In India, most health insurance policies generally don’t cover dental expenses, as this is often categorized as cosmetic care. However, some newer plans are starting to include dental treatment under specific conditions. For instance, certain health insurance policies offer dental coverage as part of their outpatient department (OPD) benefits, allowing you to claim treatment costs.
### Dental Care and Coverage
Health insurance plays an essential role in covering medical expenses, whether for treatment, prevention, or relief. Ironically, even though dental treatments in India can be very expensive, most health insurance policies don’t include them. Fortunately, a few insurers now offer plans with dental benefits. These policies not only cover consultations and diagnostics but also include treatment costs. However, to avail of these benefits, your insured sum often needs to be at least ₹15 lakhs or higher, depending on the plan.
### Which Health Plans Cover Dental Treatment?
Some notable policies under the Bajaj Finserv health insurance portfolio include dental care benefits. For example, the Bajaj Allianz Health Guard Gold Plan offers built-in dental coverage, catering to various dental treatments such as consultations, exams, crowns, fillings, extractions, root canals, and surgeries. That being said, cosmetic procedures like dental implants are excluded. While there are limitations, this plan helps cover common dental issues that can otherwise be financially burdensome.
Another plan to consider is the Chola MS Privilege Healthline Plan, which provides dental coverage of up to ₹10,000 for OPD-related consultations or treatments every two years. While the coverage amount is modest, it can help offset some routine dental expenses.
### Dedicated Dental Insurance Plans
Most policies, even if they offer dental coverage, tend to focus on dental issues caused by accidents, which often come with limited financial benefits. This highlights the need for standalone dental insurance in India. One option is OCare, which offers exclusive coverage for dental treatments. With this plan, you get up to ₹25,000 annually per person for dental expenses, including treatment for pre-existing dental conditions. Additionally, customers are entitled to two dental check-ups per year. A loyalty program is another unique feature, allowing users to accumulate points and redeem them for future dental treatments.
### Choose a Comprehensive Plan with Dental Benefits
With the increasing awareness about healthcare costs, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, having a health insurance plan that includes dental coverage has become more relevant. Partnering with reputable insurance providers ensures access to quality healthcare facilities and added peace of mind. By selecting a comprehensive plan, you can stay prepared and financially protected for all kinds of medical needs, including dental care.