Aetna Dental Insurance Review

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Published: 7/18/2022

Best for Low-Cost Dental Insurance

Aetna is a trusted dental insurance provider offering low-cost PPO plans as well as a variety of discount plans for those seeking an affordable alternative to traditional insurance. The company offers three PPO plans, called Preventative, Core and Preferred, that offer differing levels of coverage at key price points. Most seniors should be able to find a plan that is within their budgets.

In addition to the PPO plans, Aetna offers two discount plans, one that is dental only and one that includes prescription drugs. These plans cost slightly more than similar offerings from rival providers but are widely available and are a simple option for those who don’t feel the need for a comprehensive dental insurance plan.

Pros and Cons of Aetna Dental Insurance

Pros:

Three PPO plans to choose from
Affordably priced
$50 deductibles

Cons:

Lower-than-average annual deductible
No loyalty plans
6-month waiting period for basic care

Overview of Aetna Dental Insurance

Aetna’s insurance offerings are middle-of-the-road compared to rivals. They offer three plans covering the key price points and have an industry-standard deductible. However, the annual maximum coverage limit is just $1,250. The deductibles are in line with the industry standard of $50, but the discount programs are competitive with what they offer too.

Company

Overall Score (1-5 Scale)

Company Reputation and Reliability

Plan Variety

PPO Coverage Limitations

PPO Costs

Dental Insurance Alternatives

Aetna

2.6

1.67

How Much Does Aetna Dental Insurance Cost?

Aetna’s dental insurance plans start at $22 per month, with a $50 deductible. This is quite competitive, but the low price does mean a lower-than-average annual maximum. More comprehensive plans cost slightly more, but the prices are still competitive. In addition, the company does not offer loyalty plans. This means there’s no opportunity for long-term customers to access better benefits or have their maximums increase. Those who choose a discount plan instead of a traditional insurance plan can access discounts between 15% and 50% for $354 per year.

The discount plans are more expensive than those offered by some rivals, and the discounts offered aren’t the most generous. However, the pricing structure is clear, and the dental discount plan is available nationwide, except for Montana and Vermont.

Eligibility, Plan Details and Other Information

Aetna is a CVS company and its dental insurance is available across the country. The PPO plans give customers access to a large network of dental surgeries. There are more than 120,000 providers to choose from, and tiered pricing means seniors can easily find a plan that fits their needs and budgets. The company provides customers with an online tool that helps them find a dental surgery local to them, compare different surgeries by reading reviews, and get an idea of out-of-pocket costs before booking.

Customers are expected to handle their own claims and wait for reimbursement, unlike some other networks where the dental surgery processes the paperwork, offering a more streamlined experience for the customer and reducing out-of-pocket expenses.

Preventative, Core and Preferred Plans

Aetna’s plans are divided into three categories. Preventative covers checkups and basic services for just $22 per month. The core plan offers more extensive coverage, and the preferred plan covers all services including major dental procedures, up to a maximum of $1,250 per year. These limits are fixed, and there is no loyalty plan option, so the allowance does not increase over time.

The discount plans offer an easy-to-understand option with the added bonus of discounts on prescription drugs. These plans are relatively basic compared to the insurance option but give customers a clear idea of the costs they will face and have more relaxed eligibility criteria than the insurance policies.

Waiting Periods Can Be Waived

By default, Aetna uses the standard waiting periods of 6 months for basic care and 12 months for major procedures. However, the company is willing to waive those waiting periods for those who had cover with another provider for a period of at least 90 days before joining Aetna.

Who Should Consider Aetna Dental Insurance?

Those looking for transparent, affordable pricing.

Aetna’s plans aren’t the cheapest on the market, but they are affordable and transparent. This means there are no unpleasant surprises or hidden costs. Seniors who want a policy that is easy to understand and that will get them the care they need may wish to consider Aetna for that reason. The company also offers some support for those who are current customers and who are struggling to pay their bills for whatever reason. This can be a useful safety net.

Seniors who may need dental treatment soon and are changing policies.

There is a 6-month waiting period for basic dental care and a 12-month waiting period for major care on each of Aetna’s policies. However, these periods can be waived for someone who was covered by another provider for 90 days before switching to Aetna. Many other dental insurance providers do not offer this option. Seniors who are considering changing providers may find this waiver appealing.

What Are People Saying About Aetna’s Dental Insurance?

Reviewers praise Aetna for making everything about their dental insurance as easy to understand as possible. It has transparent pricing and simple plan options, as well as online tools available to customers to help them find a dental surgery and work out what their out-of-pocket costs might be.

The company offers a lot of support to customers who need urgent care and those who are struggling with their bills. It also offers above-average levels of cover for basic procedures, with some plans covering up to 90% of the cost of fillings and similar treatments. However, coverage for non-dental things, such as prescription drugs, is rather limited compared to some rival plans, and there are no options for combined vision and dental plans, so seniors who want a one-stop shop for all their coverage may wish to look at plans from another provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Dental Insurance for Seniors Typically Cover?

Most dental insurance policies for seniors cover checkups and basic dental care. They may also cover major dental services such as implants or root canals, but coverage amounts vary.