Traveling is always fun and rewarding but it can also be unpredictable. Make a travel plan that includes dental health so you’re ready for anything while away.
Knowing what your dental plan covers and how to find an in-network dentist anywhere really means you can go just about everywhere. And, if you have a Delta Dental of Washington plan, it’s likely you’re good to go no matter where you’re headed!
Can I Use My Dental Benefits in Another State?
The short answer? Yes! Delta Dental of Washington has the largest network of providers in the country, with 7 out of 10 U.S. dentists in our network. That means you’ll be able to find a Delta Dental of Washington network dentist in each of the fifty U.S. states, including Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. No matter where you are in the U.S., you can find a provider that accepts a Delta Dental of Washington plan.
How to get dental care out of state
There are no special procedures required if you see an in-network dentist out of state. It works the same anywhere in the US, including Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico:
- Use the Find a Dentist tool
- Contact the provider and schedule an appointment
- Your network dentist will submit the claim as normal
While traveling, it’s best not to assume the dentist you see has your information on file. Make sure you can access your benefits information and know your member ID.
If you’re covered through an employer, you can find your member ID in your MySmile® account. Members who purchased their own plan should head to Delta Dental Covers Me account and sign in to find their member ID.
What if you can’t find an in-network dentist while traveling?
It’s always best to see an in-network dentist. Delta Dental of Washington keeps costs lower for members by negotiating lower fees and costs with our network providers. By staying in network, you’ll save money and avoid any surprise bills.
But, while traveling, it may be more difficult to see – and make an appointment with – an in-network provider. Chances are that if you need to see a dentist while traveling, it may be an emergency. And, while Delta Dental of Washington proudly provides broad access to in-network providers, some may not have availability right away or may not be as close as you may need if you're in a more remote area. So, what do you do if you can’t make it to an in-network dentist while traveling?
- Prepare to pay for your treatment up front to an out-of-network dentist
- Submit a claim to Delta Dental of Washington
- Consider receiving care through our virtual dental care services, available if you have a participating employer-sponsored plan
How dental care claims work out of state
- If you see an in-network dentist anywhere in the US, they’ll submit claims directly to Delta Dental of Washington as they normally would if you were at home.
- Out-of-network dentists may require you to submit a claim. You can do that by signing into your MySmile® account if you have an employer-sponsored plan or Delta Dental Covers Me account if you have an Individual and Family Plan.
Claim forms to use for out of state services:
Does Delta Dental of Washington Have International Coverage?
Is your dental care covered outside the US?
You can still get dental care and coverage outside of the US. It just works a little differently because Delta Dental of Washington doesn’t maintain an international network of providers. You may receive care from any dentist but be prepared to pay the dentist at the time of your treatment. To receive reimbursement for covered treatments, you will need to complete and submit an international claims form.
How dental care claims work out of the country
- Pay the dentist directly for all charges
- Request a detailed description of services from the dentist
- Convert currency to U.S. dollars
- Submit claim to Delta Dental of Washington for processing
- If approved, receive payment directly from Delta Dental of Washington
Claim forms to use for out of country services:
Other Considerations
One final thing to consider about traveling abroad is how you’ll find a provider. Delta Dental of Washington’s Find a Dentist tool does not extend beyond the U.S. so you’ll need to rely on other ways of finding a dentist in the country where you’re traveling. Consider doing some research about dentists in the area before you go: read reviews, get familiar with the region’s healthcare landscape, read travel books, and talk to people who’ve been there before.
Note that all Individual and Family Plans provide out-of-network and out-of-country coverage, but the Delta – Dental Clear Plan does not include out-of-network or international coverage. Please refer to your Policy document for more information.
Tips for Using Dental Insurance While Traveling
Before you travel
- Research in-network dentists at your destination if you are traveling within the U.S
- Take a screenshot of your Delta Dental Member ID
- Save Delta Dental of Washington’s customer service number
- Employer-sponsored plans customer service: 1-800-554-1907
- Individual and family plans customer service: 1-888-899-3734
- Understand your plan's out-of-network benefits.
During Your Trip
- Keep all receipts and documentation.
- Request itemized treatment descriptions.
- For care received abroad, take photos of dental work documentation.
Quick Answers
Do I need to notify Delta Dental of Washington before traveling?
No, you do not need to notify Delta Dental of Washington before you travel. For networks that extend to all 50 states, coverage remains the same and dentists will submit claims directly. For international travel, you’ll submit your claim after paying for any treatments.
What if I have a dental emergency while traveling domestically?
Find an in network dentist with our Find a Dentist tool. If a network dentist is not nearby, you can pay for treatments up front and submit a claim afterward.
How do I find a Delta Dental network dentist in another state?
Delta Dental of Washington’s networks extend to all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. The Find a Dentist tool will have in-network providers listed in all these locations.
Will my copays and deductibles be the same out of state?
Yes, benefits remain consistent for all care provided by an in-network provider, no matter their location. Out-of-network rates apply the same as in your home state. Note that the Delta Dental - Clear Plan does not provide out-of-network coverage and so you must see an in-network dentist.
