how can i confirm my dental insurance?

January 15, 2009 6:30 AM

i have an appointment at the dentist today, and just noticed that my dental insurance card is really worn out, as pretty much all the text is faded. will this be a problem in confirming my insurance? if i just tell them my plan (delta PPO), and my social security number or something, will they be able to phone delta up and confirm my insurance?
posted by austere to Health & Fitness (9 answers total)

I went to the dentist on Tuesday without a card at all. They were able to look it up and confirm my policy.
posted by nitsuj at 6:34 AM on January 15, 2009

(You might want to call the office before your appointment and confirm this before going. If they can't, call Delta yourself and get your policy number.)
posted by nitsuj at 6:35 AM on January 15, 2009 [1 favorite]

I don't think I've ever even had a dental insurance card. I've just given my social security number and the name of the insurance company.
posted by Dec One at 6:41 AM on January 15, 2009

If you've been to that dentist before it should all be on file and they won't even ask for the card.
posted by COD at 6:49 AM on January 15, 2009

As long as they can still read the phone number (probably on the back of the card) you should be fine.
posted by metricfuture at 6:52 AM on January 15, 2009

It shouldn't be a problem, but if you're having anything done that requires numbing your mouth, take care of it before you get the procedure done. I say this from experience.
posted by uncleozzy at 6:54 AM on January 15, 2009

Yeah, I have Delta and have never needed the card.They can look up the info.
posted by otherwordlyglow at 7:23 AM on January 15, 2009

Response by poster: thanks!
posted by austere at 7:30 AM on January 15, 2009

Confirming everyone else. I went to the dentist last Saturday and didn't have a card. They had no problem finding my insurance info when I told them my SSN and my provider.
posted by spec80 at 9:30 AM on January 15, 2009