Frequently Asked Questions


Essential Dental is a true dental insurance plan. You can go to any dentist and not only get paid back for the scheduled amount for hundreds of procedures, but you may also receive lower prices on these procedures from our nearly 40,000 in-network dentists nationwide. Don’t be fooled by lower cost discount networks that are not insurance plans. Read on to learn more about Essential Dental.

What is the annual deductible?
The annual deductible is $50 per year, per covered member.

Is there an annual maximum Essential Dental will cover?
The annual maximum coverage is $1,000 per year, per covered member.

What is the monthly fee?
The monthly fee for Essential Dental varies by age and region. Just tell us your age, zip code, and who you want to cover and we’ll tell you your low monthly fee. It’s that simple.

What if I decide Essential Dental is not for me?
To make your decision even easier, if after reviewing this program you decide that this insurance isn’t exactly what you had in mind and you do not wish to keep it, you'll have 30 days after your coverage effective date to cancel this policy for a refund of your first month's premium as long as you have no paid claims.

Who does Essential Dental cover?
Anyone ages 19-64 is guaranteed acceptance. This means that 18 year olds cannot sign up as primary members, but dependent children can be covered under the Plan if they are 18 or under, or 24 or younger and enrolled in an accredited secondary institution. In most states, the benefits do not terminate at any age. If you sign up before the age of 65, you can retain benefits for the rest of your life. Exceptions: FL – policy terminates at 70, VA – policy terminates at 65.

Coverage options include:

What do you mean my acceptance is “guaranteed?”
With this Plan, there is no health questionnaire to answer. If you’re between ages 19 to 64, you can’t be turned down.

How much will I really save?
By using an In-Network dentist, you can save as much as 20% off the billable amount on many procedures and possibly more.

What are the vision benefits that come with Essential Dental?
For no additional monthly cost, you’ll receive a $35 reimbursement when you get an annual vision exam and 10-50% savings within our nationwide vision network (frames, lenses, etc…)

I already have dental insurance. Why do I need Essential Dental?
Even if you already have other dental insurance through your employer, many of our customers have found that an affordable secondary policy like Essential Dental Insurance can help lower their out of pocket costs by reimbursing the portion of eligible services that may fall into the deductible or co-pay costs on the other plan.

Do I have to wait a while to see a dentist and be covered?
To help you stay on top of your dental care, preventative procedures, like simple cleanings and oral evaluations, are covered up to the scheduled reimbursement amount as soon as you are enrolled and your first payment is processed. The full schedule will be provided with your policy.

How long do I have to wait to receive my policy?
Your Essential Dental Insurance policy documents will be mailed to your home address, and you can expect to receive them in 10-14 business days.

Who is AlwaysCare?
AlwaysCare Benefits, Inc. (a Starmount Life Insurance company) is an independent, privately-owned and operated business in operation since 1983. They provide insurance and benefits to individuals and groups with as few as two employees to thousands of employees. AlwaysCare’s primary function is to exceed your expectations and their Associates are empowered to do so. While their systems and people enable them to handle very large accounts, their entrepreneurial mentality ensures individuals and groups of all sizes will experience AlwaysCare’s personal, customized approach. Further, their plan flexibility and Member tools have made them a leader in providing consumer-driven solutions.

Who is National Guardian Life?
Since 1910, National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) has been one of America’s most successful and highly rated independent mutual life insurance companies. NGL specializes in final expense planning, dental and vision insurance, and funeral prefunding, with consolidated assets exceeding $2.0 billion. NGL’s success is attributed to dedication to the highest standards of quality and integrity.

What is NOT Covered / General Exclusions?

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