Renaissance Dental Review

Renaissance Dental offers flexible and specialized dental insurance coverage for individuals, families, and groups. It is the flagship product of Renaissance Life & Health Insurance Company of America and Renaissance Health Insurance Company of New York.

What's included with Renaissance Dental Plans?

Renaissance Dental offers a choice of three plans. Renaissance Dental Plans I and III cover a wide range of preventive, palliative, and curative dental procedures, from cleanings to fillings to root canal surgery. Both Plans I and III feature very low deductibles—$0 and $50 respectively. Depending on whether you visit an in-network or out-of-network dentist, Plan I can reimburse you as much as 100% for preventive care (in-network.) Plan III reimburses 90% for in-network preventive care. With both Plans I and III, complex procedures like oral surgery and prosthodontics are reimbursed at 50%. However, both plans enforce a 12-month waiting period before you can draw on your benefits for more serious services. So as you consider your options, note that you will have to pay into your plan for a year before you can get coverage for these treatments. As with many dental policies, Renaissance isn't a get-fixed-quick strategy if you're already in need of major dental work.

Renaissance's Progressive plan has a low $50 deductible and covers preventive treatment at the 100% reimbursement level. Other treatments are covered at a lower reimbursement rate, which is also lower than the rate offered by Plans I and III. The Progressive plan is designed to be a low-cost alternative and may be a good choice for people who enjoy solid dental health. In addition, if you subscribe to the Progressive Plan, it reimburses at a progressively higher rate in years two and three of coverage—hence, its name. That's a novel approach that the company believes encourages customers to maintain their dental health with preventive treatment. The one caveat that may deter customers from choosing this plan is that it restricts you to seeing in-network providers. But you have some 300,000 in-network providers to choose from.

One thing to keep in mind concerning in-network and out-of-network providers under a Renaissance plan is this. If you visit a dentist that participates in the Renaissance PPO network, you will never have to pay charges that exceed the negotiated rates for covered services (also known as balance billing). However, if you go to an out-of-network dentist, you will be responsible for the difference between Renaissance Dental’s allowed amount and the amount charged by the non-participating dentist. That amount may exceed the allowable amount under Renaissance's schedule of fees.  

Benefits of choosing a Renaissance PPO in-network dentist:

• Lower out-of-pocket expenses.
• No paperwork. Your dentist will fill out all forms and file claims for you.
• You’re responsible only for your deductible and/or co-insurance charges.
• You will not have to pay charges that exceed the negotiated rates for covered services (balance billing).

How much does Renaissance Dental coverage cost?

You can request a policy quote for Plans I and III on the Renaissance website by entering your birthdate and zip code. Currently, the site is not providing quotes for the Progressive plan but we expect that's an oversight on the company's part that will be corrected soon. Our sample quote request for the company's mid-priced product Plan III for a 25-year old customer living in Orange County, CA returned a premium cost of $44.88 a month. As you weigh the value of purchasing a Renaissance plan, bear in mind that Renaissance plans come with low annual limits, ranging from $1,000 to $1,600 depending on which plan you select. The cost of treating many dental problems can easily exceed policy limits.

Premiums

Your dental insurance premiums will vary depending on your location, age, the plan you select and the number of family members you choose to cover with Renaissance.

Fine print

There is a one-time, non-refundable, $35 set up fee charged with the first month’s premium. Rates also include $1.00 per month for membership in the World Travelers of America, Inc. (WTA), and a $4.00 monthly billing fee. Membership in World Travelers of America, Inc. is required to enroll in this plan. Should you decide to enroll in this dental plan, you will be prompted during the enrollment process to confirm your acceptance of both the membership in WTA and the non-refundable setup charge.

Annual Maximum

Renaissance Plan I limits annual coverage to $1,600. Plan III limits annual coverage to $1,000. These limits are for the first year only and increase in years two and three for customers who continue to pay their premiums. If you don't anticipate needing a lot of dental work, these coverage limits may be perfectly adequate for your needs. If you need serious work in your first year on a plan, such as a root canal and crown, your coverage may quickly be exhausted, though.

Treatments Covered and Reimbursement

All Renaissance plans cover preventive, minor, and major services. These include oral surgery, periodontic, endodonic, and prosthodontic treatment. TMJ treatment is also a covered service. Coverage for preventive services is 100% for all plans, including the low-cost Progressive plan. Renaissance has a somewhat confusing reimbursement structure, with co-pay percentages that vary by type of treatment—and by plan—so spend a little time studying those details to fully understand what you're getting for your policy premiums. 

Summary

Renaissance Dental offers an extensive network of dental providers and modest premiums. The company's Progressive plan is innovative and is extremely affordable. Renaissance is a great choice for people who can bank on their teeth being pretty healthy.