A dental emergency is a dental-health-related issue that requires immediate treatment. If you have a dental emergency, you might wonder: Can accident insurance cover dental treatments? In this article, we address this question and explain how accident insurance works.
Can Accident Insurance Cover Dental Treatments?
Accident insurance plans can cover dental treatment for injuries resulting from an accident. Other dental health issues that are urgent but not caused by an accident, such as tooth decay or gum disease, are not covered by accident insurance. Also, the treatments covered by insurance should be deemed a medical necessity, examples of which can include:
- Restoring the function of chipped or broken teeth (for example, such procedures as root canals, fillings, and dental crowns)
- Extracting broken teeth
- Knocked-out or dislodged teeth treatments
- Injuries to the soft tissue in and around the mouth, such as cuts and lacerations of the gums, tongue, and lips
- Jaw injuries or dislocations
- Restoration of dental appliances broken in an accident
Purely cosmetic treatments may not be covered by your insurance. For example, if you have cracked or chipped teeth, the insurance may cover crowns or dental bonding, which restore and protect the teeth, but is unlikely to cover dental veneers, even though they can serve a similar function. However, some insurance companies may cover veneers if you provide documentation showing that this treatment is a medical necessity.
We recommend talking to your insurance provider to determine which procedures are covered by your plan, as policies may vary from company to company. Also, ask your doctor to provide necessary documentation as proof of your injuries, and ask whether dental injuries are treated as medical or dental claims. Additionally, consider combining dental and emergency insurances for broader coverage of your treatment expenditures.
It’s also important to carefully review your policy’s fine print, as certain limitations or exclusions may apply depending on the type of accident or procedure. Some plans may only cover specific treatment costs or reimburse up to a set limit. Understanding these details beforehand can help you avoid unexpected expenses and ensure you receive the maximum benefits from your coverage.
How Accident Insurance Works
Accident insurance covers injuries caused by sudden, unforeseen events, such as falls, car crashes, sports injuries, or workplace accidents. Typically, an accident insurance plan is supplemental to your general medical and dental insurance.
Primary insurance plans typically cover specific treatments and come with deductibles, co-pays, and policy limits. Accident insurance plans can provide lump-sum or scheduled reimbursement benefits based on the type of injury. It helps cover out-of-pocket costs such as emergency care, hospital stays, X-rays, or surgeries.
For example, suppose you broke a tooth in an accident. In that case, your primary insurance might cover only a part of the treatment cost, and your accident insurance will help pay the remaining balance or cover other related costs, such as travel to and from the medical facility, child care, or lost income during recovery.
How to File a Claim for Your Accident Insurance
Make sure to follow these tips for a smoother process:
- Collect and submit records of the accident report (as proof that the dental injury was caused by an accident), dental bills, and treatment notes.
- Always notify your insurance company promptly.
- Check what documents are required by your insurance company (for example, some companies need a filled accident claim form, etc.)
- Do not hesitate to ask questions in your dental office and consult with your insurance company to ensure that the procedures you are going to have are covered.
Receive Treatment at My Dentist Upland in Case of an Emergency
Do not hesitate to call our office to have an appointment with an experienced emergency dentist at My Dentist Upland. Our specialists use modern treatment methods and high-quality materials to help you restore your dental health.