Spiritual Wellness
A verse often used in jest by dentists is Amos 4:6. In that verse, the Lord declared, "I gave you cleanness of teeth in all your cities" (ESV).
A verse often used in jest by dentists is Amos 4:6. In that verse, the Lord declared, "I gave you cleanness of teeth in all your cities" (ESV). While those words could fit neatly on a plaque on the wall, the reality is that the verse was describing a bad situation. The teeth were clean because of the absence of food.
Having clean, healthy teeth is obviously preferable, though. Taking care of the bodies God gave us--including teeth--is the responsibility of every believer. In today's increasingly mobile world, though, maintaining dental care has its challenges.
Although not often mentioned in literature about dental treatment, dental insurance for professionals living overseas is an important topic which can involve considerable cost. Since most overseas employers offer a discount scheme for dental work that needs to be carried out, it is also available. This article outlines how the scheme works and what kind of savings can be expected.
Overseas Dental Discount Plan Providers
Since they require a local network of dentists, dental discount plans are often provided via a local organization. You should find out which organization handles health claims by foreigners and ask if they offer a dental discount plan. For instance, employees in China can are covered by a government-run organization called FESCO. Individuals employed elsewhere should find what health insurance provider offers coverage for foreign nationals. Although these organizations typically focus on health insurance, dental discount plans are sometimes also available. Through these schemes a 10-20% reduction can be awarded for work such as fillings, crowns and cosmetic work. Be sure to check with your dental discount plan provider what discounts are available in your region.
General Dental Insurance Providers
If the number of dentists in your locale is limited then you may consider traditional insurance plan for greater flexibility and choice. However, since most major cities now offer a wide range of competent, English speaking dental providers it is often possible to locate a suitable dentist. McKinley International and other major insurers offer special dental plans for professionals living overseas and can be a good starting point. Dentistry Abroad also offers special plans with fixed discounts for overseas workers. Going through these dental insurance providers can save as much as 20% compared with plans offered by generic insurance providers. In order to get the best possible deal be sure to shop around and compare prices and be aware that online insurers often also offer discounts. Since they do not rely on a specific network of dental care providers, traditional dental insurance schemes do offer slightly more flexibility for the individual. In order to find the best scheme for you, look ahead over the coming year and work out exactly how much you expect to pay for routine dental work. By anticipating dental expenditures and making a viable plan you can easily select the best plan for your needs and budget.
How to use a Dental Discount Plan Overseas
Although most dental discount plans work by swiping a membership card at the point of purchase, many overseas employers may still require a periodic submission of receipts from dental providers to approve discounts. Paper receipts are usually required in order to verify the billing amount and may be submitted to your human resources department. If any item is unclear you should locate a translator who can help provide clarification. Aim to submit all necessary paper work on time in order to avoid delays in reimbursement.
Dental Discount Plans Overseas Offer Benefits
Since they work in the same way as a dental discount plan in the United States, dental discount plans overseas offer various benefits. By correctly anticipating your dental costs for the year ahead it is possible to reap savings from a dental discount plan and avoid paying excessive insurance costs. Despite the wealth of financial options, the key to lower long term dental costs is still regular cleaning, flossing and check-ups. As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure!
Spiritual Prayer
"O Lord God, do not destroy Your people, Your inheritance, which You have redeemed through Your greatness, which You have brought out of Egypt with a mighty hand. Remember Your servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Do not look at the stubbornness of this people or at their wickedness or their sin. Otherwise, the land from which You brought us may say, 'Because the Lord was not able to bring them into the land which He promised them and because He hated them, He has brought them out to slay them in the wilderness.' Yet they are your people, Your inheritance, whom You brought out by Your mighty power and by Your stretched-out arm."