Spirit
Is This Your Business?Author: Kaitlyn Short
Spirit Dental plans are a product of Ameritas Life Insurance Corporation. Ameritas was founded in the 1800s, so the company has stood the test of time. It has earned high financial strength ratings, which also makes it a trusted insurer.
Spirit Dental partners with the Smile Network to give surgeries to children with cleft lips and palates in developing countries.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- No Waiting Periods
- Guaranteed Acceptance
- Additional Plan Features
- Vision Insurance
No Waiting Periods
Spirit Dental plans do not have waiting periods, which means that coverage for restorative and preventive care starts as soon as the plan is effective.
With most Spirit Dental plans, you'll have increased coverage levels each subsequent year of maintaining the plan up to the third year. Once you've reached the coverage levels in year three, you'll keep that level of coverage as long as you keep the plan.
Some plans also have an increasing annual maximum benefit through year three. The annual maximum benefit is the most the insurance company will pay towards your dental care each year.
Guaranteed Acceptance
Most insurers do underwriting to assess the risk of selling an insurance policy. With guaranteed acceptance, you don't have to worry about your insurance application being denied.
Keep in mind that pre-existing conditions may be excluded from coverage.
Additional Plan Features
Spirit Dental plans offer coverage for three cleanings per year, child orthodontics, implants, and other major services.
Plans also have a one-time $100 deductible. You can find plans with annual maximum benefits up to $5,000.
Spirit Dental plans include a 30-day money back guarantee. If you don't like your plan and cancel in the first 30 days, you'll be refunded your premium except for the $25 enrollment fee.
Vision Insurance
Spirit EyeMed Vision Care Insurance is Spirit's vision insurance product. It covers annual eye exams, glasses and lenses or contacts every two years. Frames are also covered every two years.
The Bad
- Limited Plan Structures
Limited Plan Structures
Spirit Dental only offers two types of dental insurance: fee-for-service and network-only.
The Spirit Choice plans have set reimbursements for dental treatments and care. You'll be reimbursed for the care you receive and pay the difference between what your dentist charges and what your plan reimburses.
Spirit Network plans offer cost-sharing for out-of-pocket expenses. These plans also have provider networks. Spirit Dental has negotiated rates with these providers that you'll benefit from in addition to the cost-sharing for out-of-pocket costs. You'll only have coverage from these plans when you see in-network dentists.
If you're looking for a plan that offers negotiated rates, cost-sharing, and out-of-network coverage, you'll need to look at another company.
The Bottom Line
Spirit Dental plans offer lower coverage levels during the first year. However, these levels increase each year through the third consecutive year you have the plan. Some plans offer annual maximum benefits that also increase through the third year you keep the plan.
If you choose Spirit Dental, you can benefit from its 30-day money-back guarantee.
If you're interested in a fee-for-service or network-only dental plan, Spirit Dental is a great provider to choose. Its plans have no waiting periods and offer coverage for three annual cleanings, child orthodontics, implants, and other major services.
