Health Insurance Should we take out Dental Insurance?

Hi All,

Just looking for opinions on dental insurance.
We are a family of 5- 2 adults, 2 children ages 6 and 9 and a 10 month old baby.

We’re on VHI PMI 3212 through my work BIK €327pm. This plan gives €25 back for dentist visits.
We also have HSF FDA plan costing approx €63pm. This plan refunds €500 per year for dental and optical claims. This amount is per family.

My 9 year old has been referred for orthodontic treatment due to overcrowding. This will cost approx €3000 (should be confirmed next week at appt). I know there is a two year wait to claim on orthodontics so he won’t qualify. Other half seems to need ‘treatment’ that will cost approx €1200.

I’m not sure what to do. VHI dental will cost around €100pm with discount (can’t get through work except during renewal in Nov). For spouse and two kids as I wasn’t going to insure myself and no need to insure baby.

Should I get dental insurance where the max payout for orthodontics is a once off 1k after two years or just pay the dental fees and claim the 20% tax back (I’m not sure if claim is paid at 40%). Trying to think ahead for the 6 year old if he needs to be put on a plan.
Anyone have a thoughts or suggestions?

I have three children who had had orthodontic treatment. I looked into dental insurance at the time and found the premium was much higher than what I could claim back. One other minor point is that nine is young to have orthodontic treatment. His teeth may be fully mature and therefore suitable for treatment but there is nothing to stop you waiting a year or two before commencing. It will make no difference to the final outcome as far as I know, but of course you should check this with our orthodontist.

@Mocame thanks for that. His teeth is very good, just the overcrowding which isn’t bad at all. I did think it was a bit early as he turned 9 in January but I’m not a dentist and I was told it was all about early intervention. We’re having a face to face with the orthodontist this week so will see how it goes.