Finding the right dental and vision insurance when you’re self-employed can feel overwhelming, but it’s essential to protect both your health and your finances. Unlike traditional employees who often get benefits through an employer, self-employed workers need to shop for plans on their own. The good news is there are affordable options and smart strategies to make coverage fit your needs.
Dental and vision care are often overlooked until a problem arises, but prevention saves money long-term. Routine cleanings, exams, and eye check-ups can detect issues early, preventing costly or painful treatments. Without insurance, even a simple filling or a new pair of glasses can take a big bite out of your budget.
Dental care helps prevent costly problems. Regular exams and cleanings catch small issues before they become big ones. Gum disease, for example, has been linked to serious conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
Vision care is about more than eyesight. Comprehensive eye exams can detect early signs of high blood pressure, diabetes, and other health conditions.
Preventive care saves money. VSP notes that individuals with vision coverage can save an average of $350 a year on exams, glasses, and contacts. Pair that with preventive dental care, and you’re protecting your health and your wallet.
If you’re self-employed, you have several avenues for getting dental and vision insurance.
Health Insurance Marketplace: You can often add dental coverage when buying a health plan through the federal or state exchanges. Vision coverage is typically separate.
Private Insurers: Companies like Delta Dental of Tennessee, VSP, EyeMed, and others offer individual dental and vision plans designed for freelancers and contractors.
Professional Associations: Groups such as the Freelancers Union or trade organizations may provide access to group rates.
Bundled Plans: Some insurers, like Delta Dental of Tennessee, let you pair dental insurance with DeltaVision® coverage powered by VSP®. This kind of bundle provides one plan that covers both your smile and your eyesight, with nationwide provider networks and savings on everything from cleanings to glasses.
Premiums vs. Out-of-Pocket Costs: Look at the monthly premium alongside deductibles, copays, and coverage caps.
Network Size: To avoid surprise costs, make sure your preferred dentist and eye doctor are in-network.
Scope of Coverage: Some plans cover only preventive care, while others also help with fillings, implants, contacts, and designer frames.
Annual Maximums: Many dental insurance plans cap yearly benefits, so estimate your ongoing needs.
Some companies only sell vision coverage when paired with dental, while others allow standalone policies. With Delta Dental of Tennessee, for example, you’ll need to first purchase a dental plan before adding DeltaVision®. This bundled approach can simplify benefits while keeping costs manageable.
Most individual dental and vision plans, whether purchased through a private insurer or a bundled option like DeltaVision®, allow you to add spouses and dependents. For many self-employed professionals, the ability to secure family coverage is just as important as individual benefits.
Getting started is simple:
Get a quote specific to you and choose the Delta Dental of Tennessee individual dental plan that fits your needs.
Add DeltaVision® coverage to your plan during enrollment.
Start using your benefits right away.
As a self-employed professional, your health is directly connected to your success. Investing in dental and vision insurance isn’t just about fixing problems when they happen, it’s about preventing them, saving money, and protecting your well-being in the long run. Whether you choose a bundled plan through Delta Dental of Tennessee or shop the marketplace for individual coverage, the key is finding the solution that fits your budget, lifestyle, and future goals.