Invisalign Insurance Coverage

Invisalign is a popular form of orthodontics that uses clear aligners to straighten teeth. It is a sought-after treatment due to its discreet appearance and convenience. However, the cost of Invisalign can be high, ranging from $1,800 to $10,000. The good news is that some dental insurance plans may help cover the expense. Whether Invisalign is covered by insurance depends on the specific provider and plan. Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign similarly to how they cover traditional braces, with some policies paying a specific dollar amount or a certain percentage of the treatment cost. However, it's important to note that some insurance plans don't cover Invisalign at all, considering it a cosmetic rather than a medical procedure. To find out if your insurance covers Invisalign, it's best to review your plan details or contact your provider directly.

How much does Invisalign cost with insurance?

The cost of Invisalign varies depending on the complexity of the case and the length of treatment. The more severe and complex the condition, the more expensive the treatment will be. The number of aligners needed will depend on the severity of the case, with people requiring an average of 20-30 trays. The cost of Invisalign typically falls between $3,000 and $10,000, while traditional braces average $3,000 to $7,000.

Invisalign is covered by many dental insurance plans, though the extent of the coverage depends on the specific provider and plan. Some plans may not cover clear aligners because they consider it a cosmetic procedure. Dental insurance plans that do cover Invisalign usually pay a certain percentage of the cost (often between 25% and 50%) or a specific dollar amount (up to a maximum of $3,000).

The cost of Invisalign with insurance therefore depends on the specifics of your insurance plan. For example, if your insurance covers 50% of the cost of Invisalign, which is $6,000, you will pay $3,000 out of pocket. It is recommended that you consult your insurance provider to determine the extent of your coverage.

How much does Invisalign cost without insurance?

The cost of Invisalign without insurance varies depending on the complexity of the treatment, the experience of the dentist, and the location of the practice. On average, Invisalign costs between $3,000 and $8,000 without insurance. However, prices can range from $1,800 to $9,500, with some treatments costing as little as $1,200 and others as much as $10,000.

The cost of Invisalign is typically comparable to the cost of traditional braces, but several factors can affect the price. The severity of the misalignment, the number of trays needed, and the length of treatment will all impact the cost. More severe and complex cases will require more trays and longer treatment times, increasing the price. Additionally, the experience of the dentist and the location of the practice can also affect the cost, with specialists and practices in urban areas generally charging more.

Invisalign is often considered a cosmetic treatment, and some insurance plans do not cover cosmetic procedures. However, some dental insurance plans may cover Invisalign treatment in the same way they cover braces, with a certain percentage or dollar amount covered. It is important to check with your insurance provider to determine if and how much of the cost of Invisalign will be covered.

For those without insurance, there are other options to make Invisalign more affordable. Many doctors offer flexible payment plans, including monthly installments with low or no interest. Additionally, patients can use tax-free dollars from a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to help cover the cost of treatment.

What insurance plans cover Invisalign?

Invisalign is a type of clear aligner that can be used to straighten teeth. It is a popular alternative to traditional metal braces, as they are removable, nearly invisible, and come with no diet restrictions. However, Invisalign treatment can be expensive, so it is important to consider whether insurance can help cover the costs.

In the US, many insurance providers now offer coverage for Invisalign treatment, although it depends on your specific insurance plan. Basic insurance plans typically do not cover Invisalign, but more comprehensive and expensive plans generally include orthodontic coverage. Even with orthodontic coverage, insurance companies will only pay a certain percentage of your treatment costs, with the rest paid out of pocket.

Some insurance companies that offer plans with orthodontic coverage include:

• Humana: Humana offers dental plans that cover a portion of the cost of Invisalign treatment for both adults and children. However, their plans do not cover treatments that have already begun, unless you were enrolled in their dental insurance plan prior to starting treatment.
• Aflac: Aflac Dental offers orthodontic coverage under its "Orthodontic Benefit Rider" option, which includes various types of braces, such as lingual braces and Invisalign. There is a 24-month waiting period before starting treatment, and patients must pay $500 upfront for the initial treatment. After this, Aflac contributes $50 for each subsequent treatment.
• MetLife: MetLife offers dental insurance plans that may include coverage for Invisalign, as long as they are administered by a qualified dental professional. Their PPO plans typically offer the most comprehensive coverage and selection of dental providers.
• Delta Dental: Delta Dental is one of the largest dental insurance providers in California, offering a wide range of dental and orthodontic Invisalign clear aligner plans, from basic to comprehensive coverage.
• Cigna: Cigna offers three main dental plans, with only one providing orthodontic coverage: Cigna Dental 1500. Invisalign is covered up to 50% of the provider's contracted fee, but there is typically a one-year waiting period before using the orthodontic benefits.
• Aetna: Some Aetna plans may offer Invisalign coverage, but there is usually an age limit. They also offer a dental savings plan that can help cover up to 39% of Invisalign treatment costs.
• Guardian: Some Guardian dental plans provide orthodontic benefits, but it is important to carefully review the details, such as any age limits, lifetime coverage limits, or waiting periods. Out-of-network providers are often not covered, so it is important to use an in-network provider.

It is important to note that insurance coverage for Invisalign may vary depending on factors such as age, location, and the specific dental practice being used. Additionally, some insurance plans may impose limits on coverage, including annual maximums, waiting periods, and lifetime maximums. Therefore, it is always a good idea to consult with your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your coverage.

Does insurance cover Invisalign as a cosmetic procedure?

The short answer is that it depends on your insurance provider and plan. Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign treatment in the same way they cover braces. However, some insurance plans do not cover Invisalign because they consider it a cosmetic procedure rather than a medical procedure.

If your insurance plan includes orthodontic benefits, there is a good chance that your insurance will cover Invisalign. Orthodontic benefits sometimes fall under dental insurance, and sometimes they fall under health insurance. If your plan does not include orthodontic benefits, it is unlikely that your insurance will cover Invisalign.

Even if your insurance plan covers Invisalign, it is rare for a plan to cover 100% of the treatment. It is more likely that they will cover between 25% and 50% of the total price. The amount of coverage provided depends on your specific provider and plan. Some insurance policies will pay a specific dollar amount if Invisalign is a covered benefit. For example, your insurance may pay up to $3,000 for orthodontic treatment.

To determine whether your insurance covers Invisalign and to what extent, review your plan's details or contact your provider.

How do I get dental insurance?

There are several ways to get dental insurance. You can get dental insurance through your employer's health insurance plan, or you can purchase health insurance and add dental coverage to your plan. Alternatively, you can purchase a standalone dental insurance plan.

If you are in Massachusetts, you can get dental plans from the Health Connector, which offers health and dental coverage from the state's leading insurers. You can also get dental insurance any time of the year through the Health Connector.

If you are in Georgia, you can get dental insurance from eHealth, which offers the best Georgia dental plans for individuals and families from trusted carriers at affordable prices.

Humana also offers dental insurance plans with no waiting period and budget-friendly monthly premiums.

In New York and New Jersey, certain insurance plans might contribute to the cost of Invisalign. For example, most Humana dental plans offer orthodontic insurance options for Invisalign. Aflac Dental also offers orthodontic coverage under its "Orthodontic Benefit Rider" option, which includes various types of braces, such as lingual braces and Invisalign.

Frequently asked questions