Dental insurance explainedCapitation plans

What is a capitation plan?

If you think you'll need a lot of treatment, a comprehensive plan might be best

With a capitation plan, you will pay a monthly fee directly to your dentist which will then cover you in case of treatment. The monthly fee is the same regardless of the treatment you have.

A basic capitation plan can cover general maintenance and accident and emergency treatment should you need it, while a more comprehensive plan will cover treatment such as fillings and extractions.

The premium you pay will be based on several factors, such as your oral health and surgery running costs. An initial examination fee is also usually applied to comprehensive schemes. However because you are paying the dentist directly, there is no standardised cost and price can differ widely between individual practices.

Fans of these schemes say dentists can devote more time to patients, but critics say patients are pressured into signing up because dentists are keen to boost their potentially more rewarding private practices.

Good for: Capitation plans are better suited to people who are likely to require more dental care and want to spread the cost of treatment.

Maintenance and comprehensive capitation plans are available. They cover different types of treatment and have different pricing structures. Mandatory insurance is often included for dental accident and emergency, oral cancer and hospital benefits.

Maintenance plan 

You can typically expect to be covered for two examinations and  two oral hygiene visits with X-rays per year.

Expect a monthly fee of £10 to £15 with no initial examination. Discounts on other treatments and an initial joining fee are sometimes included.

Comprehensive plan

These usually offer unlimited treatment including examination, hygienist, X-rays, fillings, crowns, bridge, root canal and extraction.

You pay a monthly fee, usually £10 to £40, which is based on your oral health. So if you have good oral hygiene you're likely to pay less than £20. An initial joining fee might be included.

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