Does Insurance Cover Invisalign? How Does It Work? A lot of people have these questions on their lips because of the high demand for Invisalign treatment. Want to know what Invisalign entails, how much it costs, and alternative ways to pay for Invisalign? This write-up will give perfect answers to all your questions.
Does Insurance Cover Invisalign? How Does It Work
Sometimes, orthodontic benefits do cover Invisalign treatments but it depends on the particular type of plan.
Let’s move into more details to get more understanding of Invisalign.
What is Invisalign Treatment?
Invisalign is a form of orthodontics that uses clear aligners to correct the alignment of your teeth. Invisalign treatments are in high demand because it is nearly invisible and removable.
In the dental industry, Invisalign is used to treat common orthodontic issues such as;
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps and spaces
- Open bites
- Crossbites
- Overbites
- Transitional orthodontics
A severe malocclusion may need traditional braces to properly protect the teeth and jaw alignment and improve your overall oral health.
is Invisalign Covered by Insurance?
As stated before, some dental insurance covers a portion of Invisalign just as they cover traditional braces.
Since there is a very wide variance between certain dental insurance, it is best to have a financial coordinator discuss the benefits and percentage of covered benefits with you. You will be paid a specific amount of money if Invisalign is part of your insurance benefits.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost
As stated above, there is a variance in the cost of insurance with and without Invisalign. The notes below will give a clearer explanation of this.
Cost of Invisalign Without Insurance
If your dental coverage does not include a portion of Invisalign, it may probably cost an average of $3,000 to $5,000 on treatment.
At most Invisalign may cost $8,000 to $10,000. Like most orthodontic treatment plans, the process, timeline, and costs will vary based on certain factors such as your needs and the dentist treating you.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost with Insurance?
The price of dental insurance varies widely, but a lot of insurance policies will cover a percentage of Invisalign. Some other, insurance agencies cover Invisalign as a cosmetic treatment and will not cover any portion of it.
The average cost of dental insurance with Invisalign will depend on your insurance provider and most dental insurers cover between 25% to 50% of the treatment fees, leaving you only with the balance.
Most dental insurance plans have a lifetime maximum amount covered. This means that immediately after you meet that dollar amount, you will be responsible for any remaining or additional costs that you may incur.
The dental insurance companies that will most likely cover a portion of Invisalign are;
- Cigna
- Delta Dental
- Humana
- Aetna
- USAA Dental
Invisalign Cost vs. Traditional Metal Braces
Invisalign is more expensive than traditional metal braces. One of the major reasons for the high cost of Invisalign is the laboratory cost required by the orthodontist to fabricate the custom clear aligners. Invisalign charges dental practices within the range of $1,500 to $2,000 depending on how many cases a dentist does per year and the “status” with Invisalign.
The cost of treatment will always depend on the severity of the case, the location of the treatment, the particular charge of the dentist, and your dental insurance policy.
The cost of Invisalign ranges between $3,000 to $10,000, while traditional braces average $3,000 to $7,000. These costs may not include records like x-rays and models, and retainers after the treatment.
Alternative Ways to Pay for Invisalign
Since the cost of Invisalign can be very high and not feasible for many people, most dental practices offer options that make it very convenient and affordable.
Most importantly, different payment options help patients get the treatment they need without undergoing so much delay due to finances.
Here are some alternative ways to pay for Invisalign treatments;
Monthly Payment Plans
This will be an arrangement between you and your dentist to decrease the cost of your initial expenses.
monthly payment plans are offered by most dental practices at no additional cost or interest rate. It will require a larger deposit of the treatment upfront and low-cost monthly installments will span several months or years
Flexible Spending Account
This is an offer made by some employers for their employees as a healthcare benefit.
This employer will have to fund the account with pre-tax money to help cover co-payments and other forms of out-of-pocket costs. An FSA, as it is popularly called usually has a time limit of one year to use the funds.
Health Savings Account
This account is just like an FSA but it does not have a one-year time limit to use the funding.
You are mostly only eligible to contribute to it if you have a high deductible health plan. This savings account is used to help cover co-payments, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket expenses that you may incur.
CareCredit
This is a very good alternative to finance your Invisalign treatment if you have high out-of-pocket costs. It is also for people with partial dental coverage, and it may still leave thousands of dollars left at your expense. The CareCredit credit card can be used for medical and dental expenses.
It will be accepted as a form of payment by most dental practices as it can help finance several dental procedures without delaying treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions?
What Does Invisalign Typically Cover?
Invisalign treatment is covered in many dental insurance plans, the same way they cover braces. This insurance may pay for a percentage of your Invisalign treatment or a certain dollar amount.
How Do I Know Whether My Insurance Covers Invisalign Treatment?
The best step to take as regards this is to ask your benefits manager at work, call your insurance plan’s customer service line, or look through your benefits package for “orthodontic treatment.” Orthodontic treatment is sometimes covered by general health insurance, rather than dental insurance, or by orthodontic coverage that you can purchase separately.
What Insurance Plans Cover Invisalign?
The dental insurance companies that will most likely cover a portion of Invisalign are;
- Cigna
- Delta Dental
- Humana
- Aetna
- USAA Dental
How Do I Know If My Doctor Accepts My Insurance?
The best way to know is to ask your doctor which plans your doctor accepts. Your insurance provider can also be called by your doctor’s office to check your coverage.
Is Invisalign Free with Insurance?
No, it isn’t. Invisalign cannot be covered in full with insurance. However, some insurance companies cover just a portion of Invisalign’s cost.
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