of pocket is not an option unless you are well stacked. Most freelancers have no money lying around somewhere.
It, therefore, makes sense to go for a dental insurance plan.
Researching, selecting, and getting onto a self-employed dental insurance plan is your responsibility as a freelancer because you don’t have an employer to take care of it for you. Gigly reveals how you can go about the process.
This article emphasizes why a freelancer needs to have dental insurance cover.
Table of Contents
1. It’s Affordable
Everyone wants that insurance plan that saves them money and is still a good deal.
Well, a dental insurance plan could be that plan.
All you have to do is make sure you are not paying for more than you get. A typical dental insurance plan will cost you like eleven bucks monthly. This is probably lower than your Netflix subscription, and you still get those regular checkups. The highest plan should not go above 30$ unless you have a pre-existing condition that is costly to manage.
If you’d like to save money, you can still get better deals with a bit of research. You can throw in some discount plans that would guarantee a lot of financial flexibility in your plan.
Either way, you can take care of your teeth without breaking the bank for regular treatment or emergency dental procedures.
2. You Definitely Need Dental Care
You just became self-employed?
Well, you and your dependents still need your dental needs taken care of.
We advise you to start seeking dental insurance coverage as soon as possible to prevent paying out of pocket for dental care.
For those with pre-existing or anticipating future dental issues, paying your premiums early reduces the waiting time before you are covered. The earlier, the better, as root canals and dental surgeries have a waiting time of at least six months.
Even if you do not need major procedures, you can still benefit from the regular preventive care offered by dental insurance plans. Such regular dental visits are crucial in maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
3. Routine Checkups at Your Favorite Dentist
You can stick with that dentist you like. It has many advantages besides getting along. If you’re sensitive about your teeth, someone you’re used to may be a great option.
As a freelancer, you can opt to stay with the family dentist through the DHMO Insurance Plan.
The Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) plan helps select a single dentist responsible for your primary care. This plan is not only cheap but also doesn’t have a limit on treatment frequency.
If you anticipate teeth problems in the future or have existing teeth conditions, then this is your plan. Just make sure you pick a dentist you will stick by, and those routine annual checkups will be smooth.
Freelancers on a budget may want to opt for DMHOs, especially if they have irregular income and would require checkups in less than six months.
4. Take Advantage of Tax Credits
Freelancers and self-employed can enjoy certain tax credits on their dental insurance plans.
Dental insurance is categorized as a medical cost. This makes it easy for you to claim a deduction for related payments. Such tax credits are even more handy when you have a family as more deductions can be availed.
Find a professional dental insurer agent or financial advice to help you understand the dental-related deductions that can help reduce your care costs.
Conclusion
As a freelancer, you have more responsibility to ensure your personal dental insurance cover takes care of you and your family’s dental needs.
Freelancing may sometimes mean an irregular source of income. Seeking a dental insurance cover will ensure you save care costs through tax credits or plan affordability.
The plans also offer favorable terms like the DHMO, guaranteeing quality and consistency if you stick with one doctor.
