Which statement best describes dental care indemnity coverage?

• A. Services are reimbursed after insurer receives the invoice
• B. Services are paid directly to the dentist
• C. Coverage begins after a waiting period
• D. No reimbursement is provided

Answer: (A)

Indemnity dental coverage uses a reimbursement method. You can choose any licensed dentist, but you usually pay for the service at the time of service. After the dentist’s invoice is submitted and the claim is processed by the insurer, you’re reimbursed for a portion of the approved charge according to the plan’s benefit level, and you may also owe any deductible or coinsurance. The defining feature is that payment comes after the insurer reviews the claim, rather than the insurer paying the dentist directly or requiring a network. For example, if a procedure costs $200 and the plan covers 80% of the allowed charge, you’d be reimbursed up to that amount once the claim is processed, subject to any deductible or coinsurance. This flow—invoice received, claim processed, reimbursement issued—is what characterizes indemnity coverage.