Health insurance is a big deal, because not all employers offer it, especially if that employee is a part-time worker. Similarly, employers don't generally offer insurance benefits to contractors or freelancers, so they must find coverage on their own. Luckily, there are low cost dental coverage plans that can be had if you don't have a traditional plan that your employer subsidizes.

When it comes to dental policies, there are two main types, family and individual. Anyone who is single and doesn't have children or dependents can opt for the less expensive individual plan. Those who are married or have children, regardless of marital status, will probably want to opt for a family plan to cover kids or spouses.

Not all family or individual plans are created equal. Some have very bare bones coverage that only pays for certain treatments or doctor visits. Others are much more comprehensive and will include just about any kind of dental work imaginable. The bare bones are much cheaper than the comprehensive ones, so keep that in mind when choosing a plan.

When looking for affordable coverage, remember to look at the deductibles and limits. Deductibles are the amount you pay up front before the insurance kicks in and pays the rest. The cheaper your monthly premium, the more likely you are to have a higher deductible. For example, your plan may only cost you $20 per month, which is very affordable. However, you could have a $1000 deductible, which means the first thousand dollars in fees are paid by you, making this plan not quite as affordable. Consider paying a higher monthly premium to get a smaller deductible.

As you conduct your search for a good, affordable policy, always check for fine print about yearly and lifetime limits. A yearly limit is the maximum amount the plan will cover each calendar year. A lifetime limit is the max they will pay overall on your coverage over multiple years. If the limits are too low, you won't get much out of your plan, and it may not be worth the price you are paying each month for it. Keep this in mind before you sign on the dotted line. It may be better to pay a little more for a plan with a higher limit so you can use the plan more effectively throughout the year.

Oral surgery and orthodontics are an important part of your dental health, but they aren't covered in every policy. Check the fine print and make sure that both are covered, or else you could find yourself paying out of pocket should you need oral surgery or if you or a child need braces.

Most plans have preventative care covered in the policy, such as yearly checkups and even periodic teeth cleanings. These help prevent other, more costly dental emergencies later, so most insurance companies will pay for these completely, or only charge you a small deductible or co-pay for them.

No matter what your age or family situation, finding an affordable dental plan is easy. Set a budget, do some shopping, and always read the fine print to see what is covered so there are no surprises later. This will save you time and money later on down the line, and ensure good dental health.