Best Dental Insurance in Iowa 2023

Last modified: September 9, 2021

The standard health coverage provided by any state in the U.S.A does not include dental care services; therefore, if you are deliberating that you do not require dental insurance then we advise you to think again. 

Bear in mind that you or any member of your family can get a dental or oral problem at any given time, primarily due to an accident, a sickness, or poor dental hygiene. 

Iowa dental insurance providers offer dental insurance plans that can help save money and ensure overall dental health and hygiene.

In this review, you will learn everything essential related to dental plans in Iowa such as indemnity plans, independent plans, senior dental coverage plans, etc. Furthermore, we’ll also look into some of the best dental insurance in Iowa. If you are looking for affordable health insurance outside of Iowa – make sure to check out our list of best dental insurance providers in the US.

So, without further ado let’s begin!

How Does Iowa Dental Insurance Work?

Dental insurance plans in Iowa work similarly to how standard health insurance works. For a fixed monthly rate or premium, the insurer is entitled to particular predetermined dental and oral health services, usually involving:

  • Routine checkups,
  • Dental cleanings,
  • X-rays,
  • Other dental services needed to promote overall dental health.

Please note that some dental plans in Iowa will offer you more comprehensive coverage than others. Likewise, there will be some Iowa dental plans that come with a higher price tag in comparison to others. In addition to this, several insurance plans also provide coverage for particular forms of dental implants, oral surgery, and orthodontia.

Dental Insurance Plans Iowa

Just like health insurance plans, dental insurance Iowa is typically characterized as either of the two forms:

  1. Indemnity insurance plans
  2. Managed-care insurance plans 

Indemnity insurance plans – Generally, indemnity insurance plans provide greater options of dental and vision insurance Iowa as compared to managed-care plans. With an indemnity dental coverage policy, the insurer pays for services only after a bill of service is presented. This means that you will have to pay for the dental services rendered on the spot and later get reimbursed by your selected dental insurance provider.  

Managed-care insurance plans – Managed-care coverage plans maintain a wide network of Iowa dental insurance companies. Dentists that are part of this network concur to offer their services to patients at predetermined fixed rates and usually submit coverage claims to the insurer on your behalf.

In short, you will have lesser out-of-pocket expenditures and lesser paperwork with Iowa managed-care insurance plans; whereas, with an Indemnity insurance plan, you will get more power to choose a dental care provider of your preference. 

How to Obtain Dental Insurance?

You must keep in mind that several dental and vision insurance in Iowa provide individual dental insurance in Iowa that you can take advantage of all year around. This allows you to get enhanced dental coverage options than what is provided in a standard medical insurance plan. Moreover, there is usually no “open enrollment period” for vision and dental insurance plans like in medical coverage plans. 

However, be informed that you may not be able to get every dental plan in Iowa outside the open enrollment time-frame. Some Iowa dental insurance companies may require you to either sign up: 

  • During open enrollment,
  • Experience a qualifying event, or 
  • Purchase a medical plan at the same time. 

Nevertheless, there are numerous dental plans in Iowa available all year-round. We recommend you to procure an individual dental plan rather than bundling it with a standard medical plan because they offer greater benefits, are more comprehensive and competitive. 

What Do Dental Insurance Plans Typically Cover?

Dental plans in Iowa typically comprise of the following services:

  • Preventive care such as x rays, cleaning, exams, etc.,
  • Basic procedures like filling, 
  • Major procedures such as dentures and crowns, 
  • Other dental services needed to promote overall dental health

Bear in mind that whether you are choosing a dental plan for yourself or the family, it is integral to ask questions to discern which dental coverage policy best fits your oral needs as every plan comes with distinctive coverage options. Some of the dental plans that you can choose from are: individual dental insurance Iowa, dental insurance Iowa no waiting period, senior dental insurance Iowa, etc.

Does It Cover Visits?

Yes, dental insurance plans in Iowa typically include routine check-ups and regular procedures such as examinations, cleaning, filling, etc.

