What is Principal Insurance?

Dental insurance is a cost-effective way for you—and your family members who are also covered—to receive high-quality care. Having dental insurance generally means routine care for your teeth at reduced cost, which helps you protect against unexpected issues such as cavities, crowns, root canals, and gum disease. Principal has a nationwide network of more than 136,000 dentists, so it is likely you will find one near your home.

How Does Dental Insurance Work?

Many people, though not all, access dental insurance through their workplace. If your employer offers dental insurance as part of an employee benefits program, you can enroll in dental coverage for yourself, your spouse, and eligible dependents up to 26 years old. Most likely, you will make premium payments, but that will depend on your employer’s policy. Typically, your dental insurance premium amount is a lower group rate that is deducted from your paycheck.

Dental insurance pays the cost, or part of the cost, you and your covered family members receive for basic preventive services such as routine exams, teeth cleaning, and x-rays, as well as other procedures such as cavities, crowns, and root canals.

Most dental offices have staff dedicated to the task of filing your claim with Principal on your behalf, which is the preferred method. If you decide to submit your own dental claim, you will need to send Principal the dentist’s itemized statement and a copy of the front and back of your Principal dental insurance ID card.

What Does Dental Insurance Cover?

Principal dental insurance typically covers the following services:

1. Preventive care, such as twice-yearly exams, cleaning, and x-rays (usually once per year), is covered at 100 percent of cost.
2. Basic procedures like cavities or extractions are covered at 80 percent of the cost.
3. Major procedures, including crowns, bridges, and dentures, are covered at 50 percent of the cost.

If applicable, you are responsible for paying any remaining balance and deductible. You can also see a specialist without a referral. Additionally, four oral health programs—periodontal, cancer treatment oral health, second opinion, and general anesthesia—give you the option to receive extra care or get a second opinion. Dental coverage with Principal includes all four.

Also, be sure you understand the following important terms for the dental insurance services you receive:

1. Deductible is the amount you pay for covered services before your Principal insurance plan begins to pay expenses for you.
2. In-network services mean you pay less out-of-pocket because fees are pre-established with Principal.
3. Out-of-network services have higher charges when you choose providers who have not agreed to contracted rates with Principal. Such services are generally more costly, and your insurance plan usually covers a lesser percentage.
4. Coinsurance is any remaining balance you pay if your coverage is a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan. Generally, coinsurance ranges from 20 percent to 80 percent of your total bill.
5. Annual maximum, part of most dental policies, is how much Principal will pay per year, typically $1,000 to $2,000. If you reach the annual maximum amount of coverage, you are responsible for paying 100 percent of any remaining cost.

Check Your Policy for Specific Information

Dental insurance does not cover all services. For example, cosmetic dental procedures such as teeth bleaching, veneers, implants, and braces may not be covered. Check your policy for specific information.

Related Article: What Are the Types of Dental Insurance Principal Offers?