WPA Providental
WPA has updated benefits on its Providental dental insurance policy, which has now gained an ‘NHS top-up’ prefix and is available both to individuals and to groups. For individuals, the plan offers two levels of cover:
• Level one (NHS only). Pays 100% of NHS treatment costs plus up to £500 for NHS or private dental emergencies, £10,000 for dental injuries or £10,000 for oral cancer treatment.
• Level two. This pays 75% of treatment costs, up to £250, plus up to £1,000 for NHS or private dental emergencies, £20,000 for dental injuries and £10,000 for oral cancer treatment.
There is an initial one month qualifying period for check-ups, hygienist and general treatment and three months for restorative treatments. Claims for dental injuries and oral cancer treatments must be made within 72 hours of the injury/diagnosis.
Both levels also pay £200 per day/night (max £2,000) for hospitalisation due to dental injuries or oral cancer, and both offer worldwide cover (for trips up to 35 days a year). The plan has a dental schedule setting out maxima for benefits e.g. the reimbursement limit for a single filling is £45 up to £95 for multiple fillings.
For ages 18-49 Level one cover costs £9.50 a month or £13.50 for Level two. In both cases, the first month’s cover is free. A £1.50 surcharge applies if premiums are paid by credit card. Maximum age at entry is 64.
In the voluntary corporate sector, the plan is available to firms with 50 or more employees, from £8.55 per month per employee.
Plus points: Relatively low cost, enabling choice of dentist and cover level; True insurance rather than a capitation plan (which can get more expensive if you need more treatment); Available to individuals or groups.
Not so plus points: Level two only pays a maximum of 75% of costs and limits are relatively low (except for dental emergencies and oral cancer treatment); Injury/cancer claims must be made within just three days.
Website: http://www.wpa.org.uk.
Rating (max 10): Innovation: 7. Overall: 7.5. Silver.