What Do They Not Cover?

Dental insurance plans in Iowa does not entail or pay for the following services:

  • Cosmetic dentistry, such as teeth whitening 
  • Major pre-existing conditions
  • Adult orthodontia, such as braces to straighten teeth

Average Cost of Dental Insurance in Iowa

What is the Iowa dental insurance average cost?

Generally, people in the States pay around $360 every year for dental coverage policies. That equals between $15 and $50 every month for insurance. Dental coverage in Iowa happens to be close to this average. You can acquire basic preventive coverage for $15 to $20 every month. More comprehensive and inclusive insurance plans can cost up to $60 every month or even more. 

Iowa dental insurance average cost differs depending on the area you live, the chosen coverage plan, you age, gender etc. Mostly, dental coverage comes with a maximum annual limit or benefit; the limit typically varies between $1,000 and $2,000. 

Dental Service Cost Table

We have listed below the dental costs of major treatments in different U.S states that can help you ascertain what the Iowa dental insurance average cost is:

Dental Treatment Service Dental Price/Estimated Cost in New Jersey Dental Price/Estimated Cost in Oregon Dental Price/Estimated Cost in Iowa
Braces 7140 6000 5430
Bridge 1832 1811 1604
Crown or Cap 991 980 891
Dentures 67 1500 1428
Extraction 1355 311 282
Filling or Repair 337 231 192
Sealant 207 48 40
Root Canals (Endodontics) 1039 1030 877
Cleaning 45 89 67
X-rays 98 108 36

 

As you can see, the cost of dental services and treatment in Iowa is relatively cheaper than in other states. 

How to Find Affordable Dental Plans in Iowa?

To find affordable dental insurance in Iowa, you can seek help from online platforms such as eHealth and find affordable and cheap dental insurance in Iowa in a few minutes. Such platforms allow you to find quotes from top Iowa dental insurance companies, compare premiums, costs, copays, deductibles, and coverage levels.

What Factors Influence Dental Insurance Rates?

Dental coverage rates vary greatly due to a number of factors such as:

  • Your location
  • Your age and gender 
  • Your overall dental health
  • Type of dental insurance provider (private vs. public)
  • Type of dental coverage required

Are There Discounts Available?

Yes, many Iowa dental insurance companies offer discounts when dental care plans are purchased in bulk or alongside a vision/health insurance plan.

Best Dental Insurance Companies in Iowa

Company Best for Key Features Overall Rating
Cigna Overall dental care
  • Restorative care
  • Orthodontic care
  • No deductibles
  • No copay 
  • 90,000 dentists’ network
3.73
Guardian Straightforward policies 
  • Preventive care
  • 120,000 providers
4.8 
United Healthcare Basic coverage 
  • No waiting for basic and preventive coverage
  • Low coinsurance fees for basic services
  • Affordable monthly premiums
5
Physicians Mutual For seniors 
  • No lifetime or annual limits on benefits
  • No waiting period for preventive care
  • No deductibles
  • Specialized pricing for senior people 
4.7
Delta Dental Orthodontic & affordable care
  • No waiting periods
  • Large network of providers
  • Preventive care
  • Multiple orthodontic care plans
  • No out-of-pocket cost for preventive care
4.8

 

Detailed Review: Best Dental Insurance in Iowa

Below are some of the best Iowa dental insurance companies: 

Cigna Dental Insurance in Iowa

Cigna dental insurance in Iowa offers comprehensive and affordable dental insurance policies all over the state. With just $17 per month, you can avail dental insurance in several parts of Iowa. Cigna provides100 percent coverage for routine cleanings, exams, x-rays, and other preventive care procedures.  Moreover, deductibles on dental coverage are considerably low, only $50 for individual coverage and $150 for family coverage yearly. 

Pros 

  • Restorative and Orthodontic care can also be included in coverage plans. 
  • Cigna has a massive network of over 90,000 dental care sources nationwide. 
  • All dental plans offer coverage of preventive care excluding any form of copayments or deductibles. 

