Dental and Vision Insurance: Do You Really Need Both?

By: Michael Kopek July 3, 2025 12:00 pm

Time to read: 5 Minutes

Introduction

If you’re self-employed, managing a small business, or working contract gigs, you’ve likely noticed: traditional health insurance rarely includes dental or vision. These coverages are usually sold separately or bundled—but do you really need both? And if so, should you buy them individually or combine them?

This guide gives you clear answers—based on real usage patterns, actual costs, and how to choose smart coverage without overspending.

What Dental Insurance Typically Covers

Most dental plans follow a three-tier model: preventive, basic, and major care. Preventive care like exams and cleanings, is often fully covered, while basic treatments such as fillings or extractions are usually reimbursed at 70–80%. Major procedures like crowns or root canals tend to be covered at around 50%, typically with an annual maximum.

What Vision Insurance Typically Covers

Vision insurance typically covers an annual eye exam, provides an allowance for eyeglasses or contact lenses, and includes discounts for lens upgrades like anti-glare or blue light filtering. Some plans also include LASIK discounts or partial reimbursement.

For individuals who rely on corrective eyewear, vision plans from Healthy Wealthy Health are designed to help keep your out-of-pocket expenses predictable and affordable.

Why Dental and Vision Are Sold Separately

Health insurance plans—especially those sold on the individual marketplace—aren’t required to include adult dental or vision. The ACA mandates these coverages for children, but not for adults. That’s why most people end up purchasing them separately.

This setup actually benefits freelancers, contractors, and gig workers, who often need modular, flexible coverage tailored to their income and lifestyle.

Do You Really Need Both?

The answer depends on your personal health, habits, and risk tolerance.

If you’ve had dental issues in the past—or are overdue for a check-up—dental insurance can save you hundreds (or thousands) each year. Likewise, if you wear glasses or contacts, vision coverage helps offset routine costs you’re guaranteed to face annually.

Healthy Wealthy Health helps self-employed individuals compare bundled and standalone plans based on actual usage, so you’re not paying for coverage you won’t use.

Should You Buy Separately or Bundle?

Some people need robust dental benefits but rarely visit an eye doctor. Others wear glasses every day but only go to the dentist once a year. That’s where separate plans offer better value—because you only pay for what you use.

But if you (or your dependents) use both services consistently, bundling can reduce total premiums, simplify billing, and streamline provider access.

Professionals who manage their own benefits—like travel nurses, real estate agents, or small business teams—often benefit from all-in-one plans that combine medical, dental, and vision in one monthly premium.

How Healthy Wealthy Health Helps You Choose

With Healthy Wealthy Health, you can easily compare standalone and bundled coverage options that match your needs. Whether you’re looking for major-service dental coverage, routine vision benefits, or full health packages, everything is tailored for flexibility and affordability.

Small business owners can even build plans for teams, while independent professionals can find mix-and-match solutions through our marketplace insurance platform.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Plan

• How often do you use dental and vision services?
• Do your preferred providers participate in the networks you’re considering?
• What are the deductibles, copays, and annual maximums?
• Can you write off the premiums as a tax-deductible business expense?

Our tools let you search and filter by these factors—so you’re not stuck with generic plans.

When to Keep Plans Separate vs. Bundle

Separate plans make sense if you:

• Only need one type of coverage
• Want stronger benefits in one category
• Use different provider networks for dental and vision

Bundled plans are better when you:

• Use both services consistently
• Want to save on combined premiums
• Prefer a single provider for simpler billing

If you’re comparing PPO vs. HMO structures, Healthy Wealthy Health also breaks that down with options for both.

Final Takeaway: Don’t Pay for Coverage You Don’t Use—but Don’t Skip What You Need

Dental and vision insurance often feel like secondary priorities—until you need them. Whether it’s a cracked crown, new lenses, or a surprise exam fee, the financial risk of going uncovered can hit hard and fast. But that doesn’t mean you should automatically bundle or blindly enroll. The smartest choice is the one that reflects your actual lifestyle, usage, and risk tolerance.

At Healthy Wealthy Health, we believe in smarter coverage—not more coverage. That’s why we offer:

• Standalone and bundled dental and vision plans
• Health insurance for self-employed professionals and small businesses
• Flexible coverage for gig workers, early retirees, and independent contractors
• A guided, side-by-side comparison process so you can see what you’re paying for—and why

Whether you only need dental care, rely on vision correction, or want complete protection that includes major medical, Healthy Wealthy Health helps you build a plan that’s actually built for you.

You don’t need to overpay to be fully protected.
You just need the right information—and the right partner.

Explore your custom dental and vision options today—backed by plans that work just as hard as you do.