If you live in Illinois and need a dental plan that will save you money at the dentist, you're looking at the right place. Having a good dental plan will not only help your wallet but it actually encourages good oral health which also will save you money in the long run.

The truth is, with all the confusing lingo and terms, it's not easy for most people to understand how the majority of dental insurance and dental plans for Illinois work and then to be able to decide which is best for them.

If you are not offered dental coverage through your job, you don't need to worry. After helping thousands of individuals and families save on dental over the past 22 years, I've seen all the plans and will share with you here what things to look for so you can make the right choice.

DENTAL PLANS IN ILLINOIS WITH NO WAITING

When speaking with someone that is looking to purchase dental insurance in Illinois, one of the things that's most often asked is if the plan has no waiting and can be used right away. That makes sense because often times we don't think about looking for a dental plan until a trip to the dental office is coming up.

Does dental insurance start right away? While every plan varies, one thing I've noticed recently is they specify that they do start right away. But, what does that really mean in their terms?

Well, usually they may cover preventative dental health care like teeth cleanings, exams, and x-rays right away but if you need something more major like a crown, filling, root canal, or extraction it will only pay a small portion, around 20%. You have to wait six to twelve months before the full coverage kicks in.

In addition, dental insurance plans for Illinois residents usually become effective on the 1st of the following month from when you enroll. So depending on when you enroll, it could be several weeks until even basic services are covered.

Compare this to the Illinois dental plans such as a dental savings plan. These plans usually have no waiting for any dental service, including things like implants, crowns, and braces and can be used the following day or even the same day as you join.

The plan will be 100% effective meaning you will receive the biggest savings possible on everything from day one.

AFFORDABLE ILLINOIS DENTAL PLAN

For dental insurance plans for individuals (family dental insurance will be higher) in Illinois, the average monthly premium can range from $20 to $50 per month for basic plans, but can be significantly higher for more comprehensive plans that offer a broader range of services and lower out-of-pocket costs.

Some plans might cost upwards of $50 to $100 per month or more, especially if they offer extensive coverage with a high annual limits and low deductibles. For many this can be out of their budget. And when you take into account the waiting period for full benefit coverage to kick in, deductibles, annual limit, and co-pays you have to ask if it's providing a good value for you.

We believe a dental savings plan is the best value for most individuals and families in our experience. For a low monthly fee you can be a member of a plan that gives you big savings at the dentist and you can use immediately. There is no waiting or annual limits and even on-going conditions are included. No age limits so whether you're 10 or 90 years of age, you qualify. Many plans also include vision along with the dental so you will get savings on things like eye exams, glasses, and contacts as well.

DENTAL INSURANCE PROVIDERS AND PLANS IN ILLINOIS

Illinois offers a variety of dental insurance plans tailored to meet your individual or family needs. You can select from PPOs, HMOs, or indemnity plans to find the coverage that best fits your situation. (We saved the best plan for last.)

Delta Dental of Illinois

As one of the largest dental insurance providers in the United States, Delta Dental offers several plan options in Illinois, including PPO and HMO (managed care) plans. They are known for their extensive network of dentists and a range of coverage options that can cater to different needs.

Metlife

BCBSIL offers dental coverage that can be purchased separately or in conjunction with their health insurance plans. They provide a variety of plans, including those that cover preventive services and more comprehensive dental care.

Guardian

Guardian offers dental insurance plans in Illinois with options that include PPO plans. Their plans often cover preventive services and offer a balance of coverage for basic and major services, depending on the plan selected.

Careington Care 500 Dental Plan**

Our top pick - Careington provides a dental insurance alternative dental savings plan, offering reduced prices on dental services through a wide network of participating dentists.

This can be a cost-effective alternative for those seeking immediate savings without the complexities of insurance. And it starts at just $9.95 a month

Wherever you live in Illinois whether it's Chicago, Peoria, Naperville or another area, it doesn't matter. We have thousands of dentists throughout the state ready to serve you.

Click here to see if Careington would work for you.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What do dental insurance plans in Illinois cover?

Dental insurance policies in Illinois customarily provide coverage for an array of standard preventative services, including comprehensive examinations, oral cleanings, fillings, as well as x-rays. A select number of these plans may also encompass more specialized treatments within their scope of benefits, such as periodontal therapy, endodontic treatments, prosthetic solutions like dentures and bridges, root canal therapies, and various oral surgical interventions.

What do dental discount plans in Illinois include?

Dental discount plans in Illinois, offer members access to a network of participating dentists who have agreed to provide their services at reduced rates. These plans are designed to provide savings on a wide range of dental procedures and services rather than paying for the services outright. The specifics of what is included can vary from one plan to another, but generally, they may include discounts on services such as:

1. Preventive care: This typically covers routine oral exams, professional teeth cleanings, and diagnostic services like x-rays.
2. Basic procedures: These often include common dental work such as fillings, extractions, and sometimes deep cleanings or periodontal maintenance.
3. Major procedures: Some plans may offer discounts on more extensive dental work, including root canals, crowns, bridges, dentures, and sometimes even orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry.
4. Specialty care: Depending on the plan, there might be discounts available for seeing a specialist, such as an endodontist for root canals, an orthodontist for braces, or a periodontist for gum-related issues.

Illinois Dental Resources

Illinois Dental Association - Organization representing dentists in the state of Illinois. Provides dental information and resources to Illinois residents.

Click here to see how you can save 20%-60% at the dentist with the Dental Advantage Dental Discount Plan featuring the Careington Care 500 network in Illinois.

Click here to find dentists in your area >> Illinois Dentist Lookup