Most people would probably agree that the Aflac duck is adorable and a great marketing tool; what everyone can’t agree on is whether or not it’s wise to choose one of their many insurance policies.

Aflac, a Fortune 500 company based in Columbus, Georgia and founded in 1955 by the Amos brothers, Paul, Bill, and John, is available to everyone in the U.S. as well as various overseas markets. In fact, Aflac is the insurance of choice for a fourth of the households of Japan.

Aflac shares have been performing quite well lately, proving that the company prides itself on offering and providing high-quality products and services at competitive prices. Additionally, Aflac is consistently reported to be one of the -most employee-friendly companies, especially so for working mothers and minority women.

Aflac offers term life insurance, whole life, or a combination of both. You won’t be required to have a medical exam or blood tests when applying for insurance with Aflac, so the company can’t disqualify you based on your current state of health. The coverage you’ll receive will include a Waiver of Premium Benefit and an Accelerated Death Benefit.

Aflac consistently receives grades of A+ (the best being A++) from a variety of independent insurance rating companies. Generally speaking, Aflac shows customers as happy with the insurance coverage they’ve received; they like the flexibility of its plans and the quickness of fulfillment of claims.

Aflac carries a wide variety of insurance including long-term care, life insurance that can be used to care for your family should you die or as retirement income, insurance that will cover your expenses should you be unable to work, cancer insurance (not available in all states), and supplemental health insurance (to work in combination with health insurance you already have or to diminish the costs of healthcare if you are not able to afford regular insurance).

As a former Aflac salesperson, I can personally recommend the company if you have a need for unique coverage; excellent and affordable, Aflac can be a great addition to the coverage you already have.

Choosing Dental Insurance or a Dental Discount Plan is a Personal Choice

Dental Discount Plans vs. Dental Insurance

While dental insurance and dental discounts essentially have the same purpose – saving money on your dental care – each does so in a different manner. Dental insurance will pay for part or all of the work done on a patient, whereas a dental discount plan will require the patient to pay but with a pre-negotiated discount. Which you choose will depend upon your particular situation and needs.

Cost

Dental insurance, as you might expect, will typically be quite a bit more costly than dental discount plans. Though you can purchase dental insurance individually, most receive the benefits of such through an employer. Discount plans are more affordable at under a $100 a year for individuals and generally a bit more for an entire family.

Dental insurance makes dental work more affordable for each visit, but is more expensive in the premiums you will pay. If you only routinely go to the dentist for cleanings and exams, rarely requiring more extensive care, a dental discount plan may be more cost effective for you in the long run. It is important to weigh the overall cost of dental care – including premium costs – when deciding which option is best for you as an individual.

Remember, too, to choose a dental discount plan (if this is the choice you make) with care. Many unscrupulous companies offer these plans according to MSN Money; they recommend checking with the National Association of Dental Plans to see whether or not a particular company is licensed in your state. Asking for a written plan description prior to purchase and looking up the company on the Better Business Bureau website are also things you should consider when choosing a dental discount plan.

Which Type of Dental Coverage Is Right for You and Your Family?

Though you may have excellent health insurance, sometimes even the most comprehensive health insurance plans don’t cover dental care, or will sometimes be restrictive in this area. Purchasing the extra coverage for dental care can be a good way to supplement your existing policy or get the essential coverage for this important service that you and your family need to stay healthy.

A dental health maintenance organization – or DHMO – will generally be the least expensive option for supplemental dental coverage. Members of these organization are required to choose a provider from a list; as long as you utilize this provider’s services, most of the dental work, such as cleanings, x-rays, and the like,d will be fully covered. Usually a small co-pay will be required, but there are typically no limits to the visits you make.

A dental indemnity plan, on the other hand, will give you the freedom to choose whatever provider you wish. This type of plan will pay a portion of the fees related to the services you receive and you will be responsible for the remaining portion. Though this kind of plan is often the most expensive way to go, it is a highly flexible one for those who believe they would benefit.

A preferred provider organization (PPO) will usually be a less expensive option than an indemnity plan, but will be more than a DHMO. With a PPO, you will be able to choose a provider from the preferred network or pay somewhat more to see a professional outside of the network.

Dental discount plans are also an option to help alleviate the cost of your oral healthcare expenses, but remember, these plans are NOT insurance. You will pay an annual membership fee and receive discounted rates on your dental services with a discount plan. All of these costs are paid out of pocket by you, the plan simply gives your provider an incentive to give you a discount on your care.

Whichever route you decide is best for you and your family, it’s always a good idea to thoroughly check out the benefits and weigh them against the cost of your premiums and then decide.