Review of Spirit Dental Insurance
Drawbacks Described
Problems with consumer happiness: According to J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Dental Plan happiness Study, Ameritas, the organization that underwrites Spirit’s dental plans, has below-average overall customer satisfaction ratings. Additionally, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) reports that Ameritas receives more complaints than is typical for its size.
Issues with coverage: More costly operations like crowns and root canals, which are classified as “major” care, are just 20% covered in the sample plan we examined (the majority of our top-rated carriers cover 50% of major care). Furthermore, although the majority of insurers classify fillings as basic or restorative treatment, other plans classify simple fillings as significant care. Basic care is often covered at a larger percentage—50% in Spirit’s case—so that counts.
Dental Insurance Types Spirit Offers
With the exception of Washington, Spirit offers dental insurance in all US states. Additionally, it functions in Washington, D.C.
The business provides four PPO plans with no waiting time that cover significant or basic dental treatment. You may see any dentist with a PPO, whether they are in or out of network. You will pay 25% to 50% less than the standard rates of the provider you select if they are part of the Ameritas Dental Network.
Additionally, Spirit has two PPO-style plans called “Flex,” which pay out-of-network providers more.
Every Spirit Dental plan has a one-time, $100 deductible and offers coverage for major, basic, and preventative dental procedures as soon as the deductible is reached. Spirit’s sample dental plan has the lowest premium but the least quantity of coverage. In the first year, all plans provide limited coverage; in the second and third years, the coverage restrictions increase.
Higher annual maximum coverage, up to $5,000 in the third year, is another feature of certain policies. Additionally, they provide more comprehensive coverage for significant dental procedures including dentures, crowns, and implants.
For instance, the Spirit Core PPO offers coverage for kid orthodontia, major treatment up to 50%, and an annual limit of up to $2,000. Child orthodontia is likewise covered by Spirit Pinnacle PPO; the maximum coverage in year three is 50%, and both plans have a $1,200 lifetime limit.
The Spirit Senior Preferred PPO is a plan specifically designed for senior citizens and offers hearing benefits.
The Bottom Line
Some people may find Spirit to be an excellent dental insurance provider, particularly if you’re looking for a low-cost dental insurance plan. Among the sample plans we examined, Spirit’s plan has one of the lowest premiums. It’s also among the few insurers that offer no waiting periods for any kind of medical coverage.
Spirit, however, has a number of shortcomings. Although there are no waiting periods, certain plans may have restricted coverage for dental treatment within the first year. Prior to your plan covering cleanings and other preventative procedures, you also need to pay a $100 deductible. Additionally, Spirit has a recent complaint history and low customer satisfaction scores.
Questions and Answers (FAQs)
Does Spirit Dental Own Ameritas?
Indeed, Ameritas offers and underwrites Spirit Dental insurance as a dental product. Ameritas manages all Spirit Dental claims, and Spirit Dental clients have access to Ameritas’ dental network.