Cons

  • Prolonged waiting period with almost 6 months for basic care and 12 months for major services or orthodontics problems. 
  • Dental implants and cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance 

Delta Dental Insurance in Iowa

Delta Dental insurance in Iowa is a non-profit dental service provider. They provide affordable insurance to families and individuals. Dental plans start from just $27 for individuals per month with comprehensive coverage. 

Pros

  • Monthly premium is comparatively low 
  • Copays by procedure
  • No deductibles or maximums annually

Cons

  • On the spot payment of annual premiums 
  • Implants are not covered by insurance 
  • Only one plan offers no waiting period

Physicians Mutual Dental Insurance in Iowa

Physicians Mutual dental insurance in Iowa offers excellent dental insurance plans for senior citizens as they provide dental coverage up to three and fifty plans that are most appropriate for crowns and dentures. They don’t have any kind of deductibles, moreover, preventive care coverage starts right away and has no annual benefit limit.

Pros

  • Preventive care procedures require no waiting period 
  • No deductibles
  • No lifetime or annual limits on benefits
  • Option to select the level of coverage that best facilitates you

Cons

  • Limitations on how much is covered via company depending on the insurance plan. 
  • Extended waiting period for up to 3 months for basic procedure and 12 months for major services 

United Healthcare Dental Insurance in Iowa

UnitedHealthcare dental insurance in Iowa is perfect for basic dental care as they provide affordable simple dental coverage. Dental insurance plans by United Healthcare have no waiting period for most services. Additionally, if you decide to stay with the same dental care provider each year, you can avail reduced fees. 

Pros

  • No waiting period for basic preventative care 
  • Pocket friendly monthly premiums 
  • Low co-insurance charges for basic services

Cons

  • Not so feasible coverage plans for major services 
  • Orthodontics is covered by only one insurance plan 
  • Six months waiting period for major services in some insurance plans 

Guardian Dental Insurance in Iowa

Guardian dental insurance in Iowa includes routine checkups, cleanings, exams, x-rays, root canals, implants, crowns, and braces. You can pick from an array of Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) or a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) insurance policy based on your budget, needs, and the area you live in. 

Pros

  • Guardian insurance has over 101,000 dental care providers in its network.
  • Cost estimators of Guardian insurance make it very easy and simple for individuals to receive an estimate of different dental procedure charges.
  • Preventive care in Guardian dental coverage such as checkups and cleanings cost extremely low.

Cons

  • ACA-subsidized insurance policies are available only in 20 states.

 

In Conclusion

There you have it – we have now mentioned all the essential details you need to know about the best dental insurance in Iowa and some of the best Iowa dental insurance companies.

Pros & Cons

The Pros

The Cons

Final Verdict

FAQs

What kinds of dental insurance are available in Iowa?

The following are three types of coverage plans that are available in Iowa:

  • Indemnity Dental Care Coverage or Fee-For-Service: This plan allows you to select a dental care provider, and the insurance company pays a predetermined percentage of the dentists’ fee.
  • PPO or Preferred Provider Organization Coverage: In this plan, you pay reduced fees to avail the service of a particular ‘preferred’ or ‘in-network’ dentist. 
  • HMO or Health Maintenance Organization Coverage: In this plan, you are allowed to visit a dentist that’s part of the insurance provider’s network.

What is the best dental insurance with no waiting period in Iowa?

Delta Dental and United healthcare dental insurance in Iowa are two of the best dental insurance in Iowa with no waiting periods. To learn more about these companies, refer to the table below.

Are there any significant discounts?

Yes, there are. You can receive considerable discounts by either acquiring lower-priced insurance packages or bulk packages if you’re seeking financial relief. Additionally, there are some low-cost Iowa discount dental insurance plans that can help you save significant dollars on a wide range of dental services like dentures, cleaning, root canals, etc.